Cornell University Ergonomics Web  
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WORKSTATION
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
MONITOR/SCREEN
CHAIR
DOCUMENT HOLDER
WORKSTATION ITEMS
PHONE


WHERE IT HURTS
WRIST/HAND
ELBOW
SHOULDER/NECK
SIDE/BACK
LEGS
EYES

Are your shoulder and neck feeling the strain?
Run through this checklist for suggestions.

 

1.  Is the spacebar of your keyboard centered in front of you?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

2.  Is your keyboard positioned so that your forearms are parallel with your thighs at or below horizontal, while your feet are flat on the floor?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

3.  Is your mouse comfortably placed immediately next to the keyboard on the side that is most comfortable for you?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

4.  Do you keep your elbow close to your body and allow your arm to be relaxed while using the mouse?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

5.  Is your chair too close or too far away from the keyboard, causing your arms to be outstretched and/or your neck and shoulders to strain?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

6.  Have you adjusted your chair to lean back slightly from an upright position (reclined position)?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

7.  Do you maintain a reclined posture when looking at the monitor, using the keyboard, or moving the mouse?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

8.  Is your monitor centered in front of you?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

9.  When your back is against the back of your chair, is your monitor at an arm's length in front of you (distance from shoulder to middle fingertips while keeping your arm straight outstretched)?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

10.  Is the top of the monitor casing approximately 2"-3" above your eye level?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

11.  Are you using a document holder? Is it located right beside the monitor?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

12.  Can you comfortably reach frequently used objects?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

13.  Do you hold the phone to your ear with your hand, while keeping your neck straight?

     No?  Click for suggestions.

14.  Are you using a headset when on the phone for long durations of time?

     No?  Click for suggestions.  

Where it hurts main page
 
This web page was designed as an assignment for Human Factors: Ergonomics, Anthropometrics and Biomechanics class (DEA651 graduate section, Fall 2002) taught by Professor Alan Hedge at the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, College of Human Ecology,
Cornell University.