The modern office presents a variety of unique injury exposures. These new risks call for a new way of viewing workplace safety in these environments. At the heart of this new viewpoint is the study and practice of ergonomics. Due to the increasing rate of injuries from computer use, many companies are purchasing ergonomically designed workstations. A few dollars spent on a welldesigned workstation not only improves comfort, but also increases productivity. A study by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, found there was an increase in work performance at well-designed workstations.

While newly purchased workstations may be a sound investment, many existing workstations can be made ergonomically sound by adjusting what is already there. It is also important to keep workstations clean and clutter free. When setting up a workstation keep the following in mind.

•  Chairs: should have adjustments for height, seat depth, tilt, a sliding back, adjustable armrests and lumbar support.  Adjust chairs so that employees can comfortably rest both feet on the floor with knees at 90°, with a 2-3 inch gap between the edge of the seat and back of the knees while their lower back is fully supported.
•  Desk Height: can be easily adjusted by the adjustment screws or using risers. If the desk cannot be raised or lowered, a slide-out/articulating keyboard tray may be needed. The goal is to allow employees to rest their forearms on the flat surface of the desk. Properly adjusting the chair and desk should eliminate many of the most common ergonomic problems.
•  Keyboards: wrist rests should be used to keep the wrists in a neutral position. Close or raise the legs on the bottom of the keyboard as needed to maintain straight wrists. Center the spacebar in front of you — not the keyboard. The top of the keyboard should be just below elbow height. A great deal of money is spent on ergonomic keyboards that simply do not work. Evaluate the employee .s workstation before purchasing a new keyboard.
•  Monitor/Screens: should be placed directly in front of you with the top of the screen about 10 to 20 degrees below your horizontal line of sight. Tilt monitor up about 10 to 20 degrees.
•  Mouse: should be at the same level and height as your keyboard, slightly below elbow height in order to prevent awkward postures, contact stress or forceful hand exertions. Avoid bending the wrist. Use a wrist/ palm rest to promote neutral wrist posture.
•  Document Holder: may reduce or eliminate risk factors such as awkward head and neck postures, fatigue, headaches and eye strain. They should be placed at or about the same height and distance as the monitor or directly beneath the monitor.
•  Eye Fatigue: remember the 20/20/20 rule (every 20 minutes focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds). Blink at regular intervals to moisten eyes. Alternate duties with other non-computer tasks to provide rest for your eyes.
•  Breaks: help prevent workrelated injuries without decreasing productivity. Take a 2 minute break every 30-45 minutes. Stand up, stretch, make copies, file, etc. The goal is to not stop working, but to change your position.
•  Telephone: keep it close to avoid reaching. Avoid cradling the phone between neck and shoulder. As a rule, use a headset if phone use is greater than an hour per day.
•  Glare: position the face of the display screen at right angles to windows and light sources. Use blinds or drapes to eliminate bright light. Clean the monitor frequently