Display Screen Equipment and Upper Limb Issues

12 Point Workstation Set-Up Plan

1. Chair Height

Adjust the seat height so that your elbows are approximately level with the desk. Your wrists should be in a relaxed, neutral position. Ensure armrests do not prevent you getting close enough to the desk / keyboard or obstruct your elbows whilst typing.

2. Footrest

If your feet do not touch the floor, use a footrest to support them and ensure that there is no undue pressure on the bottom and/thighs (your thighs should be approx. horizontal).

3. Chair Back

Adjust the chair back height to give support to the small of your back. Adjust the chair back angle for comfort and support, this should be fairly upright when typing.

4. Keyboard

The keyboard should be a comfortable distance from (depending on typing style) and parallel with front edge desk. There should be space in front of the keyboard to rest your hands / arms when not typing.

5. Mouse

Create enough space so that the mouse (and mouse mat if used) can be moved close enough to prevent over-stretching. There should be room in front of mouse so that your hand/forearm is not obstructed when using it.

6. Monitor

Adjust the viewing distance and screen height to suit but ensure a slightly downward viewing angle to the screen. As a rough guide, eyes should be level with the top of the computer casing and the screen should be at approximately arm's length.

7. Screen

It should be possible to avoid glare and reflections by adjusting the screen tilt. The correct viewing position is with the screen at right angles to the line of sight (it should not be necessary to work with the screen angled down in order to avoid reflections). Use blinds if available.

8. User Position

Do not work at odd angles if it can be avoided - your body position should be 'squared-up' to the desk. Therefore, if you are interacting with the computer the screen should be directly in front of you. If you are copy typing, place the copy directly in front of you.

9. Documents

If working from hard copy, use a document holder whenever possible. Ideally you should position documents at the same viewing distance as the screen. If it is not possible to use a document holder consider placing the document between the screen and keyboard.

10. Equipment Position

Think about the positioning of other equipment, especially any items that are frequently used. You should not have to stretch excessively for the telephone, or regularly used reference material. Printers, however, should not be positioned close to users (e.g. on users' desks).

11. Breaks

Organise your work so that you take regular short breaks away from the screen e.g. collecting documents from the printer, filing, making coffee, etc. When not engaged in sustained keyboard work - change your workstation set-up so that through the day you adopt a variety of working postures

12. Any Problems?

If you experience any problems whilst using yur workstation or have any health and safety related concerns you should contact your line manager or local DSE assessor.