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Products:
General Product Info
Selecting the proper
equipment can dramatically reduce operator strain, however use of the wrong
equipment can be ineffective in preventing ergonomic discomfort. In general, ergonomic products
incorporate one of the design goals described below.
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Comfort
Many products have been redesigned to reduce strain on the operator during
use. Examples include thicker pens, hand vs. finger grip scissors, bent vs.
straight handed tools, tools customized for right or left-hand operation, and
anything that shifts loading away from the body (e.g., dollies, carts, hoists).
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Adjustability
Since ergonomic design depends largely upon the preferences of the
individual, many products now incorporate enhanced adjustability features to
mold the tool to the operator. Examples include chairs, variable height tables,
and keyboard/tool trays. Remember, adjustability features are only beneficial
if the operator takes advantage of them.
Chairs
For information regarding chairs, see Selecting an Ergonomically Correct Chair.
Glare Screens
The primary function of glare screens is to prevent glare on the
monitor from another light source. Most of the time, glare can be eliminated by
changing the location of the monitor, tilting the monitor, or cleaning the
monitor. If the monitor is too bright, it can be adjusted to a lower setting.
Keyboard Trays
This allows the keyboard to be placed in a more comfortable
working position when keyboarding and to be stored out of the way when not in
use.
If a keyboard tray is desired, factors to consider
include:
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Vertical adjustability (the tray should be height adjustable, not
just pull straight out),
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Vertical clearance (can the keyboard be set high enough to allow leg
clearance when in use and when in storage?),
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Pivot adjustability (some trays allow the keyboard pan to be slanted
forward or back),
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Keyboard to monitor distance (keyboard trays may make the user sit
further from the monitor when they pull it out, therefore monitors should be
adjusted accordingly),
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Size of the tray (will it accommodate a keyboard, wrist support, and
mouse?),
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Operating mechanism (trays which slide along a track are preferred
as they are far easier to operate than spring loaded trays),
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Tray anchorage (can it be attached to your desk?).
Keyboard trays require varying degrees of assembly and installation.
Keyboards/Monitors/Mouse Devices
The standard keyboard is designed (moving from left to right)
with alpha keys, some functional keys, and number keys. A variety of
alternative keyboard layouts are available. Most alternative designs
focus on eliminating or relocating the function and number keys. This
allows the mouse to be placed closer to the body and reduces lateral reaching.
Monitor Supports
Monitor arms mount to the work surface and allow the monitor to be
moved both horizontally and vertically on a suspended platform. Before
purchasing monitor arms, consideration should be given to how it will be
mounted to the work surface. Monitor arms require varying degrees of
assembly and installation.
Mouse/Trackball Devices
Computer mouse devices are available in a variety of different
shapes, sizes, and designs. As with keyboards, determining which design
is "ergonomically correct" is largely dependent upon the preferences and
physical characteristics of the user.
Computer support services should be consulted for selection and
installation of new mouses.
Telephone Headsets
When using the telephone for extended periods of time, people
tend to pinch the receiver between their head and shoulder, which creates
unnecessary strain on the neck and shoulders. One solution is to use a
telephone headset.
Wrist Supports
Wrist supports are designed to allow the wrist to be positioned
at the neutral posture. A wrist rest placed in front of the leading edge
of the keyboard is beneficial if properly used, as it provides a soft surface
upon which to place the underside of the wrist. However, resting the wrist on a
hard surface can lead to the development of nerve problems in the long term.
Other Products
A variety of common products are available which
incorporate ergonomic design principles. You are encouraged to review
ergonomic catalogs to determine if any other products may help ensure that your
workstation and work practices are more ergonomically correct.
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