Why is computer ergonomics important?

There are many potential health risks of working at a computer frequently. Your computer set up is one element of office working that should be considered when preventing injury. Following the correct computer ergonomics can minimise your risk of computer vision syndrome and other injuries.

Click on the relevant link to jump to that section:

• What are the health risks of working at a computer frequently?

• What does computer ergonomics mean?

• The correct computer ergonomics to follow

• How do you know if your desk is at the right height?

• What is computer desk lighting ergonomics?

• What are the benefits of a sit-stand workstation?

What are the health risks of working at a computer frequently?

Working at a computer for prolonged periods can be harmful to your overall health when you don’t monitor your working environment. An unhealthy workstation set up can cause a range of injuries and health issues, including dry eyes, neck, and backache. It some cases, it can even lead to poor digestion, headaches, repetitive stress injury and vision problems.

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

Computer vision syndrome refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use. Symptoms of computer vision syndrome include the following:

DRY EYES

Just like other digital devices, computers can cause dry eyes, as they can affect the way we blink. According to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, a person blinks up to 66 percent less frequently while using a computer. If you are blinking less, tears on your eyes have more time to evaporate, resulting in red and dry eyes. This can even cause blurred vision in some cases.

EYESTRAIN

Eyestrain can occur when we force our eyes to focus in an unhealthy, unnatural position. For example, if our monitor is placed at an awkward angle or too low, our eyes are forced to stay in an unnatural position. These awkward postures strain the eye muscles and can cause pain and aching.

BLURRED VISION

Blurred vision is commonly caused by looking at a screen that is too bright or sitting too close to a monitor. It can also be caused by looking at a screen for long without adequate breaks.

HEADACHES

Headaches are a common complaint from people who spend prolonged periods sat at a computer. Headaches can occur due to poor lighting in your workspace, glare on the screen, improper computer brightness and colour. Headaches can also be caused by eye strain.

Our eyes are more comfortable resting at a point that is further away from the screen. When we look at a computer, our eye muscles have to constantly readjust focus between the RPA and the front of the screen. When there is a conflict between where our eyes want to focus and where we force them to be focused can lead to strain and the eyes become tired. This can often be the cause of our office headache.

NECK AND BACK PAIN

Workers often adopt to a certain position to see the screen better. Straining your muscles to look at a computer is a common cause of back and neck ache, as your body forced into an unnatural position. This is particularly a problem when people find themselves looking down to see their computer screen rather than adjusting the monitor to match their eye level.

You can read more about back ache caused by office work here.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Carpal tunnel is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. It causes when one of the major nerves to the hand – the median nerve, is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. This is commonly caused by the wrong mouse and keyboard placement.

What does computer ergonomics mean?

Computer ergonomics addresses ways to optimise your computer workstation to reduce the specific risks of computer vision syndrome, neck and back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It also reduces the risk of other disorders affecting the muscles, spine, and joints.

The correct computer ergonomics to follow

Placing your computer monitor so it is not level with your eyeline is a common cause of computer vision syndrome and back and neck injury. To avoid health issues and screen glare, position computer monitors and display screens so they are:

• level with your eyeline to prevent neck and back pain

• around an arm’s length away from your body to prevent computer vision syndrome

The following images displays the correct computer monitor placement:

If you struggle to place your computer in the right position for your eyeline, you may benefit from an adjustable monitor arm. Using an adjustable monitor arm can help promote and enhance comfort and performance, minimising health risks.

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REDUCE SCREEN GLARE

To prevent headaches and computer vision syndrome, you should ensure you adjust your monitor so that its brightness is approximately equal to the area behind it. If you find yourself experiencing computer vision frequently, it may be time to adjust your computer screen brightness.

If you still experience screen glare, you can cover your computer with an anti-glare filter and wear anti-glare glasses.

THE CORRECT MOUSE PLACEMENT

The mouse should be positioned so it keeps your arms at or below a 90-degree angle. Your wrists should not be straining, nor should they feel uncomfortable during use. The image below demonstrates how a hand should be placed comfortably on the mouse:

If you still uncomfortable holding the mouse, you can invest in a wrist rest.

You can read our full guide to typing ergonomics here.

THE CORRECT KEYBOARD PLACEMENT

Ergonomic experts recommend placing a keyboard just below elbow level. Your keyboard should be flat on the desk, or gently sloping away from you. You should position your keyboard so your elbows and arms remain as close to your sides as possible. Your arms should sit at or below a 90-degree angle.

If you struggle to maintain the correct keyboard placement and work comfortably, an ergonomic keyboard should be used to achieve a negative tilt. This means the keyboard will be sloping down and away from you, so your arms and hand follow the downward slope of your thighs.

KEEP KEY OBJECTS CLOSE TO YOU

You should organise your ergonomic computer workstation so that key objects are close to you. This could include your phone, notebook, water bottle and any other essential items. This will prevent unnecessary reaching and straining.

USE A HANDS-FREE HEADSET WHEN TALKING ON THE PHONE

Using a hands-free headset can prevent strains from placing our hands in the same position frequently when we answer the phone. It can also prevent shoulder pain if we avoid tucking the phone between our shoulders and ears, which is a common mistake.

How do you know if your desk is at the right height?

You can check your desk is at the right height by resting your arms at your sides in your seating position at your desk. Keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle and your upper arms in line with your torso. Your hands should be rested comfortably on your desk if your desk is at the right height

You can read more about the correct ergonomic sitting position in our guide What is the correct ergonomic sitting posture in the office?

What is computer desk lighting ergonomics?

Ergonomic lighting is often ignored in an office, leaving employees to work under harsh, bright lighting. Poor lighting can contribute to headaches, eye pain, tiredness, and un-productivity. Computer desk lighting ergonomics ensures a person is working under lighting that is adequate and not too bright or faulty.

What are the benefits of a sit-stand workstation?

• Standing can reduce back and neck pain as it provides the chance to stretch your muscles

• Standing frequently can help improve mood and energy levels

• Combining standing and sitting throughout the day can reduce the risk of leg aches and cramps

Our Active Electric Sit Stand Workstation instantly converts any desk into a sit-stand workstation.

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