There are four areas that a computer user interfaces with: the monitor, the keyboard and mouse, the chair, and the lighting of the environment. Setting up the interfaces with these ergonomic guidelines as well as maintaining a good posture will enhance your comfort and efficiency as well as prevent repetitive stress injuries.
The Monitor
- Position the monitor to minimize glare by placing it at a right angle to light sources or windows
- Place the monitor as far away from you as possible while maintaining the ability to read without consciously focusing. Keep a minimum distance of 20 inches.
- Place the center of the screen at a 15 degree down angle from your eyes with your neck only slightly bent holding your head perpendicular to the floor.
- Align the monitor and the keyboard / mouse
- Set the refresh rate at a minimum of 70 Hz to limit flicker
Eyes and Vision
Dangers
- The eyes were not designed for concentrated unwavering focus at a fixed distance
- Eyes blink much less when staring at video or computer screens and thus become dry
- Illumination levels can strain and stess the eyes and reduce visual acuity
- Illumination levels can strain and stess the eyes and reduce visual acuity
Good Practices
- Take mini breaks to focus on objects at various distances in the room
- Do figure 8 exercise with head letting the eyes change focus as the head moves
- Ergonomics - Set up workstation so screen is level with eyes or at most 10" down
- Make sure sunlight or bright lights are not directly behind you so there is no glare. Better to be at the side
- Make sure the screen is not the only illumination in the room - turn on other lights or arrange for natural light
- Use a no glare screen
No comments:
Post a Comment