WorkStreams Newsletter

The ergonomic effectiveness of computer workstations

The ergonomic effectiveness of computer workstations was an issue that blazed in the 1980's and although the hype surrounding this issue dampened in recent years, it's importance in the work environment definitely has not.

Despite the obvious benefits of ensuring the ergonomic arrangement of individuals workstations, such as reduction in work-related injuries and staff-satisfaction, research over the years has proven financial benefits associated with ergonomic effectiveness in the workplace. These benefits include higher quality assurance, increased productivity and even increases in business investments through reducing the cost of sick leave and staff turnover. As outlined in the book "Ergonomics, Work, and Health" by Stephen Pheasant (Macmillan, 1991), an experimental study completed in 1986 found that in a task involving data entry and editing under realistic conditions, performance was 25% higher at the ergonomically designed workstation as opposed to the non-arranged workstation. Another study in 1984 further indicated that the error rate for data entry workers decreased from 1.5% to 0.1% with the change in their workstations and that furthermore this improvement occurred despite spending less time at the terminal.

The questions therefore arise - "How do we become aware of a need for an ergonomic arrangement of our workstations" and "How do we implement such changes to our workstations, both at home and at the workplace, in order to incur the most effective benefit for ourselves and our work?".

The answer to the first question is quite simple. Pay attention! It is important to pay attention to both our own bodies and the reports from our workers or colleagues. The most evident result of poor workstation setup is the onset of discomfort in the body. Quite often the symptoms that arise are minor or appear for only short periods of time. Despite this, they are good indicators of errors associated with the design of our workstations. Therefore following are common physical complaints may be important in identifying poor workstation design:

Þ Eye Strain; associated with distance of computer, frequent focus adjustments of eye and brightness, contrast and glare. The symptoms may include: quick onset of eyestrain, irritation, dryness and headaches.

Þ Neck and Shoulder Pain; associated with unnatural and static upper body postures. The symptoms in the neck, shoulder and upper limbs may include: difficulty with performing movements (such as turning head), tingling or numbness in the upper limbs (including the hand); weakness in upper limbs arm; decreased dexterity in the hand, muscle tenderness or soreness in the neck, shoulder and upper limbs.

Þ Back Pain; associated with static and poor postures. The symptoms caused by back pain may include: difficulty turning or bending back, burning pain in the back, back muscle stiffness, tingling in leg and foot and discomfort whilst sitting.

Þ Repetitive Strain; associated prolonged repetitive tasks. The symptoms of repetitive strain include: muscle tenderness or soreness, decreased strength in the upper limb, tingling or numbness in the upper limbs; decreased dexterity in the hand and difficulty with performing movements (e.g. rotating or extending upper limbs).

At the onset of any of these ongoing symptoms it is recommended that, for individuals who spend time at a workstation, an assessment at the workstation would be beneficial.

The answer to the latter question of how such changes are implemented, is not as straightforward. No workstation may be considered ergonomically ideal for everyone. The effectiveness of the workstation is related to the physical make-up of the individual, as well as the type of work and equipment being used. Therefore, there are a number of questions that need to be asked in order to determine the ergonomic requirements for each workstation. These questions include:

Who will be using the workstation?

If the computer will only be used by one person then the arrangement can be set up for that individual's physical dynamics. If the workstation will be used by several people, you will need to set up the station that accommodates the two extremes (e.g., shortest and tallest) as best as possible. Alternatively, looking at easily adjustable equipment is ideal in this situation.

How long will people be using the workstation?

If the workstation is only used for a few minutes a day then ergonomic issues may not be a high priority. If the workstation is used for more than 1 (accumulative) hour per day it is advisable that it is set up in an ergonomic manner. Most importantly, if the workstation is used for more than 4 (accumulative) a day, then an ergonomic set-up should be implemented immediately.

What equipment will be used?

It is essential that the workstation is set up on a stable surface (no wobbling desks or chairs please) and that there is adequate room for the equipment (CPU, monitor, mouse, telephone) to be arranged comfortably.

What kind of work will the computer be used for?

The arrangement of the workstation is highly reliant on the type of software will be used most often.

Þ Word processing - arranging the best keyboard/mouse position is high priority.

Þ Surfing the net, graphic design - arranging the best mouse position is high priority.

Þ Data entry- arranging the best numeric keypad/keyboard is a high priority.

It is also important to think about the environmental conditions where the computer will be used, such as lighting, ventilation and noise.

These questions will then assist in determining the actual ergonomic setup of the workstation. There are many individual changes that may be made, however the following 3 basic principles are most important to implement:

Þ A workstation should allow a worker to maintain a neutral position at the neck, elbow and wrist.

Þ A workstation should offer support of the back, legs and feet.

Þ Everyone needs to make frequent postural adjustments throughout their working day despite having their workstation correctly set up for them.

Based on these principles changes may then be made to the height of seat, alignment of lumbar support, wrist posture, position of equipment (such as the keyboard, mouse or documents) and monitor height. As aforementioned, these changes should be specific for each individual, based on their body dimensions and work tasks.

Finally, it is important to remember behavioral elements associated with the workstation. Such elements work in a preventative manner, to reduce the risk of work-related discomforts and include:

Þ Training - preparing workers to deal with technology.

Þ Pacing - ensuring that there is adequate change from tasks though micro-breaks (e.g. resting hands), functional breaks (changing tasks) and rest breaks (e.g. lunch breaks).

Þ Stretching - exercising the muscles used (or not used) during work activities to promote blood flow and the health of muscles.

WorkStreams' team of qualified Occupational Therapists have the expertise to conduct ergonomic assessments of workstations and make recommendations for modifications of an individuals' workstation environment. Furthermore they can provide training for both employees and employers in relation to the appropriate set-up of workstations, to further assist with the prevention of work-related injuries.

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