Safety & Comfort Guide
5–1
5
O
RGANIZING
Y
OUR
A
DJUSTMENTS
The order in which you follow the advice in Chapters 1
through 4 depends on the adjustability of your work
surface.
❒
If your work surface height adjusts, then systematically
adjust yourself and your computer “from the ground
up.”
❒
If you have a fixed desk or table, systematically adjust
yourself and your computer “from the top down.”
From the Ground Up
1. Seat height: you should be able to plant your feet
firmly on the floor.
2. Chair back angles and lower back support: your back
should be well supported.
3. Keyboard height: home row should be near your elbow
height.
4. Keyboard slope: wrists should be in a comfortable,
neutral position.
5. Pointing device: should be placed to the immediate left
or right of your keyboard.
6. Optional forearm support: shoulders should be relaxed
and forearms evenly supported.
7. Monitor distance, height, and angle: should allow your
head to be balanced comfortably over your shoulders.
8. Document holder, phone, and reference materials:
frequently used items should be within easy reach.
From the Top Down
1. Seat height: elbow height should be near your
keyboard’s home row.
2. Footrest, if you need one.
3. Follow steps 2 through 8, above.
TIP
Be inventive
Adjustable furniture
designed for
computer use may
not always be
available. However,
you can use towels,
pillows, blankets,
and books in many
ways, such as to:
◆
Raise the height of
your chair.
◆
Create a footrest.
◆
Support your
back.
◆
Elevate the
keyboard or
display.
◆
Provide armrests if
you are working
on a couch or bed.
◆
Provide padding
wherever needed.