36 Getting Started
Selecting a place to work
Seeking additional help
Follow the advice from your employer’s company health and
safety staff. Contact them if you need assistance making
adjustment to your workstation or adjusting the lighting.
Again, if you experience persistent or recurrent pain, ache,
numbness, burning, or stiffness you should promptly see a
qualified health care provider. These sensations may be
caused by serious medical conditions that can be treated.
For more specific recommendations on the safety and comfort of
your computer environment, customers in the United States may
visit the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety
& Health Administration Web site at:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/
Check list
❏Is your chair comfortable - does it support your back and
arms well?
❏Are your feet flat on the ground?
❏Is there adequate space under your desk for your legs?
❏Are the keyboard and mouse at elbow level?
❏Are your shoulders relaxed when using the keyboard?
❏Are your shoulders relaxed when using a mouse or other
optional pointing device?
❏Are your hands and wrists aligned in a comfortable,
straight posture?
❏Are your arms supported in the forearm area (not at the
wrist)?
❏Do you hold the mouse or trackball with a loose, relaxed
hand?
❏Do you use a light touch when typing or using the
mouse?
❏Do you clean your mouse or trackball regularly?
❏Is the top of your monitor close to eye level?
❏Is the monitor about an arm length away?
❏Have you eliminated the glare on the monitor?
❏Is the monitor tilted so that it is easy to read?
❏Do you change postures regularly?
❏Do you take breaks, at least once an hour?