KEYS TO HEALTHY COMPUTING Pt. 2
POSTURE
Whether
standing or sitting, there is a neutral position for the back, neck, arms and
hands. This is the position that puts the least amount of strain on a given
part of the body. Postures that differ from the neutral position increase
stress on the body. The illustrations below show positions that are good and
bad for different parts of the body.
The
wrists should be straight while keying. Operating the computer with the wrists bent
backwards (extension)
or forward (flexion)
should be avoided. See Figure 1. The computer operator should be able to reach
the keyboard or mouse while keeping the shoulders and upper arms relaxed and
bending the elbows at a 90 degree angle. See Figure 2.
The
operator’s back and neck should be straight while at the computer. The top of
the monitor should be
slightly
below eye level. The worker should not have to tilt their head backward or turn
to the side to see the screen. See Figure 3.
Other
awkward positions should be avoided while working at a computer, such as cradling
a phone between the ear and shoulder.
