5 tips for an ergonomic workspace

Whether you’re working in an office or from home, having the right workspace set-up can help you avoid what is becoming the fastest-growing category of workplace injury: Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD). MSDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis are often related to repetitive motion and stress injuries resulting from ergonomic stressors, like lifting heavy items, typing for too long on a computer, or sitting at a workstation in an awkward position.

What can you do to prevent getting an MSD? Here are some tips from worksite safety experts on how to use ergonomics—the practice of fitting a workplace to the employee’s needs—to help you stay healthy and avoid injuries on the job.

Ideally your workspace should have an adjustable chair that you can customize to work best for you. Specifically, you’ll want to pay attention to:

• Height: Adjust the seat height so that your feet are flat on the floor and your thighs are parallel to the ground (with your knees at a 90 degree angle). If your feet still cannot touch the floor, you may want to place them on a book, briefcase, or other solid object in order to keep your legs in the ergonomically correct position.
• Low back support: The chair’s lumbar support should be located in the small of the back (approximately belt loop height). If you still need additional support, a rolled up bath towel or pillow can be used to support your lower back.
• Depth: The seat pan should support as much of your legs as possible without touching the back of your knees.
• Arm rest: Arm rests should be slightly below sitting elbow height. Set the width so that the arms are close to your body.

Your workspace should be set up with the following:

• Mouse and keyboard: The mouse should be located next to the keyboard at the same height and directly in front of you. Your elbows should be bent at a 90 degree angle, wrists straight, and shoulders relaxed while working. 
• Screens or monitors: The monitor should be placed directly in front of you, and approximately an arm's length away. The top of the screen should be at eye level.
• Glare: If your workspace has a window, position the monitor perpendicular to the window. Use blinds to regulate natural light levels. The monitor should be tilted as close to vertical as possible to minimize glare from overhead lighting.
• Layout: Keep items that you use most often close to you to minimize excessive reaching. Also make sure you have enough leg room.

Now that your workspace is set up ergonomically, what about the bag you carry to and from the office, or when traveling? Lighten your load by only carrying what is needed, or consider using a rolling bag or backpack to distribute the weight evenly to both sides of your body.

You may feel uncomfortable when sitting for too long, which is why many offices are beginning to implement standing desks or sit/stand workstations. Standing workstations allow you to work with a more neutral back posture when compared with seated work. However, standing requires more energy than sitting and can put stress on certain joints such as your hips, knees, or feet. It may be beneficial to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.

Listen to your body and take short breaks throughout the day when you start to feel any discomfort. This can help improve blood flow and keep working muscles fresh and loose. Not sure where to start? Check out our Stretching Examples pamphlet.

It is just as important to set up healthy habits when you work from home—even if you are only doing so occasionally or on a temporary basis. Take the time to create a defined workspace—if possible, in a well-lit room with as much natural light as possible. Invest in a good chair and consider getting a monitor and separate mouse and keyboard to avoid the strain of hunching over a tiny laptop. Take regular breaks to stand up and stretch; and above all, try not to succumb to the temptation of lounging on the couch while you work—your back will thank you!