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5. A Checklist for Computer Workstations – Computer Ergonomics

References

A Guideline on Office Ergonomics (CAN/CSA-Z412-M00), Canadian Standards Association. Toronto, 2000. (View CSA standards)

Rest Breaks for Computer Operators, Health and Safety Guidelines. Professional and Specialized Services, Occupational Health and Safety Branch, Ministry of Labour, 2005.

Checklist for Computer Workstations

Review one workstation at a time, answering each question for each workstation. Whenever the answer is no, see the relevant section of the Ministry of Labour's Health and Safety Guideline "Computer Workstations: Layout and Lighting" for recommended action. If you have any questions please call the Ministry of Labour Health & Safety Contact Centre.

Keyboard Position

1. Upper arms hang relaxed at side during computer use Yes [ ] No [ ]
2. Elbow joints are at about 90°C Yes [ ] No [ ]
3. Hands are in line with forearms when using keyboard and/or mouse Yes [ ] No [ ]
4. Forearm is supported when using a mouse or other hand-held device Yes [ ] No [ ]
5. Both keyboard and mouse height allow appropriate arm postures Yes [ ] No [ ]

Monitor Position

6. The top of the screen is at eye height (bifocal and trifocal wearers excepted) Yes [ ] No [ ]
7. Viewing distance (eyes to screen) is 40 to 74 cm Yes [ ] No [ ]
8. Monitor is centred in front of user during continuous computer use Yes [ ] No [ ]

Seating

9. The seat pan height is adjustable 42 to 51 cm (standard seat) Yes [ ] No [ ]
10. The seat pan tilt is adjustable +3 to -4°C Yes [ ] No [ ]
11. The lumbar support height is adjustable 15 to 25 cm above seat Yes [ ] No [ ]
12. The angle of the backrest to seat is adjustable 93-113°C Yes [ ] No [ ]
13. Upper edge of backrest is 45-55 cm above the seat pan (standard back) Yes [ ] No [ ]
14. The worker knows how to adjust chair for maximum comfort Yes [ ] No [ ]
15. The thighs are roughly parallel to the floor Yes [ ] No [ ]
16. Feet are flat on the floor or a footrest is provided where necessary Yes [ ] No [ ]

Desks

17. Horizontal knee space is greater than 43 cm Yes [ ] No [ ]
18. Horizontal toe space is greater than 60 cm Yes [ ] No [ ]

Document Holders

19. An adjustable document holder is present Yes [ ] No [ ]
20. The holder is large enough for documents being used Yes [ ] No [ ]

Lighting

21. Lighting levels appear to fall between 300 and 500 lux Yes [ ] No [ ]
22. The computer screen is free of glare spots Yes [ ] No [ ]
23. The worker is shielded from sources of direct glare Yes [ ] No [ ]
24. The worker's line of sight is parallel to the plane of windows Yes [ ] No [ ]
25. The office area is illuminated with indirect light fixtures Yes [ ] No [ ]
26. Overhead light fixtures are fitted with parabolic filters if appropriate Yes [ ] No [ ]
27. The workstation is located between rows of overhead lights Yes [ ] No [ ]
28. The worker is provided with an adjustable task light (if required) Yes [ ] No [ ]

Task Design

29. The worker is encouraged to take frequent breaks (e.g., 5 minutes every hour) away from keyboarding during prolonged computer use Yes [ ] No [ ]

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