Medword Resources

Ergonomic Guidelines

Personalizing your environment so that it is comfortable for your work situation promotes a healthy physical and mental lifestyle. Studies show that a carefully planned work environment can actually increase productivity. Of course, only you can judge what is best for you, so we encourage you to adapt the following tips to your own needs. What is ergonomics? This term is often used and often misunderstood. Ergonomics is a science that addresses human performance and well-being in relation to various types of jobs, equipment, tools, and environment. So ergonomics as it's related to computers is concerned with the interactions among a person using a computer, the work methods and tools employed when using a computer, and the work area.

Arranging Your Workspace
Computers and Body Fatigue
Maintaining Good Work Habits
Exercises
Your Ergonomics Checklist

Arranging Your Workspace
If possible, arrange your tools around your desk so that you minimize the distance you have to reach for them. Divide your work space into three zones:

• Primary work zone - the distance from elbow to hand.
  
• Secondary work zone - within arm's reach.
  Use this zone to position those items that you use frequently, but don't need all the time.
• Reference zone - outside arm's reach.
  Use this zone for your least-often used items.

Click here to find ergonomic information about setting up your Microsoft Natural Keyboard

• Find out how a TENS Machine can help relieve the pain associated with Repetitive Stress Injury.
• Discover how an EMS Unit can help your sore and aching muscles recover.

© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Legal Notices.