Er
gonomic Concepts
Some general 'best practices' for reducing all risk factors and
sources of injury when seated in the workplace include:
- Keep the shoulders relaxed and head and neck in an upright
but relaxed position
- Avoid long periods of repetitive activity; where possible,
alternate computer work with other tasks like filing, phone
calls, etc.
- Drink water throughout the day and keep well hydrated;
avoid coffee and sugared beverages as they dehydrate.
- Drinking regularly throughout the day will also ensure
that the user will occasionally get up and stretch their
legs (an automatic reminder few can ignore)
- Take microbreaks (brief 5-10 second breaks every 15
minutes) to shake out hands and stretch muscles
- During coffee breaks ensure that one actually gets up and
walks around (i.e. don't take them at the desk).
Here is a collection of articles on common ergonomic concepts
which are relevant to ergonomic input devices and workstation
accessories.
Ergonomic
Considerations - Mechanical Keyswitches vs Membrane
Keyswitches vs Scissor-Switch Membrane Keyswitches
(Keyboards)
Tactility
on Keyboards - How to Evaluate Soft or Light Touch
(Keyboards)
Strategies
for Generating French Characters on Any Keyboard (Keyboards)
Strategies
for Individuals with One Functional Hand (One-Handed Input
Options)
Strategies
for Correct Usage of Palm Supports and Wrist Rests
Setting
Mouse Acceleration at an Optimal Level for the Task
When
is a Discrete Numeric Keypad Appropriate?
Why
Does Vertical Mousing have Less Drawbacks than Vertical
Keyboarding
