Office Ergonomics and Neutral Body Posture

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes a neutral body posture in the context of office ergonomics?

  • A posture that mimics the position of standing for extended periods.
  • A posture that maximizes stress on the body to build resilience.
  • A posture where physical stress is unevenly distributed to engage different muscle groups.
  • A posture that places the least amount of stress on the body with physical stress evenly distributed. (correct)

In a neutral sitting position, what is the recommended angle for the hips and knees?

  • 90 degrees (correct)
  • 60 degrees
  • 120 degrees
  • 45 degrees

What is the primary function of the carpal tunnel in the wrist?

  • To provide structural support to the wrist bones.
  • To regulate the temperature of the hand.
  • To serve as a channel for blood vessels, tendons, and the median nerve. (correct)
  • To control the movement of the thumb independently from other fingers.

Which characteristic is typically found in an ergonomically designed chair?

<p>An adjustable backrest angle with a locking mechanism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to NIOSH, what is the most important factor in ensuring good ergonomics at a computer workstation?

<p>Implementing proper work practices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where should the top of the computer monitor be positioned for optimal ergonomic setup?

<p>At eye level. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of positioning documents next to the computer monitor at the same height?

<p>To reduce head and neck movement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is cradling a telephone between the neck and shoulder considered an awkward and non-ergonomic position?

<p>It creates unnecessary tension and strain in the neck and shoulder. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended distance to position a computer keyboard below desk height for good ergonomics?

<p>About 2-3 inches lower than desk height. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is recommended if you cannot lower your keyboard to the suggested ergonomic height?

<p>Raise your chair to match the keyboard height. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you primarily consider when positioning the alphabetical section of your keyboard?

<p>Centering it with your body. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is it most appropriate to use a wrist rest pad while working at a computer?

<p>Only when not typing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for selecting a glare screen for a computer monitor?

<p>To reduce eye strain and headaches. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of office ergonomics, what does 'zero gravity posture' refer to?

<p>A posture achieved by astronauts in space, minimizing gravitational effects on the body. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'waterfall edge design' on a seat pan intended to do?

<p>Reduce pressure on the thighs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature should a good office chair have to support the natural curvature of the spine?

<p>A backrest supplied with a lumbar pad. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides discomfort, what can increased pressure in the carpal tunnel lead to?

<p>Numbness and tingling in the hand. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended backward tilt angle for a computer monitor?

<p>10 degrees (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST important reason to keep a keyboard flat?

<p>To promote a neutral wrist position. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST important reason to place the mouse next to the keyboard?

<p>To minimize the distance the hand has to travel. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neutral Body Posture

A posture that places the least amount of stress on the body by evenly distributing physical stress. Often referred to as 'zero gravity posture'.

Carpal Tunnel

A channel in the wrist surrounded by bones and a nonelastic ligament, through which blood vessels, tendons, and the median nerve pass.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A condition caused by increased pressure in the carpal tunnel, often due to repeated movements or bent wrists, leading to tingling, numbness, pain, swelling, and burning sensations in the hand.

Chair Positioning for Good Posture

Back straight, hips/knees at 90°, feet supported, and arms supported.

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Good Chair Characteristics

Seat pan tilted backwards, backrest tilted with lumbar pad, adjustable backrest angle, seat pan with waterfall edge, fully adjustable armrests.

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Keyboard Positioning

Position the keyboard about 2-3" lower than desk height and center the alphabetical section to your body.

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Alternative Keyboards Effectiveness

No difference in comfort or fatigue, work practices, not equipment, are the key to good ergonomics at a computer workstation.

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Monitor Positioning

Place monitor in front of keyboard, top of monitor at eye level, arm's length away, 10° backward tilt.

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Glare

It can cause eye strain/headaches.

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Document Positioning

Position documents next to monitor at same height to reduce head and neck movement and eye refocusing distance.

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Proper Telephone Use

Avoid cradling the telephone between neck and shoulder, creating awkward position. Use shoulder rest, speaker phone, headset or bluetooth.

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Study Notes

Office Ergonomics

  • A neutral body posture puts the least amount of stress on the body
  • With a neutral posture, physical stress is evenly distributed
  • Neutral body posture is also called "zero gravity posture" and "neutral position"

Sleeping Astronauts

  • Astronauts exhibit the neutral position while sleeping due to the lack of gravity

Neutral Position

  • In a neutral position the back is straight
  • There is a 90° bend in the hip
  • There is a 90° bend in the knee
  • The head and neck are straight
  • The shoulders are relaxed
  • There is a 90° bend in the elbow
  • The wrists are straight

Carpal Tunnel

  • Carpal tunnel is a channel in the wrist surrounded by bones and a nonelastic ligament
  • Several blood vessels, nine tendons, and the median nerve pass through this channel from the forearm into the hand
  • Certain movements, especially repeated movements and bent wrists, can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel
  • Symptoms of increased pressure in the carpal tunnel include tingling, numbness, pain, swelling, and burning sensation in the hand

Chair Positioning

  • The back should be straight when sitting in a chair
  • Your chair should fully support the S-curve in your spine
  • The hips and knees should be at a 90° angle
  • The feet and arms should be supported

Good Chair Characteristics

  • The seat pan should be tilted backwards
  • The backrest should be tilted
  • The backrest should have a lumbar pad
  • The backrest angle should be adjustable, with a locking mechanism
  • The seat pan should have a waterfall edge design
  • The chair should be fully adjustable, including the heigh and position of the armrests

Keyboard & Mouse Positioning

  • The keyboard should be 2-3" lower than desk height
  • If you can't lower the keyboard, raise your chair
  • Center the alphabetical section of the keyboard to your body
  • Keep the keyboard flat
  • Only use a wrist rest pad when not actively typing
  • Place the mouse next to your keyboard

Alternative Keyboards

  • NIOSH found no difference in comfort or fatigue with alternative keyboards, and no evidence that they reduce risk
  • Good work practices are key to good ergonomics at a computer workstation, not specific equipment

Monitor Positioning

  • Position the monitor in front of the keyboard
  • The top of the monitor should be at eye level
  • The monitor should be an arm's length away
  • Tilt the monitor backward by 10°

Glare

  • Glare can cause eye strain and headaches
  • Position the monitor between overhead lights and perpendicular to windows
  • Select a glare screen for the model and size of monitor

Document Positioning

  • Position documents next to the monitor at the same height
  • Positioning documents to the side reduce head and neck movement
  • Positioning documents to the side reduce eye refocusing distance

Telephone Use

  • Cradling the telephone between neck and shoulder creates an awkward position
  • Use a shoulder rest, speaker phone, headset, or Bluetooth device

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