Ergonomic Guidelines for arranging a Computer Workstation - 10 steps for users

1. Creating a good ergonomic working arrangement is important to protecting your health. The following ten steps are a brief summary of those things that most Ergonomists agree are important. If you follow the 10 steps they should help you to improve your working arrangement. You can also use the Computer Workstation Checklist to help to pinpoint any areas of concern and take a look at the 'Computer Workstation summary' diagram' for specific tips. However, every situation is different, and if you can't seem to get your arrangement to feel right or you are confused about some of the following recommendations you should seek professional advice.

2. Work through the following 10 steps to help you decide on what will be a good ergonomic design for your situation:

How will the computer be used?

who will be using the computer?  - If the computer will only be used by one person then the arrangement can be optimized for that person's size and shape, and features such as an adjustable height chair may be unnecessary. If it's going to be used by several people, you will need to create an arrangement that most closely satisfies the needs of the extremes, that is the smallest and tallest, thinnest and broadest persons, as well as those in between these extremes. 

how long will people be using the computer? If it's a few minutes a day then ergonomic issues may not be a high priority. If it's more than 1 hour per day it is advisable that you create an ergonomic arrangement. If it's more than 4 hours then you should immediately implement an ergonomic arrangement.

What kind of computer will be used?  

•  Desktops - most ergonomic guidelines for computer workstation arrangements assume that you will be using a desktop system where the computer screen is separate from the keyboard. 
• Laptop computers are growing in popularity and are great for short periods of computer work. Guidelines for laptop use are more difficult because laptop design inherently is problematic - when the screen is at a comfortable height and distance the keyboard isn't and vice versa. For sustained use you should consider purchasing either:
• an external monitor
• an external keyboard, preferably with a negative-tilt keyboard tray
• both, and  a docking station