Our tips for comfortable computer use
As we all spend more time at home in front of a computer screen for both work and leisure, it is important to make sure your home computer is set up correctly to increase your comfort and guard against musculoskeletal problems in the future. These tips come from our experience in assessing display screen equipment users both at work and at home. Tip 1 - Chair
Use an adjustable chair. Adjust the height of the chair until your elbows are the same height as your keyboard, shoulders are relaxed, upper arms by your side and forearms parallel to the keyboard when typing. Make sure you keep your wrists straight.
The seat base of your chair should be short enough to enable you to make contact with the backrest. Adjust the backrest height to provide adequate support for your back, with the lumbar support at or just above your waist, and ensure you make full use of the seat back at all times.
Tip 2 - Eyes
Ensure your eyes are at the same height as the top of the screen, when you are sitting comfortably.
Tip 3 – Feet and legs
Ensure your thighs are parallel to the floor and that your feet rest firmly on the ground or on a footrest.
Remove any clutter under the desk to ensure you have sufficient leg room.
Tip 4 - Keyboard
Position the screen and keyboard straight in front of you.
Locate your keyboard and mouse close to you so you don’t have to stretch to reach them.
Leave a space in front of the keyboard for you to rest your hands when you are not using it.
Tip 5 – Take a break
Ensure you take breaks from the computer or change your activity every 45 minutes. Get up, move around and regularly refocus your eyes by looking at a distant object.
Tip 6 – Don’t use a laptop on your lap
These tips apply to laptops as well as desk top computers, so use your laptop at a desk or table. Put your laptop on a stand so the screen is the right height and attach a separate keyboard and mouse. Or use a separate display screen and turn the one on your laptop off.
For more information on the services we can provide to make your working environment safer and more productive please contact us, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it