Easy Ergonomics for the Desktop Computer User by Cal/OSHA

Using this booklet

This booklet is intended for use by desktop computer users. The purpose of this booklet is to help you reduce your chances of being injured. You will learn to identify common desktop computer work station problems and explore some improvement goals. By understanding how you perform your job tasks, and how you use your equipment and furniture, you can work more safely, efficiently and comfortably.

Each section of this booklet begins with an action goal which tells you what you need to do to work more safely and more comfortably. The action goals are summarized on pages 5 and 6, and covered in more detail in the sections on pages 8-33.

Suggestions in this booklet are made to improve your work station first by utilizing your existing furniture and equipment. Try to do the best you can with what you've got. After that, suggestions are made to improve your work station by purchasing new or replacing existing furniture and equipment. If you are unable to improve your work station without purchasing new or replacing existing furniture or equipment, talk to your immediate supervisor. If you are already feeling discomfort, the table on page 4 will direct you to the sections in the booklet that address possible causes for your discomfort.

The Checklist on page 7 serves as a way to identify computer tasks that may expose you to the risk of injury. If you answer YES to all the questions on the Checklist, you may not need to go any further. The pages that follow the Checklist offer suggestions for improving your work station and your work practices.

You can also use this booklet as a training tool. Talk about these guidelines in your safety meetings and discuss ways to make necessary improvements.

No one is required to use the information in this booklet. This booklet is not intended to provide employers or employees with information on how to comply with Cal/OSHA regulations.