Why Consider Ergonomics?

The human body was not designed to use a computer for any significant period of time. When an individual is using a computer, they are usually forced to maintain an awkward, unnatural posture while performing repetitive tasks. These tasks include typing on a keyboard, clicking on a mouse, moving your mouse, staring at a monitor and remaining stationary for hours at a time.

The study of ergonomics seeks to identify the potential causes for injury that results from the above tasks and develop methods and products which reduce the risk of Repetitive Stress Injury or RSI. Failure to take ergonomic considerations into account can result in increased stress, discomfort, muscle fatigue and eventually serious injury if you use your computer more than 2 hours a day (at home or work).

The following links will assist you in navigating ErgoCanada's Guide to Ergonomics. Please note that many of the pages have large graphics and may take some time to load fully - please be patient if you are using a slow connection.

Risk Factors in Your Workstation

Input Devices

• Keyboards
  • Ulnar Deviation
  • Pronation
  • Wrist Extension / Dorsiflexion
• Mice
  • Static Grip Force
  • Pronation
  • Radial Deviation
  • Position of the Mouse
  • Trigger Finger / Click Force
• Monitors
  • Monitor Height
  • Monitor Glare
  • Position of the Monitor
  • Workspace Reduction

Accessories

• Worksurface
  • Sufficient Area
  • Height
  • Angle

How Ergonomic Products Address Potential Sources of Injury

Input Devices

• Keyboards
  • Keyswitches - Mechanical vs. Scissor-Switch Membrane vs. Membrane
  • Contoured
  • Adjustable
  • Split
  • Combo
  • Wireless
  • Seperated
  • Dvorak
  • How to Generate French Characters on any Keyboard
• Mice
  • Contoured
  • Wireless
  • Trackball
  • Touchpads
  • Other
• Monitors
  • Monitor height at computer workstations
• Other
• Numeric Keypad
• Footswitches
• Other

Accessories

• Arms
  • Articulating
  • Fixed
  • Sit/Stand
  • Other
• Trays
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Combo
• Rests
  • Wrist
  • Arm
  • Foot
• Other
  • Risers
  • CPU Stands
  • Paper Easels
  • Anti-Glare Filter

Guide to Ergonomics (under development)

presented by ErgoCanada.com