Ergopedia

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 result 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.

Potential Sources of Injury or Tips for Making Your Workstation Ergonomic

ErgoCanada Solutions Guide

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
  • Separated
  • 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

Other Helpful Information

• List of Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows XP
• Guide to Ports and Plugs (Interfaces for Keyboards and Mice)
• Looking to Surf the Net without Using your Mouse? Try using the Mozilla Firefox Browser (instead of Internet Explorer) which supports Mouseless Browsing
• What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
• Cornell Study Proving Ergonomics Can Reduce Workers Musculoskeletal problems by 40%

Guide to Ergonomics (under development)

presented by ErgoCanada.com