Assess how the keyboard will fit with the workstation.
Some alternative keyboards, particularly those with a tented design, must be placed on surfaces that are lower than those required for standard keyboards to achieve proper working posture.
- Keep in mind that it may take a few days to become accustomed to an alternative keyboard - and that some people never completely adapt to them.
Whatever pointing device is used, it’s important to place the device adjacent to (and roughly at the same level as) the keyboard. When ordering a keyboard/mouse tray, be sure there is enough room (width) under the worksurface to accommodate the new tray.
Keyboard Primary Considerations:
- With your chair adjusted properly, are your keyboard and mouse at approximately elbow height?
- Are your arms in near your trunk rather than stretched out in front of you?
- Is there at least an inch of clearance between the bottom of your work surface and the top of your thighs?
The ergonomist's opinion:
- Your forearms do not need to be exactly parallel to the floor while at the keyboard; however, if your hands are more than one or two inches higher or lower than your elbows (while keying), changing your workstation configuration may reduce your risk of cumulative trauma disorder.
- Footrests are best left as an option of last resort. Their use will tend to constrain the worker - when it is actually postural fluidity we are seeking. Additionally, many workers have two or three seating locations within the workstation - meaning two or three footrests may be optimal for a given employee. Still, in some cases, footrests may be the best option available.
- Resting hands on a wrist rest or in your lap when not actively keying is recommended; however, using a wrist rest that induces poor (bent) wrist posture may induce injury.
