Primary considerations:
- Are your primary work materials located in front of you?
- Are your most frequently accessed items (phone, manuals, etc.) easy to reach?
- Do you have a document or copy holder to hold reference material?
- If a large percentage of your time involves using a phone, do you use a phone headset?
The ergonomist's opinion:
- It’s okay to place items where they are most comfortable to reach - rather than where they look “best.”
- In some cases, a slant board may be a better option than a copyholder as the latter allows inclined viewing of large, heavy materials such as books and ring binders.
Items to think about moving into the “easy reach” zone...
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Telephone
- Calculator
It’s often possible to significantly improve an environment ergonomically by spending little or no money. When purchasing new furniture or equipment is necessary, adjustability is likely the most important feature to consider.
