02/04/2020
A number of you may suddenly be setting up makeshift offices at home, I thought it was worth giving a few tips to avoid neck and low back pain that occur due to poor home office ergonomics....
COMPUTER SET UP
*If you only have a laptop then ideally you need to invest in a separate key board and mouse.
*You can then get a docking station to raise the screen (If you do not have a docking station then just raise the laptop on some thick books)
*The top 3rd of the screen should be at eye level when you are sitting up straight
*The screen should be approximately an arms length away from your eyes
SEATING
*You need a seat which gives back support in an upright position
*Feet must be flat on the floor, if you cannot reach the floor then get a foot rest (thick books will work)
*Your hips should be either level with your knees or a bit higher than your knees
*When sitting you should feel most the weight going directly down through your sitting bones (to check this, sit on your hands and you will feel them through your bottom, if you are slouching or leaning too far forwards, you will roll off them)
DESK HEIGHT
*Ideally your arms should be relaxed at your side with the elbows bent to a right angle and the forearms should be parallel to the desk
*The keyboard needs to be directly in front of you
MOUSE USE
*Do not grip the mouse tightly
*Try and use your whole arm to move the mouse rather than just your hand
*The mouse needs to be positioned close to the keyboard
*Rest the hands and wrists when not typing – do not stay with your hand on the mouse
PHONE USE
*If you are making a lot of calls it will be worth getting a headset or using a speaker phone
TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
*Every hour you need to get off your chair and move!
*Set reminders on your computer or phone
*Get up regularly to get a drink of water
*Stretch your neck every couple of hours taking it though its normal movements
*Go for a walk at lunch time