Ergonomic Guidelines
Ergonomics is the science of adjusting your work environment to fit your body and make it as comfortable and healthy as possible. The modern office environment is often not an ideal workplace, and many people suffer from repetitive stress injuries (RSI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome, as a result. This section of the HSC guidelines covers some of the ergonomic issues related to computers. For a more complete introduction to ergonomics, check out this article on Tech Soup. http://www.techsoup.org/howto/articlepage.cfm?ArticleId=187&cg=searchter...
The most important aspect of ergonomics, in my experience, is a person's desk and chair. The ergonomics of computer use focus a great deal on posture and position. Everyone should have a comfortable and height adjustable chair. Their desk should be large enough to accommodate their computer, with space for paperwork, as appropriate. Ideally there should be an adjustable keyboard tray. Users should be encouraged to think about their posture and be aware of how they are operating their computers.
Ergonomics is most concerned with the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, the components of the computer that the user directly interfaces with. Frustration with a slow machine and injuries sustained while pounding on a balky computer are not usually considered to be ergonomic issues.
A monitor's picture should be bright, symmetrical, and properly focused. The cost of a 17" CRT monitor, which is appropriate for most office work, is around $125, so there is almost no excuse for crappy monitors. Monitors are capable of displaying information at different resolutions and refresh rates. Resolution refers to how big an image the monitor is displaying. The higher the resolution, the smaller the text and other parts of the computer interface appear. Refresh rate determines how often the display is updated. Many users find that slower refresh rates seem to flicker. Be aware that as screen resolution increases, the refresh rate often decreases. People's preferences for monitor settings are very subjective, so show users how to adjust these settings for their own maximum comfort.
Be aware that there are two common hardware interfaces for monitors, VGA and DVI. VGA is an older, analog standard that is more common on older computers. DVI is a more recent digital standard and is common on LCD displays. Low cost DVI to VGA adapters are available, allowing VGA monitors to be plugged into DVI display adapters. Converters are available to allow VGA-equipped computers to run DVI displays, but they are expensive, and are not recommended.
(How to adjust display settings)
There are a wide variety of different keyboards available, many with special features. The important features, from an ergonomic point of view, are action (or feel), layout, and adjustability. Again, a basic keyboard costs around $30, so go ahead and recycle broken keyboards as soon as possible. Keyboards can have very different actions. Some have a very light touch; others have a much heavier touch. Some have a noticeable click when depressed, while others are quite smooth. Again personal preference is key here. In addition to feel, layout of the keyboard can vary significantly. There is the "standard" rectangular qwerty keyboard layout. There are the "ergonomic" split keyboards, both flat and humped. And finally there are adjustable keyboards. Again, keyboard preferences are a very subjective thing, and where possible, you should allow users to select a keyboard that feels comfortable for them.
There are a wide variety of pointing devices available, including mice, trackballs, pen-based graphics tablets, trackpads, and joysticks. And each of these categories has different variants. The key aspect is that they work and are comfortable to use. We generally recommend devices that use optical, as opposed to mechanical, sensors, as they are less effected by grunge, unlike mechanical devices, that need regular cleaning. Again, pointing devices are very subjective thing, and you should allow your staff to select the device that best fits them, if possible.
For keyboards, mice, and other input devices, we recommend organizations purchase USB based devices. USB devices are more flexible than older PS/2 standard devices, and can be used on both Macintosh and Windows computers. Most modern computers should have USB ports.