1	Help Desk Ergonomics By: Jeff Pajot, President PAJOT ERGONOMICS pajot@email.com © PAJOT ERGONOMICS
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4	Ergonomics Ergonomics (or Human Factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. * Safety * Productivity * Comfort * Save $
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6	Muscle Contraction
7	The Evils of Static Muscle Contraction
8	Fatigue
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11	Chair Height: Feet flat Depth: Too short (not enough support on legs) or too long (backrest not used or legs dangle) Width: Min 2 in. > hip width Back Rest: Adjustable lumbar support Arm Rests: Fully adjustable
12	Keyboard Height Adjustment Level with elbows Why? Too low, causes bend & slouch Too high, causes shoulder shrug & static contraction
13	Keyboard Angle
14	Palm Support Myth of the “wrist rest” Palm support actually supports the shoulder & neck muscles *CAUTION: Never rest wrist on support, only palm (heel) of hand should touch the support Gel palm supports
15	Mouse & Keyboard Keyboard and mice close No reaching! Sit upright, sit back in chair and draw chair in close to keyboard “Ergo mice” Split keyboards Small keyboards
16	Split Keyboard
17	Monitor Height Top of screen level with horizontal line of sight or Top of screen same height as eye height Eyes rest at 15° below horizontal
18	Extra Aids Headset Document holder same level as screen & same distance as screen from eyes Viewing of large wall screens
19	Environment Glare Eyestrain Sunlight vs. electric lights Temperature Personal preferences vary, err on the side of too cool Shiftwork Health risks Shift patterns
20	Exercise Break every 40-50 min. Stand up frequently Contract muscles to increase blood flow Stretches Overall fitness especially aerobic activity
21	Ergonomics Consulting: PAJOT ERGONOMICS 721-4944 pajot@email.com