Office Computers

Issue	Hazard	Solution	Check it
Monitor height	Computer screen is too high (or chair too low). User wears bifocal glasses.	Ensure eyes are level with top of screen. Set monitor so employee can read top of screen without tilting head backwards to do so.
Legibility of screen contents	Screen is too close to or too far from eyes. Reflections in screen from windows or lights. Glare from intensity of light in work environment. Sunlight falls directly on to monitor screen.	Surface of screen should be at arms length. Move monitor to eliminate reflections. Move computer to change line of vision. Use blinds to block direct sunlight.
Keyboard and mouse height	Keyboard is being used at the wrong height. Wrist support is the wrong height or material. Keyboard is being used to one side of computer.	Arms should be parallel to floor when at rest. Avoid wrists resting on a hard or sharp edge. Keyboard should be used in front of screen.
Mouse placement and shape	Mouse is being used too far away from keyboard. Inappropriate mouse size and / or shape for the user?s hand.	Locate mouse as close as possible to keyboard. Provide a mouse which fits the size and natural shape of the user's hand.
Documents used when keyboarding	Documents referred to when keyboarding are placed in a position which involves user in making excessive eye and neck movement.	Use A 4 document holder level with and close to one side of the screen (for 'touch typists'). Use A 3 document holder above keyboard, and in front of screen ( for non 'touch typists').
Blood circulation	Feet are not able to rest comfortably on floor. Thighs are pressing too hard on edge of seat.	Use a footrest which allows feet to be placed flat on its surface with thighs just clear of seat edge.

Further Information

Regulations
Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 Part 4: Plant

Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 Part 5: Manual Handling

Comcare Guidance Material
OHS Book 1 - Officewise

OHS Book 63 - Eye health in the workplace

Further Information Other Guidance Material
ASCC Index of National Standards, Codes of Practice and related Guidance Notes

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Page last updated:September 24, 2008