Workplace Basics

Health and safety at your desk

The simple act of sitting at a desk and working on a computer can put stress and strain on your body. Over time, this unnecessary strain can result in painful injuries. These injuries can sometimes lead to decreased productivity and lost workdays. To maintain your health and safety, consider the following:

Body position

• Head and neck should be upright, not bent forward or backward.
• Head, neck, and trunk should face forward.
• Trunk should be perpendicular to the floor.
• Shoulders and upper arms should be relaxed and perpendicular to the floor, not outstretched or elevated.
• Upper arms and elbow should be close to the body.
• Forearms, wrists, and hands should be straight and parallel to the floor.
• Thighs should be parallel to the floor and lower legs about perpendicular to the floor, not crossed.
• Feet should rest flat on the floor.
• Thighs shouldn't be restricted by the height of the desk.
• Legs and feet should have enough space so the you can get close enough to the desk and monitor.