You invest a large part of your day in front of your machine, do it carefully.
Spending several hours a day in front of the computer can cause backaches, headaches or vision problems, but an ergonomic solution for the user can avoid many of these ailments. The most important thing to keep in mind:
SCREEN
Neither far nor too close. “To ensure an ergonomic way of working, users have to keep in mind that the head and trunk are in a natural position,” says Christian Herzog, of the German technology association Bitkom. It is important that there is at least 50 centimeters of distance to the monitor, and even 70 centimeters if they are 17 inches, “recommends Sascha Wischniewski, of the German Association for Protection and Occupational Health. A screen that can be tilted and raised or download can be adapted simply to the user’s position.
SIZE OF THE LETTER
If it is very small, the eyes are subjected to excessive effort. Sascha Wischniewski recommends a size between 11 and 14 with a distance of 50 centimeters to the monitor. This is usually easy to do. “All the most used browsers allow the option to enlarge the letter and therefore the size of the entire web or to shrink it,” adds Christian Herzog. It can usually be done by simultaneously pressing the “crtl +” or “crtl -” keys.
KEYBOARD
Good keyboards cost money. Ergonomics expert Wischniewski recommends clear surfaces with well visible letters. In addition, surfaces should be slightly curved inwards. Those who write a lot can benefit from special ergonomic keyboards with split surfaces, so as to maintain a natural posture with their hands. It is also recommended to put a pad to support the hands about five to ten centimeters in front of the keyboard, which avoids always tense the wrists when typing. Optimally, the back of the keyboard is slightly higher. Then, the best designs depend on taste: the ideal is to try and see what feels good.
MOUSE
With the correct apparatus, the painful tendonitis associated with the use of the mouse can be avoided. First of all, it has to be adapted to the size of the hand, that is, to have approximately that of the palm itself laid down slightly curved. When testing it, it must be possible to reach all the keys without extending your fingers much. Anyone who has already had problems with pain in the forearm or elbow can opt for a mouse pad solution. For especially complicated cases there are vertical or trackball type mice.
NOTEBOOK
Laptops and tablets have smaller screens than a desktop PC and the keyboard, screen and touchpad are all attached. “On an ergonomic level, this has disadvantages because the work posture is limited,” says Christian Herzog. When working on mobile devices for a long time, the bad viewing angle is problematic. An external keyboard, a mouse and – if possible – an extra monitor help to work with notebooks.
The tablets can also benefit from additional ergonomic equipment. There are lecterns to hold the device and external keyboards that allow you to work more comfortably. Wischniewski stresses that you have to use them, yes, on a table: you have to avoid working with them on your lap.
TABLE
In addition to all of the above, the table should not be very low, but at least 72 centimeters high. Ideally, it can be adjusted between 68 and 76 cm. The work surface must be 160 cm wide by 80 cm deep. Devices such as the printer, which vibrate when used or make noise, should not be on the desk.