Ergonomics: Evaluating Your Computer Workstation

Laptop monitor riser
A laptop riser makes screen viewing 
more comfortable and allows room
for a standard-sized keyboard.

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18
Telephones
If you use a phone frequently, place it close to you so you don’t have to reach 
across the work surface for it. Try using a headset or a speaker phone if you 
have a tendency to cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder. Headsets 
also make it easier to refer to files or to use the computer while you’re on the 
phone.
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incorrect position
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correct position
If you use your phone frequently, use a headset to reduce awkward neck postures.
Courtesy of the Workers’ Compensation Board of 
British Columbia. Ilustrations used with permission. 

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19
Document holders
A document holder should be stable and adjustable for height and angle of 
view. Place the document holder close to your screen and at the same height 
and viewing distance to reduce head, neck, or back strain as you look from 
screen to document. If a document is too heavy or won’t fit a document holder, 
you can prop it up at an angle between the keyboard and screen if space is 
available.
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incorrect position
If you need to look back and forth 
between your monitor and a 
document, place your document 
on a document holder, close to and 
at the same height and viewing 
distance as your screen. 
When entering data from a large 
document, prop the document up
in front of you.