An appropriately adjusted desk will allow you to sit comfortably at your workstation, while also reducing awkward postures and discomfort.
Quick Tips
- Keep your desk neat and organized;
- Pull into the desk to place the upper arms in line with the spine;
- Make sure your body is centered on the home keys of the keyboard.
Desk Accessories
Phone: Wear a headset if you spend more than 50 percent of your day on the phone, and keep phone within arm’s reach
Document Holder: Prevent repetitive neck movements (i.e., looking up and down), use if you spend majority of your day copying documents
Foot Rests: Use to keep feet flat while in seated position to prevent back strain (90 degree, 90 degree, 90 degree rule)
Adjustable Keyboard Tray: Creates room on one’s desktop while also aligning the wrists to a neutral position for typing
Clearance: Avoid storing items underneath your desk. This will allow you to pull into the workstation and assist with maintaining the upper arms in line with the spine.
Clutter: Keeping your workstation neat and organized can help with reducing reaching and twisting movements, as well as create a conducive working environment.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration also provides guidelines for setting up workstations properly.
View Occupational Safety Knowledge Base
The Knowledge Base contains forms, instruction and training material, minutes, policies, tools and other resources to support your research efforts by topic area.
Brian Cournoyer, Occupational Health and Safety Manager
Phone: (603) 862-4761
Email: brian.cournoyer@unh.edu
Andrew Ernakovich, Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator
Phone: (603) 862-4266
Email: Andrew.Ernakovich@unh.edu
