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Desks:
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Firstly decide on how mush storage is required and what type.
Double pedestal desks i.e. those with drawers at both sides,
are not recommended for jobs which require a mixture of tasks.
They reduce legroom and cause users to sit with twisted postures.
They are not designed for the office jobs of today. The ideal
solution is to purchase a desk and then a mobile drawer unit.
This provides for flexibility both now and in the future.
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In recent years there has been a move towards
'curvy' desks. Also known as computer desks they have
a deep corner that is usually the location of the monitor.
This corner enables the user to sit a comfortable distance
away from the screen (for most approximately an arms length)
whilst having room either side for other tasks.
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The desk is curved so users can easily swivel
in their chairs and still be close to the desk. Desks that are
L-shaped with a right-angled inner corner are not advised as
they often lead to postural problems. Often it is not possible
to position the chair close enough so users either reach forward
(curving the back) or sit on the edge of their seat.
When buying desks also look at where the legs are positioned
and how they are designed. Desks that are curvy on the top do
not always allow the user to move their chair underneath. It
should be possible to move the chair freely from one side to
the other and leave enough room for a footrest if one is needed.
Lastly check that the edge has rounded edges and no sharp corners.
The thickness of the desktop should be such that the user can
sit in the recommended posture without the desktop pressing
into the top of the thighs.
The Schedule to the Display Screen Equipment Regulations
which details the minimum requirement s for workstations gives
the following guidance:
(d) Work desk or work surface
The work desk or work surface shall have a sufficiently large,
low reflectance surface and allow for a flexible arrangement
of the screen, keyboard, documents and related equipment.
There shall be adequate space for operators or users to find
a comfortable position.
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© Open Ergonomics
Ltd. |
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