Height Adjustable Desks

Adjustable Height Desk Guidelines

The human body is not designed to remain in the same position for hours at a time. Adjustable height workstations address this need to move and allow the user to change position frequently throughout the day. They are the foundation for any ergonomically equipped workspace and can be the single most effective means of achieving flexibility, maximizing comfort and increasing productivity in any office environment. Ergo Experts’ product offering features a wide selection of industry options and the flexibility to mix and match features to build the perfect workstation for virtually any application or budget.

The following details should be taken into consideration when selecting the right workstation for any application.

1) The size and shape of the workspace will determine the optimal size and shape of the work surface you select. Because adjustable height work surfaces move, you should allow 1" of clearance on each side, and 1" clearance as well in back of the work surface to avoid pinch points and scraping.

2) Knowing the type of equipment to be used on the work surface is crucial when selecting an adjustable height workstation. When selecting a non-electric work center such as a crank or counter-balance table the weight of the equipment to be placed on the work surface will affect the amount of human force required to adjust the height of the workstation. The more force required, the less ergonomic the solution. All electric workstations also feature a weight limit rating to ensure that the motor is not overworked and the workstation moves efficiently throughout the life of the product. When comparing weight ratings it is important to clarify whether the weight rating includes the total weight of the work surface plus the equipment to be used, or the payload capacity after the weight of the work surface is taken into consideration.

3) Understanding the work to be performed and the types of accessories to be used with the work surface are also key considerations. Workstations have many different types of frame supports and structures and some may not provide the clearances required for the installation of other key accessories such as adjustable monitor supports and keyboard trays.

4) The range of adjustability required is one of the most important considerations when selecting the right adjustable workcenter. BIFMA G1 2013 recommends a range of adjustability from 22.6" to 48.7" to accommodate the 5th to 95th percentile of the workforce.

Standing Ergonomic Guidelines

1) Height Adjustment – Adjust the height of the work surface to a level approx. 1” below your rested elbow height level, and relax your shoulders. Gently rest your palms on a palm support. Avoid resting your wrists on the palm support.

2) Mousing – Move your mouse as close to your keyboard as possible. As with the palm support mentioned above, avoid using the mousing surface as an anchor, instead, allow the heel of your palm to glide over the mousing surface, using your entire arm when mousing.

3) Display – Your monitor should sit approx. an arm’s length away, with your eyes aligned at the same level as the top line of text, or slightly below. Adjust the monitor tilt so your line of sight is close to perpendicular to the monitor.

4) Alignment - Align the middle of your body with the monitor and spacebar, keep frequently used devices within easy reach.

5) Lighting - Utilize a task light on the side opposite side of your writing hand. Directed light at documents and away from monitor to maximize glare reduction.

6) Reset – Allow your body to recover from repetitive stress with two to three 30 to 60 second breaks each hour.

Sitting Ergonomic Guidelines

1) Seat Height – Maintain seat level that ensures your thighs are parallel to the floor, keeping your feet flat on the floor (or footrest).

2) Seat Depth – Adjust seat depth (if available) to allow for two inches of clearance between the back of your knees and the front edge of the seat.

3) Back Height – Adjust height of chair back so that contour comfortably fits the small of your back.

4) Recline – Adjust the recline tension to support varying degrees of recline during the day. Avoid the use of recline locks.

5) Posture – Slightly lean back in a relaxed posture and allow the backrest to support your upper body.

6) Keyboard Tray – Position an articulating keyboard tray 1 to 1.5 inches above your thighs. Tilt the keyboard platform negatively (front edge higher than back edge) to keep wrists straight while typing. Rest your palms, but not your wrists, on any palm support placed in front of your keyboard.

7) Mousing – Move your mouse as close to your keyboard as possible. As with the palm support mentioned above, avoid using the mousing surface as an anchor, instead, allow the heel of your palm to glide over the mousing surface, using your entire arm when mousing.

8) Display – Your monitor should sit approx. an arm’s length away, with your eyes aligned at the same level as the top line of text, or slightly below. Adjust the monitor tilt so your line of sight is close to perpendicular to the monitor.

9) Lighting - Utilize a task light on the side opposite side of your writing hand. Directed light at documents and away from monitor to maximize glare reduction.

10) Alignment - Align the middle of your body with the monitor and spacebar, keep frequently used devices within easy reach.

11) Reset – Allow your body to recover from repetitive stress with two to three 30 to 60 second breaks each hour.