Checklist workstation

Everyone performs their work in their own manner and has their workstation structured according to their individual wishes. Still, there are number of recommendations for organizing a workstation efficiently. We state those guidelines here and to make it more practice-based, we first state the problem, then the solution: ¥ Problem, • Guideline, and > Possible solution.

¥ Problem: I need more area to perform my tasks, so more desk space.
•Guideline: The desk surface must have a minimum size of 1,600 x 800mm, so 1.28m2. For workstations with only a monitor where few paper documents are used and there is little variation in tasks, the desk must be at least 1,200 x 800mm.
> Solution: Enlarge the desk space available, for instance by using an extra side table or mobile chest of drawers. As an ultimate solution, ask the manager for a larger desk.

¥ Problem: My desktop cannot be adjusted to my ideal height.
• Guideline: The fixed desktop should have a height of 74cm (+/- 20mm). The ideal is a height-adjustable desk or a sit/stand desk. The latter can be height-adjusted from 650mm to 1,250mm.
> Solution: Ask for another desk, preferably one that is (electrically) height-adjustable.

¥ Problem: I have to sit still, in one position, because there is too little space for my legs and feet.
• Guideline: There must be sufficient leg space. This must be at least 850mm wide.
> Solution: Remove any objects that limit movement, such as a trashcan.

¥ Problem: My sit/stand desk has too little space, I cannot change my position regularly.
• Guideline: The space around sit/stand desks must have a foot space of at least 790mm wide, 150mm deep and 120mm high.
> Solution: Remove any objects that limit the movement, such as a trashcan.

¥ Problem: Paper and files are always stacked next to the keyboard or I stick them underneath the monitor screen.
• Guideline: If you have to work with a lot of paper, use a document holder that can be tilted between 15 and 75 degrees that is large enough to hold your documents and is stable.
> Solution: Ask for a document holder with those qualities, preferably one that can be set parallel with the keyboard and the monitor. Alternative: one that can be fixed next to the monitor screen, at the same height.

¥ Problem: My neck hurts from switching my view from the monitor at my left-hand side to my telephone at my right-hand side.
• Guideline: Supplies and accessories that are used often must be placed centrally in order to prevent uncomfortable movements and poses.
> Solution: Fix/ hang the monitor right in front of the chair, in a 90-degree angle to the lengthside of the desktop. Make sure the desktop is sufficiently deep to facilitate the placing of the keyboard, document holder and monitor in one straight line. Place the telephone and any other often-used accessories within easy reach.

¥ Problem: My head hurts from squinting at my computer screen.
• Guideline: The distance between the eyes of the user and the monitor, the keyboard and the document holder should be equal and at least 50cm.
> Solution: Place the screen farther/closer or set the font size at a higher/lower level. Structure the desktop in such a way that the suggested criteria can be met. A pair of special computer glasses can also help.

¥ Problem: My neck hurts from looking up/down at the monitor screen.
• Guideline: The uppermost line of the document on the screen should be at eye level or lower.
> Solution: Set the monitor lower/higher, for instance by removing it from the desktop computer housing. People wearing glasses with multi-focus lenses or with only a reading-section in their lenses, the monitor should preferably be placed a little lower.

¥ Problem: I have only a laptop on which I have to work for long periods of time.
• Guideline: The keyboard is separate from the screen and can be placed in a variable position. In front of the keyboard there is enough space to rest the hands/wrists on the desktop.
> Solution: Ask for a laptop stand with a separate keyboard and mouse. There are also separate numeric keypads that can be USBconnected to the laptop.

¥ Problem: The cables of mouse and keyboard swerve across the desktop, sometimes they even upset my coffee cup. Underneath my desk, I get entangled in the wiring and cabling of my equipment and accessories.
• Guideline: The wiring and cabling of the equipment should not hinder work or cause problems when the user changes position.
> Solution: Use wireless equipment or structure the desktop in such a way that no wire or cable causes trouble. Even better: use special, adequate – and safe – cable management with clamps, gutters and such.

¥ Problem: My workstation only has overhead lighting and although it’s powerful enough, it also creates shadows on my desktop.
• Guideline: The lighting in the office should be adequate, offer sufficient light and no blinding or reflection.
> Try individual lighting by means of a desk lamp, preferably one with LED lights. Make sure the light does not blind or create reflections on the monitor screen.

¥ Problem: There are not enough electrical sockets/outlets for my equipment and my private stuff, such as chargers, so I have to bring my own power extensions.
• Guideline: The power facilities available are sufficient for all equipment and safe.
> Solution: Do not DIY with electricity at the workstation. Ask the facility manager for more sockets at or near the workstation. Using loose plug-in banks can cause safety risks.