The word ergonomics means the science of designing the working environment so that staff can work efficiently.
The 1992 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment Regulations) established legal requirements for lighting in computer rooms.
The Railway Premises Act established legal requirements for the minimum and maximum office temperatures.
The following factors should be taken into account when designing an office or office furniture:
- Decoration
- Lighting conditions
- Heating conditions
- Comfortable (adjustable) seating
- Appropriate furniture
Bright colour schemes should not be used in office décor because they can aggravate emotions such as anger and depression, causing the morale between workers to drop.
The benefits of carpeting a computer room is that the carpet will absorb sound conserve heat and give a warm and welcoming appearance.
Ergonomics is the science of designing the working environment so that people can work safely. It includes the office itself and any equipment that workers use on a regular basis – e.g. chairs, desks and computing facilities.
Examples of good ergonomics include providing:
- An adjustable chair with good support for the back
- A mouse mat and keyboard with wrist support
- Training on adjusting equipment to suit individuals
Repeating the same task over and over again can be harmful to a worker’s health, especially if work facilities are badly designed. For example, by using a mouse every day on an office computer can lead to RSI – this is called Repetitive Strain Injury.
| Scenario | Solution |
| New member of staff starts work and is shown to her desk | Provide training on adjusting equipment to suit individuals. |
| Worker cannot reach the floor once the chair is raised | Provide an adjustable footrest. |
| Mouse must be used for design work that takes a long time to do | Provide a mouse mat with wrist support. |
| Secretary is required to word process documents for most of the day | Provide a keyboard with wrist support. |
| Worker complains that uncomfortable chair is causing backache | Provide adjustable chairs with good support for the back. |
| Worker comments that the monitor on his computer is difficult to see | Ensure that monitors can be adjusted |
