Ergonomics

Ergonomic Information

Ergonomic means to us (FGCU Environmental Health and Safety):

Ergonomics is fitting the workspace and equipment to the user. A workspace with proper ergonomic design will allow users to easily vary their positions and work comfortably throughout the day. Below are minimum requirements for office furnishings to ensure the range of adjustment necessary to meet the needs of a wide range of users. In some instances, exceptional users may require special accommodation beyond these standards to achieve a proper ergonomic fit.

Purpose

FGCU Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is here to assist our employees to create and preserve a healthy and safe working environment.

Goal

FGCU EH&S goal of the Ergonomics Program is to help University departments/units and personnel identify risk factors that can contribute to the development of work-related musculoskeletal injuries and determine solutions to eliminate or reduce these risk factors

Services

Offering on-campus ergonomic evaluations while working on campus, we can recommend products that are ergonomically helpful to avoid those workstation hazards.

Commonly Used Equipment

Office equipment	Suitable Use
Desk Chair	The seat pan and the lumbar support must be adjustable for height and depth. If armrests are included, they must be adjustable for height and width. The chair back must lock upright or even better with a slight (approximately 5 degrees) slope. The chair must swivel, and roll easily on the floor with a minimum of five castors. The chair height adjustment must be pneumatic rather than screw-type. All adjustments must be accessible from the seated position. The chair upholstery must breathe, and support the user without creating pressure points. Additional features that promote user comfort include a tilting seat pan with a sloping or “waterfall front” to relieve pressure on the backs of the legs. An adjustable angle of slope on the chair back promotes proper use of the backrest and prevents the user from sliding forward.
Raised Bench or Counter Work Chair	Due to the increased height, chairs for raised bench or counter use must include integral foot rests in addition to the chair requirements above. Castors are often preferred, but not required. If frequent standing is likely, provide an anti-fatigue mat on hard flooring surfaces. For counterwork, consider the depth of the counter and the amount of reach required to conduct business.
Keyboard Tray	The keyboard tray must be stable and hold both the keyboard and pointing device (mouse) adjacent to each other at the same height. The tray must easily adjust for height and tilt. Tray mounting systems that require reaching under or behind the tray to tighten or loosen a knob are not easily adjustable. The tray installation should allow movement of the tray out of the way to provide close access to the desk.
Monitors	The monitor must fit directly in front of the user with the screen approximately 22-24 inches from the user and the top of the monitor about eye level. Users with bifocal or progressive lens eyewear may benefit from placing the monitor even lower. This spacing is typically not a problem with the newer flat screen monitors, but keep in mind that multiple monitors that are being used, keep at same height.
Desk	The desk must allow placement of frequently used equipment within the users’ reach without having to stretch. This is simple for a user with a single computer, but complicated for users with multiple computers, other office machines, large phones, or frequent use of bound materials. At the computer keyboard and monitor location, curved corners in desks are typically best, ninety degree corners the worse, and diagonal corners a middle compromise.

Additional Resources

Federal Agency - Occupational Safety Health Department
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Common Vendors Used to Purchase Office Equipment
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Commonly FAQ's (see table)

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Common FAQ	Response
Does FGCU EH&S pay for my new equipment?	Your department pays for all your new equipment.
I need to procure some equipment for my workstations (a keyboard, mouse, monitor, Varidesk, etc.) Do I need to receive permission from EHS?	No. Ergonomic equipment can be bought that same way as supplies. Talk to your department’s Dean/Director for further information regarding how to purchase ergonomic equipment.
Do I need permission from EH&S to change an aspect of my existing workstation?	No. You can move monitors, computer towers, docking station, keyboards, mouse, and Varidesk (if applicable) but your department must contact Work Management to move a piece of furniture.
Do I need permission from EH&S to change an aspect of my NEW workstation?	No. Have your Dean/Director talk to the project manager at Facilities Planning regarding your newly assigned workstation. Let them know if the new installation accommodates any of the considerations you may have that will work ergonomically.
Who do I contact to purchase a chair?	Contact EH&S we have a couple of reputable vendors where you can purchase a chair. However, before you purchase a chair, stop by EH&S and try out the different types of chairs we have to demonstrate.
Who do I contact to conduct an ergonomic evaluation?	This service is provided free of charge for FGCU employees, please contact EH&S at 590-1414 for an appointment.