Harper College will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 17. Remote instruction will be extended through the first two weeks of the semester. On-campus offices are closed and student services are being provided virtually through January 29. In-person classes and services will resume January 31. The Health and Recreation Center remains open. Learn more

Office Ergonomics

Office Ergonomics is included in the EH&S/RM Manual, Section 13 .PDF

Working from Home? Here are some general ergonomic tips to help you set up your own personal workstation. 

  • General Safety
    • Remove any trip hazards in your working space, tie up loose cords
    • Use a chair or boxes to block access to the trip hazard if needed
    • Don't overload outlets and use grounded extension cords
    • Be aware of your surroundings and remove any dangerous items to protect children and pets
  • Using a Laptop? Don't hunch over it.
    • Use a laptop stand or stack books to support the screen
    • Use an external keyboard and mouse and keep everything at the correct height
  • Prevent Wrist Wrinkles 
    • Use a gel wrist rest, to protect your wrists from hard surfaces
    • Use a folded hand towel below your keyboard and mouse if you don't have a gel wrist rest
  • Monitor Use
    • Follow the 20/20/20 Rule; for every 20 minutes of looking at the computer, look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds
    • Place your monitor 90 degrees to the placement of windows to prevent glare  
  • Chair Comfort
    • If you are uncomfortable in the chair you are sitting in, add back support like a rolled towel or pillows for added padding on the seat
  • Footrest Options
    • Knees should be even with your hips and ankles at 90 degrees 
    • Use a footrest to keep the knees at hip height to help your lower back
    • Do not tuck your feet under the seat, it stresses the knees

 

Need an Adjustment?

There are generally 3 types of office chairs on campus.  Determine which type you have and review how to adjust your chair.

KI Engage Chair

KI Engage Chair:
Review this document to learn how to adjust your chair.

Steelcase Criterion Chair

Steelcase Criterion Chair:
Watch this brief video to learn how to adjust your chair to fit you.

 FourC Task ChairKI FourC Task Chair: Learn how to adjust your chair here.

Learn more at Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Departments are responsible for providing a proper ergonomic workstation (an adjustable chair and keyboard tray) upon hiring a new employee working at a computer.

If you are not able to resolve your concern and want to schedule a 30 minute Ergonomic Evaluation, submit this form.

Last Updated: 12/8/21