How to Set Up Your Computer Workstation

Setting up a computer workstation properly entails much more than maintaining an aesthetically pleasing work environment. Positioning your computer, accessories, work surface, chair and light source well helps to keep you in good posture as you use the computer. Following a few simple but important guidelines for workstation setup can preserve your health, particularly if you spend long hours in front of the computer.

Instructions

1

Set up the height of your desk or table so the work surface lets you keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle with your forearms parallel to the floor.

2

Tilt the seat of your chair so you can type comfortably. The tilt may be perfectly horizontal or slightly forward. Make sure this situation allows your feet to be at 90 degrees flexion or greater. Incorporate a footrest if necessary.

3

Place your keyboard on the work surface so your hands align with your forearm and your wrists are straight.

4

Set up your monitors screen so it is below eye level and at a comfortable distance. Consider this distance to be within arms length. Make sure you can read the bottom of the screen without titling your head much, if at all.

5

Keep your monitor to the side of your light source, as opposed to directly underneath it. Set up your workstation so your eyes are at a 45-degree angle from the light source. Align your desk so it is parallel with fluorescent strip lights. Keep your monitor away from windows. Turn the monitor so neither you nor your screen faces the window.