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Adjustable Height Work surface
Adjustable height work surfaces allow the height of the work surface to be
optimized.
For employees who have a resting elbow height of less than twenty-nine inches, pin adjustable
workstations are useful
because the work surface can be lowered to accommodate the operator. Should the workstation later be used
for a taller individual, the surface height can be reset to accommodate their parameters. More elaborate
adjustable workstations, which can be adjusted via hand crank or electric motor, allow the
operator to easily modify the work surface height or alternate between having a sitting or standing
workstation. They are preferable when multiple employees share the same workstation at different times.
Est. Cost: ~$400 for pin adjustable, more than $500 for crank and electric versions |
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Adjustable Keyboard Trays
Adjustable keyboard trays allow the user to optimize the placement of the
mouse and keyboard. They are generally recommended for touch typists who use a computer for more than
four hours per day.
Careful consideration is important when selecting one of these units;
reading Tips for Making Purchases
is recommended before making a purchase. EH&S or local vendors can provide further
assistance. Est. Cost: ~$200 |
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Adjustable Monitor Arms
Adjustable monitor arms greatly increase the flexibility of the workstation
by freeing up desk space and allowing the operator to easily move and position their display.
They are generally not seen as necessary to avoid discomforting levels of strain; thus, they
are considered to be a luxury. Est. Cost: ~$200
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Cable Extensions
Cable extensions can be used to improve the placement of equipment at a workstation thereby
helping to avoid awkward postures. They are sometimes necessary following changes to a workstation such as
installation of an adjustable keyboard tray. Est. Cost: Less Than $30
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Chair Mats
Chair mats are plastic mats meant to cover carpet. This allows chairs on wheels
to roll easily over the carpet and it protects the floor. Chair mats are designed for different types of
carpeting; some are even designed for hard surfaces such as wood. When selecting a chair mat, it is
important to consider the type of surface the mat will be used on. Est. Cost: $20-$80
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Computer Peripherals
Different computer peripherals may be effective in reducing strain. Because
product selection is volatile, a list of peripherals is not maintained
here. Straight keyboards, split contoured keyboards, flat keyboards
that mimic a split keyboard design, and alternative pointing devices may all improve posture of the wrists
and hands. Other individuals may require equipment that is more specialized.
Est. Cost: Usually Less Than $100
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Copyholders
Copyholders help maintain neutral positioning when
transcribing information from documents to a computer. They can be placed inline with, or
mounted to the side of a display. Est. Cost: Less than $50
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Corner Sleeves
Corner sleeves are useful for operators who are using an L-shaped desk
as a corner workstation. They are installed on the inside corner of the desk, allowing the operator
to work against a flat surface. They do rest on the work surface, creating an edge that can interfere
with writing or mouse use. If the L-shaped work surface consists of systems furniture, the department
should consider obtaining a suitable diagonal corner surface instead. Est. Cost: Less than $50 |
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Desk Risers
Desk risers are a simple solution to raise an operator's work surface.
Depending on the workstation, they may or may not be a practical solution. They are designed to
hold both feet and edges and are constructed as stackable units, allowing the work surface to be
raised incrementally. Est. Cost: Minimal
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Footrests
Footrests provide a comfortable surface for an operator to rest their feet.
If the height of the chair prevents an operator from comfortably reaching the floor, a footrest is
usually recommended. Est. Cost: Less than $25
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Freestanding Furniture
Free standing, static furniture may not seem impressive, but there is
a lot available in surplus. If an operator's workstation is deficient, it is very likely that a
suitable replacement can be found. Est. Cost: Free through
PSU Surplus
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Full Spectrum Lighting
Light from fluorescent lamps has a different spectrum
than sunlight. This causes fluorescent light to render colors
differently which can impact comfort and productivity. Refer to the
AOA articles on computer vision syndrome (CVS) for more information.
Full spectrum fluorescent lighting is designed to better resemble sunlight, making it more pleasant to many
people. Est. Cost: ~$8 per fluorescent tube
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Keyboard Drawer
Pullout keyboard drawers can improve the position of the mouse and keyboard
for some individuals by lowering these devices up to a few inches. It is important to make sure the unit
supports both the mouse and keyboard, and it is important to verify there is enough clearance below the
work surface. Individuals who use their computer for more than four hours per day should consider
obtaining an adjustable keyboard tray instead. Est. Cost: ~$40 |
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Laptop Risers
Laptops are problematic because the display is attached to the keyboard.
This impacts the operator's posture by causing them to work with the display, keyboard, or both in
an uncomfortable position. When using a laptop at a workstation, measures should be taken to help
support a comfortable posture. Refer to
Cornell University's 5 Tips for Using a
Laptop Computer for further information. Est. Cost: $25 - $60.
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Monitor Risers
In many cases, placing the computer monitor on the work surface results in
the display being too low for the operator to use comfortably. Monitor risers can be used to raise the display to
a comfortable height, allowing the head and neck to remain in neutral position. Est. Cost: Less than
$25
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Palm rests
Palm rests provide a comfortable surface to rest hands on between
periods of typing. Refer to the
Guide to Keyboard and Mouse Use for further information. Est. Cost: Less than $15
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Systems Furniture
Systems furniture is often advantageous because it is highly versatile.
It consists of different sizes of panels, work surfaces, and an array of accessories including but
not limited to task lighting, file pedestals, drawers, shelves, and cabinets. The systems are modular
and can be reconfigured to meet the needs of an individual.
Departments can procure and install systems furniture through an outside vendor, or they can
request assistance from Facilities and Planning by submitting a
work request.
Est. Cost: Varies widely
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Seating Options
For people who spend a significant amount of time sitting at their workstation, it is important that
they have a chair which fits their needs. Careful consideration is important when selecting
a chair; reading Tips for Making Purchases
is recommended before making a purchase. EH&S or local vendors can provide further
assistance. Est. Cost: $250-$800
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Task Lighting
Task lighting can be used to increase the illuminance of a specific area.
It is handy for tasks such as processing paperwork when lighting in the surrounding space cannot be
increased or done so without resulting in adverse effects. Est. Cost: Less than $50
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Telephone Headsets
Operators who frequently answer the telephone or who spend large amounts
of time using a telephone should consider obtaining a telephone headset.
This helps the operator avoid awkward postures by allowing them the full use of their hands while
using the telephone. Headsets can be obtained through
PSU Telecommunications and Networking.
Est. Cost: $80 to $300
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Wedge Cushions
Wedge cushions may help an individual maintain a declined posture in a
chair without the forward-tilt ability. Est. Cost: Less than $40
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