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Adjustable Height Worksurface
Adjustable height worksurfaces allow the height of the worksurface to be
optimized. High-end versions, which can be adjusted via hand crank or electric motor, allow the
operator to easily modify the worksurface 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: More than $500 |
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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 type for more than four hours
per day. Careful consideration is important when selecting
an adjustable keyboard tray. The workstation must meet requirements to accommodate the unit and provide
the necessary clearance. The adjustable keyboard tray itself should have a low profile, feature a
negative tilt ability, as well support both the keyboard and mouse.
Adjustable keyboard trays can be expensive. Cheaper products that are sold in retail stores are usually
problematic and should be avoided. Consultation with Environmental Health and Safety or a listed vendor
is highly recommended before the purchase of an adjustable keyboard tray. 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. In
combination with an adjustable keyboard tray, an operator can have enough room to process paperwork and use
the video display terminal on a surface as narrow as 24". Est. Cost: ~$200
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Cable Extensions
Cable extensions can be used to improve the placement of equipment at a workstation, thus
helping to avoid awkward postures. They are also sometimes necessary following changes to a workstation, such as
installation of an adjustable keyboard tray or monitor arm. Est. Cost: Less Than $30
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Computer Peripherals
Different computer peripherals may be effective in reducing strain. Because
product selection is volatile, a list of recommended peripherals is not maintained
here. Straight keyboards, split contoured keyboards, flat keyboards
that mimic a split keyboard design, and special mouses 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 worksurface, creating an edge that can interfere
with writing or mouse use. If the L-shaped worksurface 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 worksurface.
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 worksurface 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, though 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 in surplus. For further information, Contact the PSU Warehouse at
5-4921. 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 reduce 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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Laptop Risers
Laptops are problematic because the display is attached to the keyboard,
causing the operator to work with the keyboard, display, or both in an awkward position and impacting
their posture. When using a laptop at a workstation, the operator should either use a docking station
connected to a keyboard and monitor, or a laptop riser with a separate keyboard in a fashion that is
consistent with ergonomic principles. This is necessary for an operator to maintain a healthy posture
while working on a notebook computer. Refer to
Cornell University's 5 Tips for Using a
Laptop Computer for further information. Est. Cost: less than $25
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Monitor Risers
In many cases, placing the computer monitor on the worksurface 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. Ideally, it is better for an operator to type while floating their hands over the
keyboard, as opposed to typing while resting their palms on a surface. It is also important to consider
the difference between resting palms and resting wrists. Resting wrists should be avoided
because this can increase pressure on soft tissues in the wrists and lead to discomfort.
Est. Cost: Less than $25
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Systems Furniture
Systems furniture is often advantageous because it is highly versatile.
It consists of different sizes of panels, worksurfaces, 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.
For assistance with a single workstation, Contact FAP Maintenance at 5-4925. For projects involving
multiple workstations, Contact FAP AECS.
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 that fits their needs. This means that the chair must have dimensions that
accommodate the parameters of the individual, support them in a healthy posture, and include features
that allow the them to avoid fatigue and slouching. Visit our guide on
chair selection. 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 and Handset Lifters
For operators who frequently answer the telephone or who use the telephone
for long durations should consider obtaining a wireless headset. This helps the operator avoid awkward
postures by allowing them the full use of their hands while on the telephone. A handset lifter can be
used in combination with a wireless headset to further avoid repetitive motion. A wireless headset
system can be obtained through
PSU Telecommunications and Networking.
Est. Cost: ~$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. This may also be useful for individuals who are frequently
in meetings away from their office. Est. Cost: Less than $40
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