ICT Class First Meeting

Ergonomic Use of The Keyboard, Monitor and Mouse 

Most of you don't actually care where to put your keyboard, monitor or mouse since you think that they don't actually impact on your health. I'm telling you right now that it's totally wrong! Improper positions may cause hand, wrist and shoulder pains. Here, I have provided you some tips on how you can ergonomically use them. 

1. KEYBOARD

• Height - Your keyboard must not be too low or too high, which may cause awkward positions of your wrist and that, may cause hand, wrist and shoulder discomfort. It is important to have the most comfort position of your keyboard, depending on how tall your table or chair is. You can adjust the lever on your chair to have your comfort zone, or you may also set a keyboard tray so that you can adjust the height of your keyboard easily.
• Distance - The distance of your keyboard must not be too far or too close. Adjust it so that it is directly in front of you. Since yes, again, if it's placed wrongly, it may cause pain to your hand, wrist and shoulder.
• Use - Keep your wrist from bending since it may cause pain on your wrist. Maintain a neutral and straight position. 

2. MONITOR

• Distance - Make sure your eyes are set 20-40 inches from the monitor. This might reduce the risk of having eye problems. Besides, improper distances might cause muscle pain. The size of the font on your monitor must also be big enough to be seen. You can provide spaces between your work desk so you can adjust the distance easily.
• Viewing Angle - Too low or too high angles might cause pain in your neck. The best viewing angle is shown on the picture below. To adjust the angle, you may lower/higher your chair, depending on your monitor's position.

• Viewing Time - Don't view your monitor too long since it may cause eye dryness. Every 20 minutes, rest your eye for 2-3 minutes.

3. MOUSE 

• Position - Make sure your mouse is not too close with the keyboard since it may cause awkward positions for the wrist. Adjust the mouse so it's far enough from the keyboard and as comfortable as possible. If possible, place your mouse on the keyboard tray. This can reduce the risk of wrist pain.
• Size and Shape - Choose a mouse that fits your hand properly. You might have to try a lot of mouses to find a perfect fit for your hand. 
• Grip - Avoid to grip your mouse to strong. Don't worry, your mouse is dead already! Hold it gently so it won't broke easily.

Overall, the most comfort workstation looks like this. This kind of position will reduce the pains you are all complaining about.

So, these are the conclusions and the tips I got from my research and my friends' presentation on the first meeting of the ICT class. Hope it might help! (: