Computer comfort

Overview

It is important to adjust the ergonomic set-up of your computer workstation, so you can work comfortably and safely.

All staff and students must take reasonable care of themselves and should ensure that they adjust equipment to suit their needs. Regular, short stretch breaks are important and help keep you comfortable and safe when using computers.

Varying tasks and taking regular short rest breaks away from the computer to perform gentle stretching and eye exercises (at least every half hour) will optimise circulation and assist with flexibility and joint mobility.

Correct posture will ensure an even distribution of workload on the body and will reduce fatigue. Correct adjustment of furniture and equipment will assist you to maintain correct posture and body alignment. Learning to touch type is an effective way to reduce repeated neck movement.

UTS resources and services

UTS has a number of instructional videos and a checklist to assist staff to maintain their comfort when working at a computer workstation.

• Self-assessment checklist
• Stretching exercises
• Workstation setup

UTS Staff can access further Computer Comfort - Workstation Ergonomics information and resources on Staff Connect(UTS Staff only)

Advice for UTS staff on purchasing ergonomic equipment such as office chairs can be found on Staff Connect(UTS Staff only).

External resources

Australian Standards / New Zealand Standards

• AS/NZS 4443:1997 - Office panel systems - Workstations
• AS/NZS 4438:1997 - Height adjustable swivel chairs
• AS/NZS 4438:1997/Amdt 1:1999 - Height adjustable swivel chairs
• AS/NZS 1961.4.2004 - Castors and Wheels- Castors and Wheels for Furniture - Castors for Swivel Chairs
• AS 1680.2.2-1994 - Interior lighting - Office and screen-based tasks

Comcare, Australian Government

Comcare administers the Commonwealth workers compensation scheme.

• Virtual Office (opens an external site)
  Use to check safety in your area.

Safe Work Australia, Australian Government

• Guidance Note for the Prevention of Occupational Overuse Syndrome in Keyboard Employment (PDF, 1.95MB) ) (opens an external site)
  [NOHSC:3005 (1996)]
• Ergonomic Principles and Checklists for the selection of Office Furniture and Equipment (PDF, 1.19MB) ) (opens an external site)
  NOHSC (1991)

Ergonomics in Australia

• How To Sit At A Computer (opens an external site)
  Mark Dohrmann and Partners Pty Ltd

Download the
"Safety & Wellbeing at Work: Computer Comfort" Brochure (PDF, 560 kB) or A3-Size Poster (PDF, 1.25 Mb)