The evolution of technology in the workplace in the form of personal computers has contributed to the development and identification of employee health and safety issues related to workplace ergonomics. The migration from typewriters to PC keyboards for correspondence and data entry has introduced hazards to clerical and administrative employees not previously encountered.

First, the computer keyboard requires much less force to operate than a manual typewriter and offers less key displacement than the conventional manual typewriter. If the computer keyboard is used with the same manual force as a typewriter, the keyboard may not be able to absorb the force and may result in increased risk of cumulative injury. Secondly, the layout of the standard computer keyboard (“QWERTY”) promotes the use of the smallest, weakest fingers to activate many edit and function keys. Some edit and function keys must remain down while other keys are activated forcing users to stretch two or more fingers in the same hand to reach these multi-key combinations, placing increased strain on the upper extremities. Finally, typists have natural breaks in their work, such as putting in new paper and operating the carriage return. Modern technology has streamlined office tasks and eliminated these attendant tasks. The result is that all activities can be performed on the keyboard without pause and the potential for musculo-tendon overuse, nerve compression, and other physical problems is increased.

For these reasons, it is essential that all employees receive training in basic ergonomics and using office equipment and furnishings safely and efficiently. The following suggestions are offered as a guide for proper body positioning at the computer:

Posture is a dynamic relationship between body parts, not a static pose. It is useful to make slight adjustments during the work shift to seated positioning, the chair, the desk, and other office implements.