Ergonomic desks are designed for height and tilt angle adjustments, with a hole for computer cables and a keyboard tray. They reduce workplace injuries and increase productivity. Ergonomic desk standards are legislated in every state in the US.
An ergonomic desk is a desk designed to allow for height and tilt angle adjustments by the user. Height adjustments can be manual or motorized, depending on the sophistication and expense of the table. Ergonomic desks can also be modular, with the work surface attached to cubic panels.
Most ergonomic desks are built for use with computers and related equipment.
The typical ergonomic desk has a hole in the work surface itself for the purpose of routing computer cables out of the desk surface. Many models provide a hinged keyboard tray, with an optional mouse pad extension or pull-out tray.
Ergonomics is the design of equipment to reduce fatigue and injury. The field has experienced tremendous growth due to the expansion of computers in the workplace. This change had the unexpected side effect of workplace injuries and physical complaints becoming commonplace for sedentary office jobs.
Over time, physiological studies were conducted and the main causes of worker injuries were related to workstation design. When a computer workstation is a standard height desk or desk, it is the correct height for a 6-foot-1 person. The height of the desk is not conducive to a natural bend in the elbow to access the keyboard for shorter people.
Office staff can develop neck, back and shoulder strain from the number of hours spent with arms bent at an unnatural angle to access the keyboard. By offering a built-in keyboard, with a height-adjustable table, the location of the keyboard can be adjusted. Studies were done to determine the ideal height for a keyboard that would minimize neck and back strain, and ergonomic desk designs were made available.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the field of office ergonomics gained wide acceptance, and a standard was developed for ergonomic desks, workstations, and chairs. Manufacturers have adjusted their designs to meet user needs and reduce worker injuries. The availability of ergonomic desks has a direct impact on office worker productivity.
Every state in the US has legislated requirements for minimum office equipment, called ergonomic desk standards. Implementation of these standards has been widely supported by ergonomic desk manufacturers. They were willing to create products to meet customer needs, but were initially unable to support the wide range of options being proposed.
To be considered an ergonomic desk, the work surface must be level, with a cutout for computer cords and cables located in the middle of the desk. The keyboard tray can be built into the table, but it must be adjustable.
There must be a minimum of three possible height options available. Alternatively, the keyboard tray can be secured under the work surface, but it must be adjustable for vertical and horizontal adjustments. There should be mouse trays, both left and right, located at the same height as the keyboard tray.
Most ergonomic desks are used with an ergonomic chair, with multiple adjustment options for locations in height, angle, and armrest. Lumbar and neck support are available on high-end models.
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