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Choosing a Desk
A desk is a work surface. It's a place where tools
needed to achieve the task at hand are laid out. The more efficient
the layout, the more likely that office workers will complete tasks
quickly and correctly, without causing physical or mental damage
to themselves in the process.
Modular desking designs allow for the expansion and
reduction of workspace as tasks change and shaped workstations that
curve around the user allow easier access to a greater area of the
worktop. The standard height of non-adjustable desking is 720mm
which is suitable for 90% of the population. Shorter users should
be provided with a footrest to help them achieve a comfortable working
position.
As most workstations today are designed for VDU users,
the depth should be enough to satisfy the basic requirement of 600mm
from eye to monitor. The distance is based upon a 15" monitor
and as the size of the monitor increases so does the eye-to-monitor
distance. There should also be a space of 100mm in front of the
keyboard for users to rest their wrists. Desk users should also
have a clear width of 600mm beneath the worksurface, a clear depth
of 600mm from the front edge and a vertical space of not less than
650mm from the floor.
These are all basic, minimum requirements and improvements
in any of these dimensions will increase comfort levels and allow
greater freedom of movement. More important than any of the above,
however, is the nature of the tasks to be carried out. Human beings
are designed for movement and should be given opportunities to change
their posture, stand and stretch and walk about the office. Having
informal meetings at standard height surface is extremely beneficial
and regular changes in tasks helps prevent fatigue, monotony and
errors. It is a requirement for all businesses to carry out workstation
assessments which should take into account job functions, the local
environment, equipment being used, furniture, computer software
and the adequate training of staff. Failing to do so could leave
an organisation liable to claims for injury in the future.
Providing a safe and comfortable office environment
need not be an expensive exercise and may actually turn out to be
one of the best investments a business ever makes.
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