Ergonomic Support

Ergonomics is the term used to describe the design and arrangement of a person's environment which maximises an individual's ability to complete a task.

Ergonomics is also the study of workers and their work methods, tools and environment. The goal is to design the work to fit the design and capacities of the worker. Ergonomics recognises that human beings have physical, mental and emotional limits beyond which effective work cannot be carried out. Work beyond these limits leads to decreased productivity, and injury (both physical and mental). (Source: Thompson, 1996)

Ergonomic supports

Ergonomic supports include seating, posture and positioning; ensuring comfortable access to the computer.

Adaptive strategies include:

Adjusting chairs and desks to appropriate heights and angles.
Ensuring workstations, keyboards or other input methods such as switches are placed correctly.
Simple strategies using common tools or objects such as trays, Velcro, foam etc to create or facilitate basic supports.

Desk and chair position and height.

Electronic Computer Desk

It is important that a computer user is seated a height and position which is comfortable and appropriate to the person's size. Feet should be placed firmly on the ground or on a foot rest and support should be available to the back and pelvis.

Use of a desk which is too high or too low may force the user to assume an uncomfortable posture, thereby increasing the risk of acquiring an injury such as Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI.

Wrist and hand supports

Wrist rests

Gel foam and wrist rests
Gel and foam wrist rests.

Provide support for wrists during keyboard and mouse use, which may reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury.

Ergorests

Ergo forearm support Ergo forearm support devise in use
Ergorest forearm support and the same device in use.

The Ergorest is designed to provide a support for the forearm and to relieve muscle strain and tension from the neck and shoulder area. Typically it is used in the office while working at a computer or it can be used for light assembly work. It is attached to a table top by adjustable clamps. It also has a height adjustment screw.

Switch mounting systems

There are a wide range of switch mounting systems available which enable a switch to be placed in an optimal position. Switch mounts are generally attached to a chair or table via a clamp. They have a flat plate that a switch can be connected to at the opposite end. The flexible or adjustable poles of the mount enable adjustments to the switch position.

The Universal Mount is a quick and easy mount to setup suiting a temporary solution. For more permanent switch mount solutions, Daessy or Mobilia mounting systems are ideal

Universal switch mount