Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the application of human anatomical, physiological and psychological information to the design of objects, systems and the environment. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) will conduct ergonomic evaluations upon request by departmental supervisors or as deemed necessary by OEHS.

OEHS’s Ergonomic Recommendations:

• Basic Computer Workstations - (pdf document)
  • Chairs – follow OEHS Recommendations for Basic Computer Workstations
    • OEHS’s Article & Recommendations for choosing Task Chair - (pdf document)
    • OSHA eTools on Chairs – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/components_chair.html
      
      
  • Monitors – follow OEHS Recommendations for Basic Computer Workstations.
    • OSHA eTools on Monitors – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/components_monitors.html
    • OSHA eTools on Document Holders – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/components_doc_holders.html
    • Tulane OEHS Recommenations for Placement of Single and Dual Monitors.
      
      
  • Keyboard & Mouse – follow OEHS Recommendations for Basic Computer Workstations.
    • OSHA eTools on Keyboards – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/components_keyboards.html
    • NIOSH Alternative Keyboarding - http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pdfs/97-148.pdf
    • OSHA eTools on Pointer/Mouse – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/components_pointers.html
    • OSHA eTools on Wrist/Palm Supports – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/components_wrist_rests.html
      
      
  • Lighting – follow OEHS Recommendations for Basic Computer Workstations.
    • OSHA eTools on Workstation Environment – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/wkstation_enviro.html
      
      
  • Telephones – follow OEHS Recommendations for Basic Computer Workstations.
    • OEHS’s Article & Recommendations for Phone Ergonomics - (pdf document)
    • OSHA eTools on Telephones - http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/components_telephone.html
      
      
  • Centralize & Organize Workstation & Tools - (pdf document)
  • Time Spent on Computers - (pdf document)
  • Eyes/Eyeglasses – UNDER CONSTRUCTION
  • Laptop Computer Workstations   - (pdf document)
  • Laboratory Ergonomics - (pdf document)
  • Home Office Workstations - (pdf document)
  • Computer Workstations for Students – UNDER CONSTRUCTION
  • Ergonomic Traveling tips – UNDER CONSTRUCTION
    
    
    Policies and Guidelines on Ergonomics:
    
    (The following may be restricted, requiring User ID & Password)
    
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  • Tulane University’s Safety Guide
  • Tulane University’s Policy on Ergonomics
  • Tulane University’s Policy on Office Safety
    
    
    Other Sources of Ergonomic Information:
    
    
  • Tulane University OEHS’s Safety Wave Newsletter, archive of previous articles - Tulane Safety Wave archive.
    
  • Local Area Vendors, this is a partial listing of Office & Laboratories Supplies - (pdf document)
  • US Department of Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) etools - http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html
  • Cornell University Ergonomics Website - http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/
  • University of Florida Computing & Networking Services, article on ‘How to Clean Your Mouse’- http://docweb.cns.ufl.edu/update/u020206a/u020206a.pdf
  • American Optometric Association (AOA), article on ‘Computer Vision Syndrome’ - www.aoa.org/x5253.xml