A guide to ergonomic office furniture and workplace ergonomics.

Worker fatigue and repetitive stress injuries are real problems in the workplace. Luckily, there is a real science dedicated to the problem -- Ergonomics: the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Ergonomics is not [just] a marketing ploy, it’s a science — one that’s been around since the 1800s  For office workers, this means there really is a "right way" to lay out your work station. Every body is different, so every office needs to be arranged differently. To bring  the science of ergonomics to your office you need to consider your measurements.

First, measure your standing height while wearing shoes you normally work in.

If you where heels while working, measure your height in those.

Second, plug that measurement into the incredible Ergotron ergonomic calculator.

After answering a couple of questions (Do you wear bifocals? Do you work sitting or standing?) the ergonomic calculator shows you exactly where and how to position your keyboard, monitor and office chair so you can work, read and type comfortably and safely all day.

This chart is based on my specs -- I am 5'6,'' sit for most of my day and don't wear bifocals. Now I know my ideal eye level, chair height and more. There are two office specifications that remain the same for every one, regardless of individual height:

• You should sit 20'' to 30'' away from your monitor screen.
• Your monitor should tilt away from you by 10 to 20 degrees.

Third, use furniture accessories to meet the specifications laid out by the ergonomic calculator.

If your workstation is less than ideal, there are some great accessories available to help you get it up to snuff. For example, a monitor that sits too low or at the wrong angle can cause eye strain and headaches. OnTimeSupplies.com stocks monitor stands in a range of heights so you can correctly position your monitor. We also have a huge selection of office chairs that get you sitting at the right height. Wading through all the features available in office chairs can cause its own headache, so consult the Office Chair Guide in the Knowledge Base for a run down of the terminology. Furthermore, as you can see in the chart, your arms should be at a 90 degree angle when you type. If you can't hold this position at your desk, keyboard trays and platforms will solve the problem and prevent repetitive stress injuries. You can find more information on keyboard trays and platforms in the Keyboard Drawer or Platform Guide. Lastly, your feet should sit flat on the ground when you're at your desk. If you're a bit on the short side, you can get a footrest to help.

Good office chairs office chairs are a vital component of the ergonomically-designed office.

Use a footrest if your feet don't sit flat on the floor.

Keyboard drawers and platforms help you maintain a safe and comfortable keyboarding position all day.

Monitor Stands prevent headaches and eystrain.

You'll notice the benefits of ergonomic design right away in reduced eyestrain and fewer head- and body aches. You'll also lower your risk of repetitive stress injuries.