| Body part fatigued |
Common contributing factors |
What can you try |
| Back of neck |
Looking down at documents or keyboard |
Use a document holder. Improve keyboard skills. Check monitor height. |
| Side of neck |
Looking to one side |
Locate documents and screen directly in front of you |
| Top of shoulders, outside or front of shoulders |
Keyboard too high, arms unsupported |
Raise chair, use footrest, rest palms on front of desk, reduce desk height (if adjustable) |
| Lower back |
Inadequate lumbar support |
Adjust back rest height and angle to give firm support, remove arms from chair, remove obstructions under desk (eg drawers) |
| Upper back |
Twisted posture |
Sit straight on, locate documents, screen and keyboard in front of you |
| Right arm or shoulder |
Arm outstretched unsupported |
Move mouse closer, use single surface desk |
| Left arm, shoulder or neck |
Reaching for telephone or cradling telephone on shoulder |
Bring phone closer. Use headset. |
| Leg discomfort, swollen feet |
Underside of thighs compressed against chair seat |
Use footrest or reduce desk and chair height |
| Headaches |
Posture, visual problems, noise, stress, glare, high work load |
Rearrange work area; re-direct traffic; screen filter; close blinds; shut door; vary tasks; take micropauses; smooth out work flow; reduce time on computer; eye test. |
| Eye fatigue, temporary short sightedness |
Visual problems, screen too close, poor image quality, glare, screen reflections |
Rearrange work area; screen filter; close blinds; vary tasks; take micropauses; eye test. |
