Office Ergonomic Assessments in Arizona

Petersen will provide office ergonomic evaluations for your employees all over the state of Arizona

Petersen Physical Therapy has provided office ergonomics service for Arizona since 1998. Our staff are trained ergonomics consultants / specialists who have worked with many local and national organizations to help employers create a healthy and productive work environment. We will travel to your location and assess you or your employees. For an ergonomic assessment in Arizona, just give us a call or contact us to set it up!

Our services include:

  • On-site workplace analysis
  • On-site workstation adjustments
  • Comprehensive write-ups with recommendations
  • Medical intervention
  • Comprehensive staff training

Don’t wait until you need physical therapy to address your office related pain or injury. Call us at 480-833-1005 to find out more information about our office ergonomic evaluation services.

Continue reading for a few quick tips regarding your own office ergonomics:

Laptop Ergonomics

laptop ergonomics

Laptops are more and more common in computing for home, work and school.  From a laptop ergonomics standpoint this leads to some ergonomics challenges that should be addressed.  Here are a few quick hints on setting up a laptop correctly:

  1. Purchase a laptop that is designed to meet your needs – Laptops can range from 2-10 pounds and measure between 11″-19″ in screen measurement.  Laptops smaller than 15″ will have a keyboard that is smaller and can cause issues with people with big hands.  Larger laptops begin to increase in weight and can be tiring to carry around if you a traveling with it often.  Keep these things in mind when purchasing a laptop.
  2. Consider backpack vs. shoulder bag for carrying laptop – While the backpack may not be as stylish, your back and shoulder will appreciate it if you travel with the laptop often.  Make sure the back pack is the appropriate size for your laptop.  Too big you could damage the laptop, too small…well good luck fitting it into the back pack.  If you only go short distances transporting the laptop, a shoulder bag will work, but consider alternating shoulders when carrying the bag.
  3. Big projects – Whether it is school, work, or gaming, laptops are not designed to support good posture with use over long periods. If you are working on the laptop for over 20 minutes at a bout, it is recommended you get a separate laptop keyboard and mouse and use the laptop as a monitor.  Set the laptop up at a height and distance to encourage good posture.
  4. Set the correct foot position – Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at a 90 degree angle. This position will mean that your femur (thighs) are parallel to the floor. Ideally your chair would be the correct height to facilitate this position.

And always remember….take postural breaks.  Stretch the shoulders, neck, chest and arms.  For more questions email ergonomics@petersenims.com with your question or call 480-833-1005.

Desktop Ergonomics

While laptops and tablets are becoming more common in the workplace, desktop computers are still king. Whether at work or from a home office, addressing desktop ergonomics is much easier to set up to encourage proper posture.  Here are a few hints on desktop setup.

  1. Chair is the foundation – The proper chair will make your computing experience tolerable for those long projects.  A chair that provides proper postural support will have adjustable seat height, adjustable armrests, and adjustable lumbar support.
  2. Address desk height – The average computer workstation is ideally set up for the 6’4″ male. WHY? It is much easier for shorter people to fit under a desk that is bigger than for bigger people to fit in a smaller desk. Consider investing in a standing desk as it makes this adjustment much easier to do. A proper desk height encourages a 90 degree bend at the elbows with the upper arms in-line with the body. This means 95% of you will need to elevate your self to this posture or lower the work surface to you.
  3. Monitor height – Monitor height should be set up so you are looking straight ahead, with good seated posture, at the top of the monitor.  If you wear bifocals  then the monitor may be slightly lower.
  4. Remove the cords – If possible, purchase a desktop with cordless keyboard and mouse.  This will allow you flexibility to put the keyboard and mouse where it needs to be even if the workstation has limited space.  The keyboard and mouse should be close enough that you do not have to extend your arms forward to reach them.
  5. Set your feet properly – As with laptops, sit with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at a 90 degree angle. Ideally your chair would be the correct height to facilitate this position.

Above all…..take postural breaks. Work performed pain free will be more productive, more enjoyable, and more healthy long term. Hourly stretch your neck, shoulders, chest and arms.  If you have any questions contact us at ergonomics@petersenims.com or call at 480-833-1005.

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