Last updated: October 14, 2023
Before you even think about your PC's health, take a look at yours. Normal computer work calls for little comment, it seems.
Spending a lot of time in front of your PC can have negative effects on your health.
If you want to avoid a certain number of problems, various precautions must be respected.
Here are the essentials, in ten tips:
- You must have a seat whose height you can adjust; optionally, add cushions. You will avoid back problems.
- You should stand with your back straight. Beware of scoliosis which is only waiting for the right moment.
- If your seat is fitted with a backrest, it must be oriented so as to provide support for the kidneys and face the screen (especially not askew).
- Your eyes should be at the top three-quarters of the screen height, approximately, or the upper limit of the screen height. You need to be able to read the screen looking down sight only, without neck or head movements.
- The distance between your eyes and the screen depends on your eyesight and the size of the screen. Your eyes should be at a distance of about one and a half times the value of its diagonal from the screen. It is generally between 45 cm and 70 cm. Warning: many users tend to get too close to the screen, which is not recommended. If you have a problem with your eyesight, it is better to consult your ophthalmologist.
- Your shoulders should be relaxed. It should not be necessary to raise them, as this will mean that the working position is bad.
- It is better if your feet are flat on the floor. Provide a footrest if necessary.
- The forearms should be horizontally, or slightly raised towards the keyboard. They should make a 90 ° angle with the body.
- The wrists should remain horizontal. Adopt a pose that allows you to type on the keyboard while flexing your wrist as little as possible. These are the fingers that must be active when falling on the keys.
- Lighting conditions are important: the screen must not be in front of a strong light source, or it must be dimmed. If the light coming from the window is too bright. For example, draw the curtains or close the shutters to reduce it significantly.
