In Allsteel’s resource library, you’ll find a very interesting OSHA white paper on the “Ergonomics of Video Terminal Displays”. That’s an old fashioned term for computer monitors. In fact, the paper dates back to 1997 – the days of big boxy cathode ray tube displays that are thankfully becoming a thing of the past. What hasn’t changed is the fact that many employees simply don’t have their screen set up properly for optimal viewing. Complaints from back in the day such as eye strain, headaches, neck pain, and blurred vision are still common in today’s workplace.

Many of the solutions recommended by OSHA are still timely. For example, appropriate lighting plays a big role in reducing glare. Adjustability of everything from the chair to the keyboard tray and the monitor are also still sensible precautions to reduce musculoskeletal strain. Fortunately, modern articulated monitor arms make changing the height and distance of a flat screen easier than ever – and they don’t take up too much desk space!