This document provides guidelines for proper ergonomics when working at a display screen. Key recommendations include adjusting the chair so the back is supported and arms are horizontal, positioning the screen at arm's length and below eye level, and taking short breaks to exercise every hour. Proper posture and lighting are also emphasized to avoid pain and injuries from prolonged screen use.

1. 1
Display Screen EquipmentDisplay Screen Equipment
Toolbox Talk
* This presentation has speaker’s notes – print them in addition to the slides.
This document is made available on the condition that it is used solely to assist you in the preparation of your own safety training
material. Use for resale or similar commercial activity to third parties is strictly forbidden. This document was produced for our
internal use only, and therefore it may not be suitable or sufficient for your purposes. No guarantees whatsoever can be given as to
their legal compliance or comprehensiveness, and you are responsible for obtaining professional advice and verification as to the
correctness or suitability of any training or documents which you produce which are based wholly or in part on these. No liabilities
whatsoever are accepted. It has been made available purely for information to others who may find them useful when formulating
their own safety training and procedures.
© A. Groves & Océ (UK) Ltd

2. 2
VDU & PC UseVDU & PC Use
VDU / PC use does not directly cause health problems, but if
used extensively and intensively, incorrect set-up or your
posture can cause pain in your eyes, neck, back and hands.
Avoid these by ensuring that you follow these guidelines
Chair
Posture
Keyboard & mouse
Screen Position
Workstation
Exercise
Eyesight

3. 3
ChairChair
 Adjust your chair
 see what each lever and knob does!
seat height and tilt.
back height and tilt.
 your back should be supported and vertical.
 you should be close to the edge of the desk.
 your forearms should be horizontal when your hands are
on the keyboard.
 your feet should be flat on the floor or footrest.

4. 4
Sitting at the workstationSitting at the workstation
1. Space for legs – no obstacles under the
desk.
2. Seat height adjusted so that your forearms
are horizontal.
3. Back rest adjusted to support your lower
back.
4. Footrest if needed to remove pressure on
underside of thighs and the back of the
knees.
5. Chair position close to desk.
6. Space in front of the keyboard to rest your
hands / wrists when not keying.
7. Screen height and angle for a comfortable
head position.
8. Desktop clear of clutter.
1
7
65
4
3
2
8

5. 5
PosturePosture
 Sit up straight -
 Don’t slouch or hunch your shoulders.
 Sit at the back of the seat so the backrest
supports your spine.
 keep an ‘S’ shaped spine.
 use a headset if you need to use the
telephone and keyboard at the same time.

6. 6
Keyboard and MouseKeyboard and Mouse
Keyboard:
• Forearms horizontal.
• Hold your arms above the keyboard
so your wrists are horizontal.
• Hands straight in front of the
keyboard.
Mouse:
• Forearms horizontal.
• Mouse close to you.
• Wrist straight and level – not twisted nor
bent upwards.
• Light pressure – don’t grip the mouse
tightly.

7. 7
Workstation & lightingWorkstation & lighting
 Workstation
 The screen should be at approximately
arm’s length from your eyes.
 The screen should be just below your eye
level, at 90º to your line of sight.
 avoid glare and reflections.
 sufficient space for the keyboard.
 adequate space for other papers / work.
 use a document holder alongside the screen if copying
text.

8. 8
Workstation and lightingWorkstation and lighting
1. Adequate lighting.
2. Adequate contrast – consider a task
light.
3. Distracting noise minimised.
4. Leg room sufficient to allow postural
changes.
5. No glare from sunlight.
6. No reflection of lights from the screen.
7. Screen image stable and readable.
8. Keyboard moveable for correct position.
9. Work surface of sufficient size and free
from clutter and reflections.
10. Chair properly adjusted.
11. Footrest if needed.

9. 9
ExerciseExercise
 Exercise frequently:
 Look up into the distance and
blink every minute or two.
 stretch fingers, neck and back
every five minutes.
 stand, stretch and move every hour.

10. 10
EyesightEyesight
 If you suspect a problem,
have your eyesight checked.
 The cost of the eye-test is
paid by the Company if your
job requires prolonged work
at a VDU/PC
 Report any problems or malfunctions
of your workstation immediately.

11. 11
SummarySummary
 Adjust your chair so that
 your back is supported and vertical
 you are close to the edge of the desk
 your arms are horizontal when your fingers are on the
keyboard
 Your feet should rest flat on the floor - if they don’t,
then use a footrest
 Position the screen and document at the same
distance (arm’s length) from you with the top just
below eye-level
 Arrange adequate lighting without glare or reflections
 Sit up STRAIGHT! Don’t slouch - keep a ‘S’ shaped spine
 Exercise at least hourly: Stand, stretch, flex all muscles
 Report problems and malfunctions immediately