Proper adjustment of the workstation and good work practices are extremely important in injury prevention. Adjusting the chair height to facilitate proper hand position on the keyboard is key to avoiding awkward wrist positions that can lead to CTS or tendonitis. The chair height should be set so the computer user's hands are at the same height as the keyboard when the elbows are bent at a ninety degree angle to the body. Chair heights that position the hands to high or too low place the wrist in a position that may cause injury after prolonged periods. All other adjustments, such as the monitor height and distance, should be made after adjustment of the chair.
Work performed at VDTs can require individuals to maintain a fixed position for long periods.
This places a strain on the body that causes fatigue. Supervisors should ensure that employees take breaks when working continuously for more than two hours at a computer. Computer users should attempt to vary work activities when possible. Interspersing filing or other activities that require a non-seated position with computer work reduces muscle strain. Periodically refocusing the eyes on distant objects or closing them tightly for a few seconds will reduce eyestrain.