Grade 11 ITC · Term 4 · Digital Security Textbook
Unit 4 · Health, Safety & Ergonomics · Chapter 23

Workstation Ergonomics — Hands-on

Week 8 · Day 2 · Benchmark 11.4.2.4 Apply health, safety and ergonomic practices in ICT use
Essential question

Is your workspace helping or hurting you?

Learning objectives
  • Apply the neutral-posture rules
  • Adjust chair, screen and keyboard positions
  • Check a partner's workstation against a checklist

Overview

Ergonomics is designing the workspace so the body stays in neutral positions. When done right, ergonomics prevents pain and fatigue and boosts concentration.

Neutral Posture

Feet flat on floor, thighs parallel, back supported, elbows at 90°, wrists straight, top of screen at eye level, arm's length away.

Lighting

No glare on screen; light source behind or to the side, never facing the eyes.

Micro-breaks

Every 30 minutes stand, stretch, drink water. This resets muscles and eyes.

Activity

Partner Ergonomic Audit

  1. Using the ergonomic checklist, measure and adjust your partner's workstation.
  2. Take before/after photos.
  3. Swap and repeat.
Review questions
  1. Where should the top of the screen be relative to your eyes?
    Reveal answer

    Roughly at eye level.

  2. What angle should your elbows form while typing?
    Reveal answer

    About 90°.

  3. Why avoid glare on the screen?
    Reveal answer

    It causes eye strain and forced posture changes.

Take it home

Photograph your workstation at home. List 3 improvements you will make.