Safety

Workstation

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Desk Height & Fittings

Desk height and fittings: problems and solutions
Item Problems Solutions

Freestanding height-adjustable desks
  • Desk not too high or low for user.
  • Adjust desk height to suit individual user.  These desks are designed to raise and lower the desk surface so that the user can work at the most comfortable height.
  • The best position for the desk is so that the height of the desk is a little lower than the height of the desk user’s seated elbow height.

Freestanding fixed height desks
  • Desk is too high for user.
  • Provide a footstool to use in conjunction with setting the chair higher to ensure good positioning so that the height of the work surface is just below the seated elbow height..

NOTE: The recommended range for fixed height desks is between 680mm and 720mm when measured to the top of the work surface.

Freestanding fixed height desks with adjustable keyboard tray.
  • Desk too high for user. 
  • Inadequate space on keyboard tray for mouse, forcing operator to raise mouse arm up to reach and use mouse.
  • Adjustment mechanism located in the leg space may obstruct the knees.
  • It is preferable to set the keyboard tray level with the desk and adjust the chair height (providing a footstool if necessary) so that the entire desk is the same height.
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Work Surface Layout

Equipment and objects on the work surface should be laid out according to primary, secondary & tertiary reach zones:

illustration of work surface layout showing primary, secondary and tertiary reach zones

Primary Reach Zone

Secondary Reach Zone

Tertiary Reach Zone

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