Here are some of the issues covered in the workstation consultation:

Symptoms Experienced
Any evaluation must take into account what the person actually experiences. Discomforts from other causes are relevant, too. The work space can unnecessarily aggravate existing discomforts.

Task Analysis
The workstation needs to fit the job. Most people have a mix of tasks, often both computing and paperwork. Those who spend most of the day at the computer are at greater risk of cumulative trauma than intermittent users who are up and around more often in the day. These people have different ergonomic priorities.

General Desk Space
Is there enough? How are they using shelving and file cabinets? People usually know what they need and whether they have it. Sometimes they simply need someone to point out that they are taking up a valuable piece of "real estate" with a stack of papers they rarely use. Ergonomics is also about being organized.

Chair Adjustment
The more knobs and paddles on a chair, the less likely it seems that the person sitting in it knows what they do! They might even be afraid to touch the controls for fear of being launched out of their seat! Our experience is that most people are not taking full advantage of their ergonomic chairs, and are more comfortable after the consultation. We make sure they know what all of those knobs and paddles are for.

Monitor Position
The monitor and keyboard largely determine what the body does. Monitor height and distance have a great impact on posture and overuse of neck and shoulder muscles. Too many people are dropping the chin forward, or craning the neck in to see the screen without being aware of it.

Keyboard Position
Most existing desks are too high for keyboards, forcing the shoulders up, the arms forward, or or the wrists bent - the best way to increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Articulating keyboard trays are becoming more common but, as with ergonomic chairs, people are not being taught how to use them. Often existing furniture can be adjusted with little or no expense.

Mouse/Trackball/Input Devices
Increasingly people are relying on more than a keyboard to work with computers. Already the standard tool for the Macintosh, more PC users are being given "mice" as Microsoft Windows becomes the de facto standard. There are a number of options to the standard mouse that, depending on the person and the tasks, may be important to consider. The one-button mouse can be very tough on the hand and wrist.

Computer Functionality
Issues from hard drive organization to efficient use of software are also part of the consultation.

Telephone Usage
Clenching the telephone between the ear and the shoulder as a habit is extremely stressful to the neck and shoulder. Those with a high degree of phone use in their jobs - particularly if they write or key at the same time - often need a headset telephone. Some simply need to be made aware of their phone habits - and at least switch ears!

Lighting and Glare
Eyestrain is the most reported discomfort of computer users, and an increase in myopia (nearsightedness) is suggested in recent research. Lighting, window relationships, screen cleanliness, and monitor settings are taken into account in the consultation.

Temperature
Tissues are more prone to overstrain injury in cold settings. Some people simply have cool hands and arms, and may need to consider fingerless gloves - or at least wearing a sweater.