Work surface height should be appropriate for the type of work being performed and the worker's dimensions. This is usually determined by individual standing or seated elbow heights.

Tilt of work surfaces. Most work surfaces are horizontal, which is preferred for writing and many other daily activities. However, where poor postures are noticed, such as leaning over a table to read documents, it may be advantageous to tilt the work surface towards the worker. This will reduce stressful, static postures of the torso and neck. An example would be a drafting table. However, smaller, tiltable stands are also available for desk-top work.

Frequently used items such as keyboards, telephones, calculators, etc., are recommended to be within easy reach and not requiring stressful postures to obtain or use (Optimal distance 14-16 inches).

Leg space needs to be adequate for worker and clear of obstacles.

Other Commentaries and Information On Workspace Furniture

Pros and Cons of Adjustable Workstations

AliMed's How to Choose Computer Workstations

Agio Designs

1400 NW Compton Dr., Beaverton, OR 97006

800-688-2446 or 503-690-1400

Furniture and computer accessories, such as keyboard trays and lamps.

American Seating

401 American Seating Ctr., Grand Rapids, Ml 49504

(616) 732-6600 or (800) 746-0268, Fax: (616) 732-6502

http://www.americanseating.com

Furniture Systems

Amotek/Lusa Inc

1730 State St., Bridgeport, CT 06605

800-242-4777 or 203-576-9086

Ergonomic seating and adjustable-height tables.

Anthro Technology Furniture

3221 NW Yeon St., Portland, OR 97210

800-325-3841 or 503-241-7113

Adjustable desks and accessories.

Anthro Corp

10450 SW Manhasset Dr., Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 691-2556 or (800) 325-3841, Fax: (800) 325-0045

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http://www.anthro.com

Computer Workstations

Comments:

[Review by Shawn Herzinger This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]

I would recommend Anthro. Their stuff is quite expensive but very well built and designed IMHO. They were a spinoff company from Tektronix. They offer a glossy color catalog with desks, shelves and accessories in a variety of sizes and configurations. They stress ergonomics and offer adjustable keyboard shelves and monitor arms. I'm not affiliated, just a satisfied customer.

BackSaver Products Company

53 Jeffrey Ave., Holliston, MA 01746

(800) 251-2225, Fax: (800) 443-9609

http://www.backsaver.com

A complete home or office workstation. Available in Walnut, Rosewood, Teak or Natural finishes. This self-contained system organizes computer peripherals and adjusts for the ultimate in comfort.

Biofit Engineered Products

P 0 Box 109, Waterville, OH 43569

(419) 823-1089 or (800) 597-0246, Fax: (419) 823-1089

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http://www.biofit.com

Office & Industrial Seating, Workbenches

Carolina Business Furniture

PO Box 2127, Highpoint, NC 27261

(336) 434-0500 or (800) 763-0212, Fax: (336) 884-7080

Chameleon Adaptive Furniture Systems, Inc.

4-19 Banta Place Fairlawn, NJ 07410

(201)794-0671, Fax:(201)794-7311

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http://www.smartfurniture.com

Home Office Computer Furniture

Introductory factory direct pricing Oak, Maple and Mahogany $1,475 Cherry and Walnut $1,575

Chameleon Adaptive Furniture provides a creative solution when it comes to setting up a home office computer. Office and home all in one beautifully crafted and superbly functional piece of furniture that doubles as living furniture. With the push of a button and in less than 30 seconds from the comfort of your couch you can begin a productive day at your keyboard with our patented convertible computer workcenter.

Available in coffee table, trunk and blanket chest configurations this hide-a-way unit electrically converts into a comfortable, ergonomically correct executive size computer workcenter that will house your tower PC, printer/fax/scanner combo, color monitor, keyboard and mouse with ample storage for CDs', floppies , and more. It is made of solid woods (no particle/pressboards) and features heirloom quality construction this is the first in as series of true multi-use technology furniture products. Designed for home office users with limited space or those who prefer to conceal PC hardware and cables when not in use. Unit features built in PC speakers, surge suppressor and cable management system. Initial production will offer cherry, mahogany, walnut, oak and maple with other woods by special order. Custom finishes also by special order.

Domore Office Furniture Company

2400 Sterling Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516

(219) 293-0621, Fax: (219) 294-6176

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Domore's Years of intense research and development has produced incredibly interesting solutions for today's demanding workplace. Since 1922, design and production has been based on a simple directive: Produce working solutions that make sense... now and for the future. Just seven elements come together to provide a multiplicity of options to fit your specific requirements. Typical of successful system design, which is to produce the ultimate in function with the fewest possible parts, is the basis of the System 7's success.

Comments

Their website does not show clearly what is used for the computer workstation. In the image above, there appears to be a keyboard surface, but the mouse is on the higher table surface requiring the operator to reach out for it (bad idea). The monitor also looks awfully close and no means to adjust its height or distance away from the operator is apparent.

Ergogenic Technology Inc

45 Appletree Lane, Pipersville, PA 18947

(215) 766-8545 or , (800) 722-8545, Fax (215) 766-8599

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http://www.ergogenic.com

Computer Workstations

ErgoMax Corp

http://www.ergoflex.com/

Ergoflex system of workstation furniture.

Ergo Systems Inc.

410 Prospect St., East Hartford, CT 06108

(860) 282-9767, Fax (860) 289-2386

Network Support Stations and Freestanding Computer Workstations

NetCenter 2000 is designed to offer the flexibility along with specialized components to support all your network component housing requirements or specialized computer application. NetCenter 2000 is ideal for network computer suport needs, special computer workcenters, mobile workstations and computer workstations for the industrial environment.

Ergotron

3450 Yankee Dr. Suite 100, Eagan, MN 55121

(800) 888-8458 or (612) 452-8135

Workstation racks, stands, and suspension components.

This is a line of "ergonomic" workstations and "dense pack" racks for network installations. Basically, you buy a frame which can be fitted with legs, legs with casters, or attached to the wall. The top of this frame is about 70-78 inches above the floor; near the top is an adjustable shelf. To the bottom of the shelf is attached a "truck" which holds the monitor, allowing for the monitor to slide from side to side, tilt, or swivel. A "swing-arm" version of the monitor truck is available as well; this allows the monitor to be repositioned more freely. The frame can be fitted with a work surface (to which a keyboard holder can be attached) or with a digitizer support frame. Keyboard trays are also available to fit directly to the monitor suspension truck. No undertable storage is provided, although there is a CPU caddy which attaches to the side of the unit. Side tables, pencil boxes, and print holders are also available.

Frame prices run from $160 (for a wall mount unit) to $300 for a freestanding unit. Shelves run $250; monitor suspension from $200 to $425, and legs from $78 to $800. Keyboard trays can run as high as $300, and CPU holders from $100 to $250.

Flex-Y-Plan

6960 West Ridge Rd., P.O. Box CC, Fairview, PA 16415-0829

(800) 458-0552 or (814) 474-1565 Fax: (814) 474-2129

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http://www.fyp.com

G F Office Furniture Ltd

6655 Seville Dr., Canfield, OH 44406

330-533-7799 or 800-624-9751, Fax: 330-533-8255

GF Office Furniture, Ltd. manufactures a complete line of office furniture including panel systems, desks, seating, files, computer support furniture and a complete line of executive wood office furniture, manufactured by OSI, Signatures in Fine Wood.

Ground Support Equipment (US) Ltd.

11 Broadway, Room 1010, New York, NY 10004. USA.

(888) 302-DESK or (212) 809-4323, Fax: (212) 809-4324

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http://www.biomorphdesk.com/

Biomorph surfaces and parts designed by I.D/Design Creative Studio

The Biomorph Interactive Desks (EXO, Personal, Pro, and Multi)

The Biomorph Interactive Desk: ergonomically designed, height-adjustable computer furniture for home and office that complements the human body.

Authentic Biomorph ergonomic surfaces and parts are manufactured in the U.S.A. exclusively by Ground Support Equipment (U.S.) Ltd. All surface designs carry U.S. Patents. Frames and accessories are manufactured in Denmark by SIS Human Factors Tech. Inc. and stocked in U.S.A. Surfaces, frames, and accessories are fully guaranteed for manufacturing defects and reasonable breakage for one year from purchase (see warranty for full details).

Biomorph Personal Desk with a charcoal grey finish, which costs $1295.00.

Comments:

They also provide solutions for ergonomic seating & lighting, storage, and office accessories.

Hamilton Sorter Co, Inc

PO Box 18008, Fairfield, OH 45018-0008

(800) 543-1605 or (513) 870-4400

Freestanding desks, workstations, and mailroom furniture.

Haworth, Inc

One Haworth Center, Holland, MI 49423

(800) 344-2600 or (616) 393-3000

Complete office systems.

Herman Miller, Inc

855 E. Main St., Zeeland, MI 49464

(616) 772-3300

Furniture, workstations.

Hon Computer Furniture

66000 series

This is essentially a set of tables which match one another. Under table storage is limited to a center pencil drawer or a center keyboard drawer, either of which can be mounted to the task desk (which has no keyboard shelf). Cable management is provided. The keyboard shelf is a cutout/ dropdown; it's not clear if it is adjustable. My guess is not.

The following table types are available:

• Table with center keyboard shelf (30 deep by 36 or 48 wide)
• Table with right or left keyboard shelf (30 deep by 60 wide)
• Task desk (30 by 60)
• Printer Stand (36w x 30d x 26.5h) with paper feed slot.
• Return (42w x 20d x 26.5h) freestanding.

Cost is from $300 for the Typing Return to $500 for the table with keyboard shelf.

IAC Industries

895 Beacon Street, Brea, CA 92821-2926

(800) 899-2422 or (714) 990-8997, Fax: (714) 990-0557

http://www.iacindustries.com/

LAN Station

A completely adjustable system of modular components for creating an attractive, clutter-free environment for LAN computer equipment. Beginning with a basic "Starter Unit" - A sturdy work surface with two uprights - you choose "add-on" sections, shelves for monitors, lower CPU shelves, cabinets, and other LAN station accessories to configure an integrated workspace that can be expanded as your network grows.

The LAN station accommodates all sizes and types of servers,. monitors, power supplies, computer enclosures, and other LAN peripherals. From the smallest to the largest network, the LAN station will organize and protect your company's investment in network equipment for years to come, while saving space and giving technicians easy access for quick change-outs, add-ons, and repairs.

Space-saving system for organizing and protecting network computer system hardware.

Invincible Office Furniture

842 S 26th St., Manitowoc, WI 54220-4424

414-682-4601 Fax: 414-683-2970

FlexStand adjustable workstations.

ISE

25300 Northline Road, Taylor, MI 48180

West (800) 835-3595, Central (800) 982-4702

East (800) 272-2950, Canada (800) 463-7731

Workstations, chairs, and ergonomic consultation.

Knoll Inc

1235 Water St., East Greenville, PA 18041

(800) 445-5045

http://www.knoll.com

Office Systems

A wide variety of office systems

Mayline Group

619 N. Commerce, P.O.Box 728, Sheboygan, WI 53082-0728

(920) 457-5537 or (800) 822-8037, Fax: (920) 457-7388

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http://www.mayline.com/

Workplace ergonomics, furniture.

There are two lines of furniture from Mayline/Hamilton:

The Creativity Corner line is similar to the Communicore cad system. The table height for this system is not listed in my catalog. There is a corner unit with under table storage and a "reference desk" with under table storage. The adjustable table seems to be adjustable for height, and it looks as if the reference desk top can be tilted. The adjustable table has no under table storage. There are drawer (pencil and storage) and shelf (hutch) accessories for the reference table and a corner shelf (for the monitor - yuck) for the corner unit. Costs run from $256 for a 36w x 30d reference desk to $512 for the tilt top adjustable table. Hutches are about $200, corner shelf $118, two drawer unit $215, keyboard/pencil drawer $91. A basic setup (Adjustable table, reference table, and corner unit) would run $1150; with pencil drawer, storage drawer and hutch it would run $1650.

The CADCorner units from Mayline Hamilton are similar to the creativity corner units. All units are 29 inches high (too high!!), but they come in both 30 inch and 36 inch depths. No under table shelf space is provided, but a two drawer storage unit can be got for $336. Rather than a full hutch, a bookshelf is available (8h x 12d). A 20 inch wide keyboard drawer is available (where am I to put my mouse?), as is a two drawer storage unit. Prices range from $400 for a basic 36w x 30d x 29h desk to $760 for the 36d corner unit. A setup with the 36d corner unit, a 36w desk, a 60w desk, a bookshelf, a two drawer storage unit and a keyboard drawer runs about $2200.

The PowerStation® Family

All PowerStation® products have tilt-adjustable worksurfaces with a "UserPocket" cut into the front so the user can pull up "into" the worksurface and rest the arms.

This creates a "support plane" which greatly reduces stress on the arms, shoulders and upper torso, and allows the user to recline in the chair more naturally. Space is provided for handling of most computer systems, in most cases with adjustable shelves and wire management options.

Comments:

Also see their Retrofit Boards under Accessories/Forearm Supports.

Metier

75 Wadley St., Pineville, LA 71360

(318) 445-7037, Fax (318) 487-4482

Adjustable tables (stationary, seated range and sit to stand).

MicroCentre, Continental Engineering Group, Inc

5300 North Irwindale Ave., Irwindale, CA 91706

800-966-5511, 818-338-0870, Fax: 818-338-5807

Designs and manufactures ergonomic workstation furniture including mobile units, desks, and modular systems.

Navigator Desk Systems

1800 Ferry Point, Alameda, CA 94501

(510) 747-1040 or (800) 653-6280

Fax (510) 747-1047

• We are designers and innovators, working closely with the medical and scientific communities to put sound ergonomic theories into practice.
• We design, manufacture, deliver, fit and install-to your exact specifications-fully adjustable ergonomic desk systems, articulating retractable mousing keyboard platforms and accessories.
• We encourage end-users and telecommuters to call us directly so that we can assess your home office ergonomic needs. We are available Monday through Friday, 8:00am until 4:30pm Pacific Standard Time.

Nova Office Furniture, Inc

421 W. Industrial Avenue, Effington, IL 62401

(217) 342-7070, Fax (217) 342-7006

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http://www.novadesk.com/

Monitor-below-work surface computer furniture. Adjustable height keyboard trays.

Riley's Woodware

http://www.charm.net/~jriley/woodware.html

Ergonomic Computer Furniture Designs

Date: Thu, 27 Nov 1997 12:49:59 GMT
From: Riley
A little over a year ago, we kicked off a project to make low-stress computer desk plans available over the Web. We have been making good progress and have just added a series of Freebie plans. I would very much appreciate the group's feedback on our plans and our site.
The new plans are all easy and inexpensive to build. We also have 15 more advanced plans sets for sell and, as always, all our plans are free to people with RSI and other physical challenges.
Thanks,
Woodware Designs
http://www.charm.net/~jriley/woodware.html
Tom Riley
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Rosemount Office Systems, Inc.

21785 Hamburg Ave., Lakeville, MN 55044-9903

(800) 328-6446

Seating, panel systems, filing and storage, freestanding systems.

SIS Human Factors Technologies, Inc.

55C Harvey Road, Londonderry, NH 03053-7414

(603) 432-4495, Fax (603) 434-8456

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tables, printer stands, monitor arms, copyholders, forearm support and footrests.

Steelcase, Inc

Grand Rapids, MI 49501

(616) 247-2710

http://www.steelcase.com/

Office furniture, accessories, and lighting equipment including modular workstations and fully adjustable chairs and desks.

Stokke

http://www.stokke-furniture.no/

The Summerland Group, Inc.

3451 SouthEast Court Drive

Stuart, Florida 34997 - U.S.A.

(561) 219-0455, Fax: (800) 282-4805

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http://www.the-office.com/summerland

The Office

Estimated Prices: $3,995 - $7,000

Wired, mobile, lockable, and fully equipped, a full size ergonomic chair is standard equipment on the CEO model of The OFFICE. (The OFFICE is the ONLY computer armoire in existence which will allow a full size ergonomic chair with arms to be closed up inside). The monitor height is adjustable for optimum viewing height and with the touch of a switch the monitor can be made to disappear into an overhead storage compartment to clear the desktop for non-computing functions. Keyboard tray is tilt-enabled. The OFFICE was conceived in response to the necessity of providing practical, functional, technological and ergonomic support for the intelligent home office professional or telecommuter. It has sixteen built in electrical outlets and requires but a single 110 volt electrical outlet and a phone jack for full operation. It can be used anywhere without special wiring and can be relocated in-house by a single individual. These are superbly engineered pieces of equipment as well as being beautiful pieces of furniture. They are the only ones of their kind in the world.

The Learning Station

Estimated Price: Under $1,000

The LEARNING STATION is the first of a whole new breed of CONVERTIBLE workstations. This is effectively the Swiss Army Knife of computer furniture. Start with an attractive occasional table. Touch a switch. It's now a desk. The desktop is height adjustable. The desktop pulls forward to allow for leg room adjustability. Use the height adjustable surface for writing or for using your laptop. Want more? Touch the switch. An entire concealed computer system pops-up. The monitor viewing height is adjustable, the keyboard height is adjustable.

Summerland also manufactures the ONLY height adjustable below-desk monitor workstation and has also engineered it so that the monitor viewing angle can be adjusted.

The Learning Station has a kit that allows it to convert to a height adjustable sit/stand workstation OR a height adjustable Lectern.

If a customer purchases a below-desk monitor workstation and then at some point in the future wishes they had a natural viewing style workstation, there's a kit that allows them to switch back.

There's a grow-with-me style model for children that will take a child from Kindergarten all the way through the 4th grade. The next model will adjust to exactly fit everyone from a petite fifth grader all the way up to a 6'7" basketball player.

Comments:

Summerland is an engineering firm whose product team includes aerospace, automotive, and NASA mechanical, electrical and systems engineers, woodworking craftspeople, metal fabrication, material experts, and motor specialists. Summerland manufactures innovative, award-winning ergonomic, and handicapped accessible Computer Furnishings for Home, Business, Industry and Education. Summerland also manufactures Summerlift, the unique lift mechanism which gives those products their total adjustability. The OFFICE was awarded International GRAND PRIZE at NeoCon, the World's Trade Fair for Interior Design, Facilities Management & Communications.

Watson Furniture Systems

12715 Miller Rd., NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

(800) 426-1202 or (206) 842-6601, Fax (206) 842-4758

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http://www.watsonfurniture.com

At Watson, every action we take is grounded in our core beliefs about the future of furniture. We believe:

• Furniture should move both horizontally and vertically.
• The capability for movement should be seamlessly integrated into every product line.
• The work process should drive the worktop shape not the efficiency of rectilinear saw cuts.
• Within the next five years, the question will not be does your furniture adjust, but rather how does your furniture adjust.
• Adjustable furniture must be affordable.
• Adjustable furniture is an investment that increases productivity, reduces health and safety expenses and lowers facility costs.

Welcome to Watson Furniture Systems. You'll find these beliefs integrated into all our business units. Tour our Corporate, Dispatch, Call Center and GSA websites and learn more about our commitment to adjustable furniture and how we can help you to lower your cost of furniture ownership.