12 Ergonomic Adjustments That Reduce Injury Risk at Work

3. Keyboard and Mouse Positioning - Preventing Repetitive Strain Injuries

The positioning of keyboard and mouse represents a critical factor in preventing repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) that affect over 1.8 million workers annually, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Proper keyboard placement requires the device to be positioned at elbow height, allowing the wrists to remain in a neutral position without flexion, extension, or deviation during typing. Research published in the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation demonstrates that maintaining neutral wrist postures reduces the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome by up to 50% compared to extended or flexed positions. The keyboard should be tilted slightly away from the user (negative tilt) or kept flat, as positive tilting forces wrist extension that increases pressure within the carpal tunnel. The mouse should be positioned at the same height as the keyboard and as close to the body as possible to prevent shoulder abduction and reaching motions that strain the upper extremities. Studies from the International Ergonomics Association show that mouse placement more than 6 inches from the keyboard edge increases the risk of shoulder and neck pain by 35%. Additionally, the mouse should fit comfortably in the user's hand, with larger mice generally providing better support for the palm and reducing the need for precise finger movements that can contribute to RSIs. Both devices should be positioned on the same surface level, and users should avoid resting their wrists on hard surfaces during operation, as this can compress nerves and blood vessels.