Methodology and disclosure
How to read this estimate
This tool totals a self-entered work scenario. It does not measure repetition, force, posture, recovery, symptoms, disability, or injury risk, and it does not provide medical advice or prescribe a break schedule.
Calculation
- Weekly keyboard hours = entered keyboard hours per day × entered days per week.
- The one-hour-change example subtracts one keyboard hour for each entered workday, with a floor of zero.
- No health or ergonomic risk score is generated because hours alone cannot represent the other factors in a workstation and task assessment.
Assumptions and limits
- Enter active keyboard time, not total time at a computer, unless those happen to be the same in your scenario.
- The total does not account for mouse use, force, repetition, posture, workstation setup, task intensity, natural pauses, or individual circumstances.
- Official HSE guidance says break timing depends on the work and favors shorter, more frequent breaks or changes of activity; it does not set one universal schedule for every person.
- If you have pain, numbness, weakness, or other symptoms, use an appropriate health professional and workplace process rather than this calculator.
Role-based interpretation
What the result can—and cannot—decide
Keyboard-heavy worker
Use the weekly total as a baseline for comparing task mixes. It cannot tell you whether your schedule is safe or explain symptoms.
Manager or team lead
Use aggregated scenarios to explore workflow changes, not to score an employee's health risk. Pair them with a proper workstation and task assessment.
Accessibility or ergonomics reviewer
Combine the hours with observation of posture, repetition, pointing, correction effort, and command needs. Dictation may change input mix but is not full voice control.
Sources and research context
- UK HSE: work routine and breaks for display-screen work
Official guidance explains that timing depends on the work and recommends short, frequent breaks or changes of activity.
- US OSHA computer workstation checklist
Official checklist for reviewing workstation components and working posture beyond a single hours total.
- US OSHA computer workstation hazards and solutions
Official index of workstation hazards, assessment material, and possible controls.