According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, an agency must at least 120 centimeters wide are for standard office work. This standard is set by working conditions regulations and applies to workstations where employees perform daily computer work. The minimum width ensures that you have enough space for your work, documents and equipment, which is important for your health and productivity.
What exactly does the Occupational Health and Safety Act say about desk dimensions?
The Occupational Health and Safety Act sets clear requirements for desk sizes to protect workers from health injuries. For a standard workplace with screen work, a minimum desk width of 120 cm mandatory. This size was not chosen at random, but based on ergonomic research into the space needed for comfortable work.
In addition to the width, the law also prescribes a minimum depth of 80 cm. This combination of dimensions ensures that you have sufficient working space for your computer, keyboard, mouse and any documents. The regulations are contained in the Working Conditions Regulations and fall under Article 5.4 of the Working Conditions Decree.
The underlying reason for this standard is to prevent physical complaints caused by incorrect working postures. With sufficient desk space, you can keep your arms in a natural position, position your monitor at the correct distance and change your posture regularly. This significantly reduces the risk of RSI complaints, neck pain and back pain.
Why is a minimum desk width important for your health?
A properly sized desk is important for maintaining your health during office work. With adequate desk width, you avoid working in a cramped position, which can eventually lead to serious symptoms.
The main health benefits of a wide enough desk are:
- Prevention of RSI complaints through natural arm positions
- Better posture through correct placement of equipment
- Reduced tension in neck and shoulders
- More freedom of movement while working
- Lower risk of eye strain with proper screen distance
When your desk is too narrow, you often have to retract your elbows or work in an unnatural position. This leads to tension in your muscles and joints. Over time, these tensions can become chronic and result in pain symptoms that are difficult to treat. A desk that meets occupational health and safety standards gives your body room to work in a ergonomic position to work.
How do you measure whether your desk meets occupational health and safety requirements?
Checking whether your desk meets legal requirements is easy with a tape measure. Measure the width of your desk from the left side to the right side at the widest point where you can actually work.
Follow these steps for correct measurement:
- Remove loose objects from your desk
- Measure the total workable width from left to right
- Measure the depth from front to back at the deepest workable point
- Note both sizes and compare them to the minimum requirements (120 cm wide, 80 cm deep)
- Also check the free legroom under the desk
Be sure to count only the workable area. Fixed dynamics such as computer cabinets or drawer units that reduce the work surface subtract from the total size. Free legroom under the desk should be at least 60 cm wide, 60 cm deep and 65 cm high. This space is needed to sit comfortably and change positions frequently.
What are the consequences if your desk is too narrow?
A desk that is too narrow has negative consequences for both employees and employers. For employees, working at a desk that is too small means an increased risk of health complaints and reduced work comfort.
The main implications for workers are:
- Development of RSI complaints due to improper arm positions
- Chronic neck and back pain due to poor posture
- Reduced productivity due to uncomfortable work
- Higher risk of absenteeism
- Concentration problems due to physical discomfort
For employers, failure to meet occupational health and safety standards carries legal and financial risks. Inspectorate SZW can impose fines during inspections when workplaces do not meet legal requirements. In addition, the employer can be held liable for health damage caused by inadequate workplaces. The productivity loss and increased absenteeism also lead to higher costs for the organization.
What other desk sizes are required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act?
In addition to the minimum width of 120 cm, the Occupational Health and Safety Act also sets requirements for other desk sizes. A complete ergonomic workstation meets several criteria that combine to create a healthy work environment.
| Desk Item | Minimum size | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Desk width | 120 cm | For sufficient working space and natural arm positions |
| Desk depth | 80 cm | For proper screen spacing and document space |
| Bureu height | 62-82 cm (adjustable) | Adjustable to body height user |
| Legroom width | 60 cm | For freedom of movement legs |
| Legroom depth | 60 cm | For comfortable leg position |
| Legroom height | 65 cm | For unobstructed leg movement |
Adjustable height is important because people have different body lengths. A desk that is at the same height for everyone causes complaints for many workers. The Occupational Health and Safety Act therefore requires that desks be height adjustable, or that other features such as footrests be available to achieve the correct working position.
How do you set up an ergonomic workstation with the right desk width?
Setting up an ergonomic workplace starts with a desk that meets all health and safety standards. With the right desk width of 120 cm, you have enough space to accommodate all workplace accessories positioning optimally.
Place your monitor about an arm's length away, directly in front of you. The screen should be slightly below eye level, allowing you to work with a neutral neck position. Place your keyboard about 10-15 cm from the desk edge, with enough room for your wrists to rest. The mouse comes next to the keyboard, within easy reach without stretching your arm.
Use the extra space provided by a wide desk to organize your workspace. Place frequently used items within easy reach and less used items farther away. Provide enough free space to read documents and take notes. A document holder next to your monitor prevents you from constantly having to turn your head between paper and screen.
For those who have a office space for rent Amsterdam considering, it is important to check whether the workstations offered meet these ergonomic requirements.
What can you do if your workplace does not meet health and safety standards?
If your workplace does not meet legal standards, as an employee you have several options for raising this. Start by talking to your immediate supervisor about the situation and the potential health risks.
Follow this roadmap for an effective approach:
- Document the current situation with measurements and photos
- Discuss the problem with your supervisor
- Ask for a workplace assessment by the health and safety coordinator
- Submit a formal request to HR or management
- If necessary, involve the works council
- Contact the Inspectorate SZW as a final step
As an employee, you have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. Your employer is required by law to provide workstations that meet occupational health and safety standards. Possible solutions include buying new desks, redesigning the workspace or offering flexible workstations that do meet the requirements. Many organizations today choose modern office concepts in which employees can choose from a variety of workstations that are all ergonomically designed.
Are there exceptions to the minimum desk width under the Occupational Health and Safety Act?
The Occupational Health and Safety Act has some exceptions to standard desk sizes, but these are limited and subject to strict conditions. Temporary workstations or specific work activities can deviate from the 120 cm standard under certain circumstances.
Possible exception situations are:
- Short-term work of up to 2 hours per day
- Occasional workstations for visitors
- Specialty workstations with adapted equipment
- Mobile workstations in vehicles
- Emergency workstations during emergencies
For these exceptions, the employer must demonstrate that it is really not possible to meet the standard standards. In addition, a risk inventory must be conducted that describes alternative measures to minimize health risks. Examples include extra breaks, rotation of workstations or ergonomic aids. The main rule remains That structural workplaces where people work every day must meet full Occupational Health and Safety standards.
How do Dutch occupational health and safety requirements compare to international standards?
Dutch Arbo standards for desk dimensions are similar to international ergonomic standards. The minimum desk width of 120 cm is even on the wider side compared to some other countries.
In Europe, different standards apply in each country, but the ISO standard 9241 is often the basis. This international standard recommends a minimum of 100-120 cm desk width, depending on the type of work. Dutch legislation consistently opts for the wider size of 120 cm, which offers workers additional protection. Germany has similar standards, while countries such as Belgium and France have slightly more flexible guidelines.
European Directive 90/270/EEC on display screen work sets general requirements for workstations but leaves the exact details to member states. The Netherlands has strictly implemented this directive with concrete measurements. This ensures clarity for employers and better enforcement. For international companies renting office space Amsterdam, this means they have to take into account the stricter Dutch standards, even if they are used to different standards in their home country.
Main conclusions on desk width and the Occupational Health and Safety Act
The minimum desk width of 120 cm according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act is not an arbitrary size but a deliberate standard for healthy working. This dimension, together with the other desk specifications, ensures a workplace where you can function productively and without health risks.
It is important for employers to invest in workplaces that meet all ergonomic requirements. Not only does this prevent legal problems and fines, but it also leads to healthier, more productive employees and less absenteeism. Employees have the right to demand a safe workplace and can take various steps if their desk does not meet standards.
Dutch Occupational Health and Safety requirements are strict but fair, protecting workers from the health risks of prolonged screen work. Whether you have your own office or work flexibly, desk size remains an important concern for your health and well-being.
At Co-Office, we understand the importance of ergonomic workstations that fully comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Our flexible office spaces are furnished with desks that more than meet all legal standards, so you can work healthily and productively. Want to learn more about how we can create your ideal workspace? Then please contact with us for a no-obligation discussion of options.