ISO 9241-5:2024

Overview

ISO 9241-5:2024 - Ergonomics of human‑system interaction: Part 5 - Workstation layout and postural requirements provides ergonomic guiding principles for the design, specification and procurement of workstation equipment used with interactive systems and visual displays. The second edition (2024) updates definitions and adds expanded design recommendations to promote user performance, comfort and safety while reducing visual, musculoskeletal and postural risks.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard defines high‑level and practical requirements across workstation design topics, including:

• Guiding principles - versatility, flexibility, fit, postural change, user information and maintainability/adaptability.
• Design requirements - general ergonomics for workstations; recommended design reference postures.
• Postural guidance - ergonomics for sitting, standing, sit‑stand and semi‑standing (intermediate) postures and encouragement of postural change.
• Ease of adjustment - requirements to enable users to reconfigure equipment and furniture to accommodate different body sizes and tasks.
• Support surfaces and clearances - viewing distances, angles of view, worksurface finish, clearances under surfaces and energy loss to contact surfaces.
• Work chair specifications - fit parameters, dynamic seating, back support and arm support considerations.
• Additional support elements - recommendations for document holders, footrests, wrist and forearm supports, and monitor arms.
• Workspace layout and cable management - placement of multiple workstations and safety/stability aspects.
• Conformity and measurement - methods and anthropometric data (Annex A) for verifying compliance.

The document references other ISO ergonomics standards (for example ISO 9241‑11 and ISO 9241‑302) and is intended to inform technical standards for furniture and equipment.

Practical applications and users

ISO 9241‑5 is aimed at improving workstation ergonomics in any setting using visual interactive systems:

• Who uses it: product designers, furniture manufacturers, occupational health and safety specialists, facility planners, IT/UX teams and procurement officers.
• Use cases: designing ergonomic desks, chairs, monitor mounts and complete workstations; drafting procurement specifications; producing compliance evidence for workplace safety programs; guiding office, control room and laboratory layout decisions.
• Benefits: enhances comfort and productivity, supports diverse anthropometry, reduces musculoskeletal strain and visual fatigue, and helps organizations meet ergonomic best practices.

Related standards

• ISO 9241 series (ergonomics of human‑system interaction)
• Normative references in the standard include ISO 9241‑11:2018 (usability) and ISO 9241‑302:2008 (visual display terminology)

Keywords: ISO 9241-5, workstation layout, postural requirements, ergonomics, human-system interaction, work chair, anthropometric data, ergonomic design, visual displays, monitor arm, adjustability.