Office ergonomics

woman sitting in office chair
Proper posture and positioning of office equipment are important parts of office ergonomics

Employees whose work requires spending significant amount of the work day in an office may be at a risk of developing musculoskeletal injury (MSI) as a result of awkward and /or sustained postures, repetition or direct pressure to a body part. Your office environment and the equipment used to perform the tasks may increase the risk of injury.

Eastern Health is committed to preventing MSIs associated with office work. To minimize the risk of such injuries, commonly used office equipment such as chairs, desks, keyboard trays, headsets etc… are standardized through product evaluation and a standardization process.

If an employee perceives that they are at a risk of such an injury, they should complete an office workstation ergonomic self-assessment to determine steps to be taken to eliminate the associated hazards.

Additional resources are available through occupational therapists with Occupational Health when ergonomic issues are not resolved after workstation adjustments and equipment are in place.

For further details on musculoskeletal injury prevention, read the Office Workstation Ergonomic Assessment Policy (login required).

Self assessment

When ergonomic hazards are identified, an employee must complete an office workstation ergonomic self-assessment (PDF). This will guide the employee to make necessary workstation adjustments and determine if additional ergonomic equipment is required.

Watch this short video to learn how to assess your workspace:

The employee should review the results of the office workstation ergonomic self-assessment with their manager when additional ergonomic equipment is required. It is the manager’s responsibility to order the necessary equipment for employee. Subject to available funds, Occupational Health may be able to provide 50 per cent cost-sharing for ergonomic equipment. To request cost-sharing, the program manager must complete the office workstation ergonomic equipment funding form.

Referral process

If a referral to Occupational Health has been identified through the course of the office workstation ergonomic self-assessment, or if the employee considers that the ergonomic concerns were not addressed after making all the necessary workstation adjustments and/or purchasing the new ergonomic workstation equipment, the employee should enclosed the completed workstation ergonomic self-assessment to the referral form; without a completed checklist the referral will not be processed.

Working from home

Ergonomic principles for the kitchen table office include:

  • the rule of 90 degrees;
  • the screen at eye level (external monitor or a separate keyboard and mouse); and
  • support feet and lumbar region.

Resources

  • Setting up a temporary laptop workstation
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Last updated: 2021-07-02