What is a Home Office Ergonomics Assessment?
Hybrid and remote work has become the norm for many organizations, leading employees to set up home workspaces with varying levels of equipment and support. However, with so many office products on the market, many claiming to be “ergonomic”, it can be difficult to determine what truly meets an individual’s needs. When the ‘fit’ of a workstation or equipment does not suit an employee, they are at a higher risk for a musculoskeletal injury (MSI).
A Home Office Ergonomics Assessment aims to determine if an employee’s home workstation and equipment can be adjusted to best suit their body or if alternative equipment may be required. MoveSafe uses observation, measurements and recognized ergonomic standards (CSA Z412) to identify and assess for potential MSI risk factors and ergonomic concerns.
During the assessment the evaluator will assess and provide assistance with:
- Equipment – Assess the design and layout of the workspace including standard furniture (chair, desk), equipment (keyboard, mouse, monitor), and environmental factors (lighting) to determine if they can be adjusted to suit the employee.
- Posture and Physical Demands – Assess the physical demands of the work looking for MSI risk factors such as repetitive motions, awkward postures, and forceful exertions. Provide coaching on neutral seated postures and how it can be achieved.
- Movement and Breaks – Provide coaching in regards to microbreaks, movement breaks and sit-stand best practices to reduce prolonged static postures
The evaluator will assist with making adjustments to existing equipment during the assessment, if possible. MoveSafe recognizes the budgetary and space considerations associated with remote work environments and provides practical, cost-effective solutions to support the creation of low-risk home workspaces. Equipment recommendations take into account typical space constraints and include portable and compact options suitable for small or multiuse residential environments.
Following the assessment, MoveSafe provides a detailed written report outlining all identified risks, completed actions and recommended solutions. The report includes photographs, clear action items, and equipment recommendations with suitable product links to support implementation. Our Seated Worker Guide resource booklet is provided following every MoveSafe assessment to reinforce education and coaching provided during the assessment.
MoveSafe can also provide follow-up assessments should they deemed necessary to ensure proper implementation of recommendations and make further adjustments if needed.
Why do you need Home Office Ergonomics Assessments?
With the rise of hybrid work, many employees are working from home in spaces that were not originally designed for full-time computer work. While there is an abundance of office equipment marketed as “ergonomic,” not all products provide the support they claim, making it difficult to know what will truly work for each individual.
In addition, home workspaces are often shaped by space constraints, multi-functional room use, and budget considerations, which can make achieving an optimal setup more challenging. A Home Office Ergonomics Assessment helps bridge this gap by identifying practical solutions that work within the realities of each employee’s home environment.
Here’s why they’re worth doing:
- Prevent MSIs, Pain and Discomfort: Office workstations are often overlooked as a potential cause for work-related MSIs, however poor home office workstation set-ups and prolonged sitting can result in back & neck pain, headaches, shoulder discomfort and hand & wrist pain. Early identification of the risk factors for injury at home office workstations can prevent these injuries before they occur and reduce injury related claims costs.
- Make the Most of Existing Equipment and Space: Not every home office has access to ideal furniture or a dedicated workspace. An assessment provides tailored recommendations to optimize what is already available, while offering guidance on when alternative equipment may be beneficial.
- Cut Through “Ergonomic” Marketing: With so many products labeled as ergonomic, it can be difficult to determine what is truly effective. Assessments provide expert, unbiased guidance to help employees make informed decisions about equipment that will actually support their needs.
What should you expect during Home Office Ergonomics Assessments?
To begin the process for a Home Office Ergonomics Assessments, employees are asked to complete a short pre-assessment task that includes submitting workstation photos and a few basic measurements via email in advance.
Home Office Ergonomics Assessments are scheduled as a 1-on-1 consultation that occurs at an employees workstation virtually over a video conferencing platform. Typically the assessment will be between 45-60 minutes. During this time the evaluator meets with the employee and first discusses any concerns, discomforts or challenges they may be experiencing while working.
During the assessment the evaluator will look for potential risk factors and provide assistance to adjust equipment in the following areas:
- Chair – seat height, seat pan depth, lumbar support height and depth, backrest angle, seat pan tilt, chair rock and tilt tension, and armrest height, depth and width.
- Worksurface – height, depth, width and functionality
- Keyboard and Mouse – height, position, arrangement and layout style
- Monitor(s) – height, distance, arrangement and usage
- Accessories – web cameras, headsets, footrests, document holders, palm supports etc.
The evaluator will also discuss potential environmental and job design considerations that are intended to further reduce the potential risk for injury or discomfort:
- Eye Strain – address lighting concerns such as workstation position in regard to windows, overhead lighting, task lighting, monitor settings, and wall/furniture finishes.
- Prolonged Static Posture – discuss optimal strategies for
- Microbreaks: short breaks without leaving the workstation
- Movement breaks: coffee or stretch breaks were you move away from the workstation
- Sit-stand best practices: how long you should stay in each positions and how frequently you should switch
- Awkward Postures, Repetitive Motions and Contact Stress – discuss potential alternative keyboard or mouse options that could further improve working postures and comfort.
Interested in Movesafe® To Address Your Needs?
If you see our approach as a good fit for your organization’s needs, please reach out to us.
