Comprehensive Office Ergonomics Assessments

What is an Office Ergonomics Assessment?

Ergonomics is an applied science that can be simply defined as “fitting the job to worker, not the worker to the job”.  When the ‘fit’ of a workstation does not suit an employee, they are at a higher risk for a musculoskeletal injury (MSI).

An Office Ergonomics Assessment aims to determine if an employee’s 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. Should the evaluator determine that alternative equipment is required, recommendations and specifications for suitable products will be provided.  

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 Office Ergonomics Assessments?

Office Ergonomics Assessments are an impactful way to address employee health, improve working comfort and keep people working efficiently and productively. Many companies reach out to inquire about Office Ergonomics Assessments after an employee has indicated they have an injury or are experiencing discomfort. However a more proactive ergonomics approach can have far reaching benefits.

Here’s why they’re worth doing:

  1. Prevent MSIs, Pain and Discomfort: Office workstations are often overlooked as a potential cause for work-related MSIs, however poor 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 office workstations can prevent these injuries before they occur and reduce injury related claims costs.
  2. Improve Comfort, Boost Productivity and Increase Efficiency: When an employee has their workstation set-up well to suit their need, they experience less strain and fatigue. This can result in fewer distraction and better concentration on work tasks throughout the day leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
  3. Support Healthy Workplace Culture: Employers have a duty to provide safe workplaces. Providing offices ergonomics assessments proactively helps demonstrates commitment to employee health and wellbeing which can positively affect the company culture.

What should you expect during Office Ergonomics Assessments?

Office Ergonomics Assessments are scheduled as a 1-on-1 consultation that occurs at an employees workstation either in-person or virtually. 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. Next the evaluator takes a ‘before’ photo of the employee in their workstation to document any risks and assist with posture coaching as necessary.

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.

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