Workstation Ergonomics – Checklist and Video
BiomechanicsBlogErgonomics

Workstation Ergonomics – Checklist and Video

By September 30, 2014July 9th, 2018No Comments

Workstation Evaluation

or Assessment in Ottawa

If you would like a workstation evaluation/assessment contact Dr. Rodwin at: dr.rodwin@back2health4you.com

Dr. Barbara Rodwin demonstrates and explains proper workstation ergonomics in this video:

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the workplace to the human beings who inhabit it. Nowadays, more people are working behind desks for prolonged periods of time, especially at computer workstations, which can create postural strain conditions such as those described in our Common Conditions section. The picture shows how people commonly sit – this can cause injuries to all parts of the body! Read on to change your habits.

At Back to Health, our professional staff is available to perform a workstation evaluation and deliver guest presentations on ergonomic topics such as:

  • How to sit properly
  • Lifting techniques
  • How to fit workstations to their inhabitants, and,
  • Stress management

Feel free to check out this article about the detrimental effects of sitting.

Workstation Checklist

The examination and correction of work station ergonomics can reduce the occurrence of postural strain and result in happier, more productive staff. Send us an e-mail if you would like to arrange an ergonomics assessment or lecture from our staff. If you answer no to the questions below, you will need to fix this setup.

Chair
1. Are your feet on a footrest or telephone books – forming a 90 degree angle?
2. Are you sitting firmly against the back of the chair?
3. Are you supporting your low back with a lumbar roll, or rolled up towel?
4. When using the computer, is the back of your seat angled backwards? The seat should then be angled slightly backwards, taking pressure off the back/hips.
5. When reading is your seat angled slightly forwards?

Terminal
1. Are your eyes when looking horizontally across intersecting the middle of the computer screen?
2. Are you 45-75 cm away from the computer screen?
3. Is the computer screen directly in front of you? If you use two screens, are they both in front of you?

Keyboard
1. Is the keyboard directly in front of you?
2. Are your upper arms/shoulders in a ‘relaxed’ position so that your shoulders are dropped down?
3. Are your wrists supported on the keyboard?

Desk
1. Are you close enough to your desk so that you are not reaching?
2. When reviewing paper work, are you placing it on a 45 degree angle, so to not look down?
3. Is your phone close to you? Do you cradle it in your neck?

Laptops
1. Again, think of where the keyboard and screen are placed; normally you should be using an external keyboard and mouse. All items above apply to the laptop too.