OFFICE Ergonomic Self-Evaluation



OFFICE Ergonomic Self-Evaluation

Ergonomics is the art and science of fitting the work environment to each individual worker.

People who have an understanding of ergonomic principles are better able to help ensure their comfort and safety, thereby avoiding bodily pain and injury. The main purpose of the NRAO ergonomic program is to prevent musculoskeletal injuries (MSI).

The NRAO provides ergonomic training, risk assessments and measures to control risks for the employees. NRAO employees are encouraged to be proactive in striving for ergonomic health by understanding ergonomic principles and applying these principles to

their own unique needs and work tasks.

Ergonomic solutions are generally twofold:

1.) Making physical changes so the work environment fits better to the person (e.g. raising table to prevent awkward bending),

2.) Making changes to the way the work is performed (e.g. rotating tasks to avoid undue fatigue).

Your resources to find and implement ergonomic solutions include: your supervisor, your co-workers and the ESS/Wellness Team.

In addition there is a list of references at the end of this program for further study.

The process of maintaining one’s ergonomic health is ever-changing-- as our needs change, our job duties change and the field of ergonomics makes advances.

This self-evaluation will help you identify what is working well, and what might need adjustment in your work environment(s). In each section, there are suggestions for modifications to improve your comfort and well-being. You are encouraged to write in the comments sections so that your needs and questions can be properly addressed.

How to use this Self-Evaluation

Complete this self-evaluation for the tasks you perform at work.

Check the “YES” box for the ergonomic conditions you currently have or ergonomic practices you currently are doing.

Check the “NO” box for items that are less ergonomic and may need modification.

If an item does not apply to you, check the “N/A” box for Not Applicable.

The column on the far right lists changes to consider improving the ergonomics of your work. When considering changes you are encouraged to obtain input from co-workers, supervisors, and ESS/Wellness team.

OFFICE Ergonomic Self-Evaluation

|WORKSTATION |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| |Chair at Desk | | | | |

| |Workstation | | | | |

|WORKSTATION |Yes |No |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions |

| |Keyboard/Mouse | | | | |

| |Standing Table or Workbench | | | | |

|[pic] | | | | | |

|Computingplus.uk |I can comfortably read my monitor(s) including laptops when they are used | | | |Larger screen |

| |simultaneously at my workstation: | | | |Anti-glare screen |

| | | | | |Adjustable monitor(s) holder |

| |Top line of text on the screen is near eye level, | | | |Wire laptop to larger monitor |

| | | | | |Reposition monitor & workstation to avoid glare |

| |Monitor(s) is directly in front of me and square to keyboard, | | | |Window shades |

| | | | | |Task Lighting |

| |Monitor is a comfortable distance from face (about an arm’s length), | | | |Document holder |

| | | | | | |

| |If corrective lens are worn, I am able to read screen with head & neck aligned | | | | |

| |(not tilted backward or forward), | | | | |

| | | | | | |

| |There is no glare on the screen(s), | | | | |

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| |I have document holders when I need them, | | | | |

| | | | | | |

| |When I use dual monitors they are close enough together to prevent neck strain. | | | | |

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| |TIP: Corrective eyewear for general use may not be adequate for reading monitors. | | | | |

| |An eye doctor can make a prescription for reading monitors. The doctor will need | | | | |

| |measurements of your workstation and size of monitor. | | | | |

| | | | | |Comments: __________________ |

| | | | | |_____________________________ |

| | | | | |_____________________________ |

| |Work Practices & Accessories | | | | |

|MOBILE COMPUTING | | | | |

| |YES |NO |N/A |Possible Ergonomic Solutions | |[pic]

TIP: Laptops may get hot.

If yours does, try not to block the fan vents, and use your lap or a hard surface to support the laptop for it to ventilate properly (not pillows).

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Since laptops tend to be small, it can be difficult to get an ergonomic position for both your neck and arms at the same time.

10. When using my laptop I change my position frequently. (e.g. from table, to desk, to couch).

11. If I need to use the laptop for a prolonged period I can attach it to a docking station or port replicator, OR place it on a stand and plug in a full-size keyboard and mouse.

On long trips, a laptop in a briefcase or messenger bag carried on one side can cause discomfort to the neck and shoulders.

12. When carrying my laptop for long distances I either switch between arms to carry the load,

use a rolling case or backpack.

Using a laptop on an airplane or as a car passenger can cause a cramped posture.

13. I can use pillows to support my arms and/or a hard surfaced prop to support the laptop.

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Docking station or port

Replicator

Extra mouse

Laptop stand

Rolling case

Lap desk

Pillows

Comments: __________________

_____________________________

_____________________________ | |Primary References Downloaded April 2013:

1. (this site has an animated self tutorial entitled “Office Ergonomics: Computer Station and Mobile Computing”)

2.

3. (booklet in pdf. form entitled “How to Make You Workstation Fit You”

NB: Canada already has ergonomic regulations in place for workers. Their literature on ergonomics is concise and user friendly.

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