Ergonomics and Workstation Assessments

Ergonomics examines the interaction between an employee, the physical and cognitive demands of the job they’re doing, the plant and equipment used to perform the job, and the environment they’re working in.

The science of ergonomics aims to optimise the design of work to enhance safety, efficiency and comfort for the user.

An ergonomic assessment of an office environment will encompass a review of the equipment used and its placement, the office environment and the individual. The individual’s posture, habits and behaviours in their work environment play a key role in optimising workstation ergonomics and preventing injury, as such, an educational approach is taken to these assessments.

Requesting an ergonomic workstation assessment

Before requesting an assessment by WHS, staff should first complete the Workstation Ergonomic Self-Assessment. This tool is designed to be followed step by step to educate the user through the necessary adjustments and helps to identify any necessary equipment.

If staff continue to experience pain, discomfort or difficulty managing their injury/health condition having completed the self-assessment, WHS can undertake an ergonomic assessment. To request an assessment, submit a  Service Now request with the self-assessment attached. Of note, staff who have sustained a workplace injury should submit a RiskWare notification instead of a ServiceNow request.

The goal of an ergonomic workstation assessment conducted by WHS is to identify potential problem areas and to determine suitable adjustments and recommendations.

The assessment will take into consideration fundamental ergonomic principles to make your workstation layout more comfortable for you.  The assessment is designed to increase understanding of optimal set up, and to provide guidance on healthy workstation behaviours which help to reduce injury risk.

When to consider a workstation assessment

You should consider a workstation assessment if you:

• Are a new employee
• Are experiencing pain and/or discomfort throughout the day – even if mild
• Find you are feeling more fatigued than usual
• Have recently experienced an injury, and/or
• Have long-term chronic injury or illness.

External provider assessment

At times, it may be appropriate to have an ergonomic assessment undertaken by an external provider. This should be discussed with your Supervisor, and can be arranged by contacting the Injury Prevention and Management Advisor. An external assessment is only usually arranged under special circumstances and is not a common practice. There is a cost associated with external assessments which is to be paid for by the business unit requesting the assessment. For further information, please contact rehab@jcu.edu.au.

Resources

• WHS-PRO-CHK-002b Ergonomic Workstation Self Assessment
• WHS-PRO-GUI-002f Seated Workstation Setup Guideline
• WHS-PRO-GUI-002g Standing Workstation Setup Guideline
• WHS-PRO-GUI- 002h Ergonomic Equipment Purchasing Guideline - Sit to Stand Workstation
• WHS-PRO-GUI-002i Ergonomic Equipment Purchasing Guideline - Accessories
• WHS-PRO-GUI-002m Ergonomic Equipment Purchasing Guideline - Chair
• WHS-PRO-GUI-002j Activity Based Work Guideline
• WHS-PRO-GUI-002k Laptop Setup Guide
• Daily Recommended Stretches
• Manual Handling Principles

What happens when the assessment is complete?

If you have completed the self-assessment checklist this record should be stored locally with your line manager. If you have identified necessary changes, such as new furniture or ergonomic equipment, you should discuss this with your supervisor and follow the JCU Procurement processes along with the below guidelines;

• Ergonomic Equipment Purchasing Guideline - Sit to Stand Workstation
• Ergonomic Equipment Purchasing Guideline - Accessories
• Ergonomic Equipment Purchasing Guideline - Chair

If WHS has conducted an assessment, you and your Supervisor will receive an email with recommendations for the work unit to consider and if relevant, purchase.

If an external provider has conducted an assessment, you, the Injury Prevention & Management Advisor, and your Supervisor will receive a report with recommendations.