Work Health and Safety System ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION SET-UP CHECKLIST Employee: Position: Site: Assessed by: Signature: When conducting assessments, refer to Workstation Setup diagram as a guide on page 42. Desk Are the employees forearms angled slightly downwards towards the keyboard or are elbows at 90 degrees (with the shoulders relaxed)? : For fixed height desks, adjust the chair height. For adjustable height desks, adjust the desk height. Is there adequate space on the desk to complete all work tasks? : Remove unnecessary items from the work desk. Is there adequate leg space under the desk? : Remove any obstructions from under the desk.
Chair Is the seat height adjusted so that the employee s thighs are parallel to the floor with the feet resting on the floor? : If the seat height cannot be lowered to a height where the feet are flat on the floor then a footrest may be required. Is the backrest height adjusted so that the lumbar support fits into the small of the employee s back and adequately supports the spine? : To find the small of the back, have the staff member sit with hands on waist. The backrest height should then be adjusted up or down until the lumbar support fits into the small of the back. Can three fingers be placed between the back of the knee and the seat? : Adjustment of the backrest angle in or out will affect the amount of room on the seat. A seat with additional seat depth may also need to be explored. Is the backrest angle adjusted so that the staff member is sitting upright while keying? : Adjust backrest angle to encourage lumbar support and hips positioned at 90 degrees. Are armrests impeding on the employee s ability to sit closely into their desk? : If height adjustable armrests are present, lower the armrest height or alternatively remove the armrests. Monitor When sitting tall and looking straight ahead, is the employee looking at the top edge of the screen? : The height of the screen will need to be adjusted to the correct height by removing height or increasing height by using a monitor stand. Ergonomic Workstation Set Up Checklist 2 of 6
If a laptop is in frequent use has the laptop screen been positioned so that when sitting tall, the employee is looking at the top edge of the screen? : The laptop may need to be placed on a stand or raised surface with an extra keyboard and mouse provided. Is the screen at approximately one arm length away from the employee and/or at a comfortable reading distance? : Move screen at approximately one arm length away from the employee and/or at a comfortable reading distance. Are all characters in the display easily legible and is the image stable? : Check that the on screen font size and screen resolution settings are adequate. Does the employee find the lighting satisfactory? : Rearrangement of the furniture, task lighting, window blinds or anti glare screens could be considered. Keyboard Is the keyboard positioned close to the edge of the desk? : Re position the keyboard. If a laptop is in frequent use, has an extra keyboard been provided? : Provide an extra keyboard. Are the keyboard raisers lowered? : Lower keyboard raisers to promote a neutral wrist posture during typing. Ergonomic Workstation Set Up Checklist 3 of 6
Mouse Is the mouse in good working order? : Ensure that the mouse is working and that the employee can control the cursor, clean the wheels (if required) and encourage employee to use the mouse with each hand and periodically change between the hands. If a laptop is in frequent use, has an extra mouse been provided? Telephone Is there a headset available for continuous telephone operations or when it is necessary to access computer screen information? : Provide a headset. Is the telephone appropriately placed on the desk? : the telephone should be positioned within easy reach (without having to lean forward to answer the telephone given its frequency of usage) and on the side that the employee picks up the receiver to avoid trunk twisting. Staff should avoid positioning the handset between their head and shoulder while working and twisting and overreaching movements. If the telephone is used frequently then a headset should be purchased. Ergonomic Workstation Set Up Checklist 4 of 6
Storage Are the most commonly used items placed on the top desk drawer? Are in trays located below shoulder level? : Lower trays that are above shoulder height. In trays should not be located above shoulder level. Footrest (if required) Is the footrest large enough to support both feet, of a sturdy design and in good repair? : If not, take measurements and order a footrest, and/or arrange for footrest repair. Work practices Instructions s Micro breaks Workstation Stretches Alternate/Variety Tasks When using your mouse/keyboard repetitively. Remember to take micro breaks. This may be a short pause to relax hand postures, look away from the computer or stand and stretch your legs. Stretch your body to reverse your posture, allowing muscles to relax. Break up long periods of continuous computer use by performing tasks with different demands such as photocopying or filing. Avoid batching of work and try to rotate tasks regularly. Ergonomic Workstation Set Up Checklist 5 of 6
Laptops Instructions for laptop operators Laptop computers are not designed for extended use. For prolonged periods of use adverse effects of using a laptop may be prevented by: Docking the laptop or notebook into a desktop computer at an adjustable workstation; Connecting into existing computing equipment, such as the screen, keyboard and mouse. Ergonomic Workstation Set Up Checklist 6 of 6