Environmental Health & Safety

Supervisor's Guide to the Ergonomics Process
(Portland State University Employees Only)

Ergonomic Assessments

It is important to note that Environmental Health & Safety is not a medical authority nor does it have any purchasing power. This program is primarily an office ergonomics program though Environmental Health and Safety is able to provide assistance for those in other settings as well.

Purpose
The purpose of the ergonomic assessment is to provide quick recommendations and follow-up with the intent on helping individuals to improve productivity and avoid discomfort associated with repetitive motion, static and awkward postures, and forceful exertions. This web site is intended to provide enough supporting information to help people work comfortably and to make successful decisions when implementing changes.

Interview
The interview takes about one hour to complete and needs to occur at the employee's workstation with the employee present. The interview will consist of the following:

• Training to educate the employee in avoidance of discomfort in the back, neck, shoulder, arms, and wrist, not only at their present workstation though in future work and home environments as well. The training consists of the information offered in the "PSU Office Ergonomic Assessment Guides" section of this web site.


• Information is collected on workstation, worker, and job characteristics. This information is used to perform the hazard analysis and to determine practical measures for improvements to the work environment. Recommended changes are discussed with the employee at the end of the interview.

Ergonomic Assessment Report
Within two weeks of the interview, the supervisor and employee will receive a report that details the assessment and any recommended changes. The report serves as the basis and starting point for intervention. The EH&S assessor will follow-up with the supervisor shortly after the report has been issued to discuss the recommended changes.

The changes recommended by the EH&S assessor are considered by Environmental Health & Safety to be the most cost effective, reliable solution to an employee's discomfort. It is important to note that there are often alternatives to the recommended changes; these may also be discussed with the EH&S assessor.

Intervention
Corrective measures can be taken based on the recommended changes that are listed in the ergonomic assessment report. Many of the recommended changes involve obtaining equipment for the workstation. The department of the employee is not obligated to purchase equipment based on recommendations listed in the report though it is up to the department to fund and implement any of the changes. Departments are encouraged to review their needs with Human Resources to determine if resources are available through our workers' compensation or disability insurance carriers.

Sometimes, the chances of finding suitable equipment in surplus or at PSU ReUses! are good; if this the case, it will be indicated within the report. You may also want to check to see if equipment is already available elsewhere in your own department. If suitable equipment is not available from these resources, the quickest and most effective solution is to contact one of the local vendors. A table of local vendors and products may be found here. Individuals with purchasing power are also recommended to review Tips for Making Purchases.

Follow-up
A follow-up will take place two months after intervention has been completed to ensure that the corrective actions have been effective. If the supervisor or employee has concerns anytime during or after the process, they should contact the EH&S assessor.

Continuing Process
Ergonomics is a continuous, on-going approach used in optimizing the working environment. Employees are encouraged to pay attention to their work environment and to activities or circumstances which may lead to discomfort. Anything that is beyond their control to fix should be reported to their supervisor.