Environmental Health & Safety

Ergonomic Evaluation

The purpose of the ergonomic evaluation is to promote a healthy work environment and reduce discomfort associated with:

• Awkward postures
• Extended repetition
• Static loading
• Work demands
• Pacing and break schedules
• Facility-specific issues

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 in their present workstation, but in future work and home environments.
• Information that 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.
• Symptom survey information may be collected during the interview.

Documentation
Within two weeks of the interview, the employee will receive a report that details the evaluation and any recommended corrective actions. The report serves as the basis and starting point for intervention.

Intervention
Intervention consists of completing the recommended corrective actions for a workstation. Intervention can include a number of upgrades from several different resources, all varying in time necessary to put into place.

Follow-up
A follow up will take place six weeks after intervention has been completed to ensure that the corrective actions have been effective. Anytime during or after the process, the employee should contact Environmental Health and Safety if they have concerns.