Ergonomics is the practice of fitting the job to the individual, which can help prevent work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Examples of musculoskeletal injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and low back pain. The goal of the ergonomics program at the University is to help departments and employees identify risk factors that can contribute to the development of work related musculoskeletal injuries and determine solutions to eliminate or reduce these risk factors.
These steps can help employees conduct a self-assessment of their workstation and pick products that may improve the ergonomics of their workstation:
Step 1. Review and Adjust: Workstation Adjustment Guidelines
Step 2. Purchase Ergonomic Tools: Guide for Selecting Office Ergonomic Furniture and Equipment
Step 3. Print out and plan: Sit-Stand Workstations
Ergonomic Evaluations
EH&S provides guidance to individuals and organizational units on how to begin addressing ergonomic concerns. The additional resources found on this page also cover guidance on how to address ergonomics issues by the type of work environment.
EH&S has limited resources to provide on-site ergonomics evaluations for office workstations. Please consdier using these online tools and if no improvement if found, contact for an evaluation.
safetytraining@uw.edu
Trainings
For training on ergonomics awareness, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has provided online training for supervisors and employees on the L&I Ergonomics webpage.
EHS is also able to provide a hands-on traning for individual or groupd who need additional support. Contact safetytraining@uw.edu
Back Safety and Injury Prevention - Online
Consultants
EH&S does not currently have resources to provide ergonomics assessments for non-office work environments. For these types of assessments, an outside consultant may be a good option for departments to address potential risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal injuries. Consultants will evaluate workstations or work tasks to determine if changes should be made to better fit the employee.
The University of Washington has established contracts with ErgotFit Consulting and Solutions Northwest to receive ergonomics assistance at negotiated rates. Please contact ehsergo@uw.edu for more information on consultant services.
HOW CAN AN EMPLOYEE ACQUIRE A SIT-STAND WORKSTATION?
Although EH&S acknowledges the benefits of a sitstand workstation, EH&S does not make the determination of whether an employee needs a sitstand workstation. The decision to provide a sit-stand workstation or any other type of ergonomic office equipment is at the discretion of the employee’s supervising department. The provision of equipment may be required in cases of a reasonable accommodation approved through the Disability Services Office.