Computer Workstation Assessment Tool University of New Hampshire Person evaluated Job Title Department Address Contact Number Date of evaluation Name of evaluator Check off the items that you observe to be true. Any items that have not been checked off may need further evaluation and recommendations to help prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Each option has a possible solution provided. These recommendations should be applied based on the individual s needs and environment, as solutions may vary based on the situation. Monitor is within an arm s distance from user. Top of monitor is angled so that it is at or slightly below eye level User s head and neck are aligned with monitor. Every 30 minutes to 1 hour, employee takes breaks and looks away from computer screen Input documents are positioned close to monitor and require Monitors -Adjust monitor to be between 18-24 inches from eyes. This will help prevent awkward body postures and eyestrain. -Adjust size of text on computer to allow for better viewing. -Adjust monitor to be between 15-20 degrees below horizontal eye level. -Adjust chair or desk to get proper viewing angle. -Add or remove surfaces/objects under computer to adjust monitor angle. -Bifocal users may need monitor to be lower for better viewing. -Place monitor directly in front of face, or no more than 35 degrees to the left or right, to help prevent muscle fatigue and pain in neck. -Add breaks into day by alternating tasks, taking a short walk, or looking at an object farther away from screen. This may help prevent eye fatigue and dryness. -Stretch frequently throughout the day. -Add document holder aligned under or next to monitor to avoid twisting of the neck. 1
minimal head movements to view Monitors are easy to view with no glare Other notes: -Adjust brightness of monitor -Place monitor at 90 degrees with any natural light sources -Clean monitor frequently Wrists are straight without any angle while typing. Shoulders are relaxed while typing. Forearms are parallel to floor and elbows are at a comfortable angle while typing. Keyboard is positioned directly in front of user Pointer is close enough so that user is not reaching or twisting with shoulder and arm Mouse fits properly in user s hand Keyboard/Pointer -Add an adjustable keyboard tray to align the wrists to neutral position. -Add a split or raised keyboard to help wrists stay in a neutral position. -Adjust keyboard so that wrists are in neutral position, shoulders are relaxed, and elbows at a 90-110 degree angle. -Adjust chair and desk height to maintain a neutral and comfortable body posture with wrists, shoulders and elbows. -Align keyboard directly in front of user to avoid any twist or bend in head and neck. -Adjust chair, desk, and keyboard tray to allow for pointer to be positioned near keyboard to allow for a straight and neutral wrist -Use a keyboard with a pointing device build into it to reduce amount of reaching and stretching. -Add a mouse/pointing device that properly fits user s hand to prevent injury to hand 2
Mouse responds easily when in use Right hand is fatigued or painful when in use Other notes: and wrist. -Clean ball of mouse -Use a different type of surface for mouse -Switch mouse to left hand frequently throughout the day Desk/work surface space is organized with ample space to work User has no hard, sharp, or cold edges that come in contact with Legs fit comfortably under work surface without coming in contact with underside of desk. Work surfaces are within arms reach so that arms are not extended or shoulders are not raised Frequently used work tools are easy to each (I.e. phone, calculator, etc.) Desk allows user to work in seated and standing positions Desk/Work Surface -Reduce clutter on workspace by organizing area. -Add pads to table edges or use a wrist wrest to minimize contact stress -Limit the number of items stored under work surface -Adjust desk to allow clearance between legs and desk to be 20-28 inches. Height adjustable desks add clearance for legs -Raise work surface by adding table risers such as boards or concrete blocks -Lower work surface by cutting off parts of desk leg or raising chair -Use height-adjustable desks to accommodate for the user -Move frequently used items within arms reach to avoid frequent reaching of arms. -Add a sit-to-stand desk -Switch positions every hour from sitting to standing. This will alleviate pressure, 3
Other notes: increase blood flow, and help to prevent injuries. -Add adjustability features to current desk to allow user to sit and stand when working. Backrest provides support to lumbar and helps maintain natural S-curve of spine Seat allows for feet to rest flat on floor Seat allows user to sit in neutral, upright posture with back supported and feet flat on floor. Arms are supported allowing shoulders to be relaxed and elbows to be near side Chairs -Add a chair with adjustable backrest options including: *Height adjustable lumbar support *Recline adjustment that allows for at least 15 degrees of recline *Adjustable seat pan to accommodate user s height -Use a rolled up towel or a back support cushion to temporarily provide support to lumbar region -Heighten or lower seat to allow feet to comfortable lay flat on floor while back is supported -Add a chair with an adjustable seat pan to support proper seated position -Add a footrest to provide support for feet -Add a chair with an depth adjustable seat pan -If seat pan is too short, adjust seat pan to alleviate pressure on buttocks -If seat pan is too long, adjust seat pan to alleviate pressure on knees and increase back support -Provide a footrest to elevate knees, alleviating pressure on back of legs. -If arm rest is used, adjust arm rest so that shoulders are relaxed and elbows are near body 4
Other notes: -Consider removing arm rests to help alleviate pressure on shoulders and elbows Evaluator Signature Date 5