Write Complex Documents

Employees name:

Work station location:

1.0 General environment

Yes/No

Lighting and glare

Preferably the person (or the computer screen) should not be facing an uncovered window. If the window is not covered, the desk should be positioned at right angles to the window.

As a general rule, sit at 90 right angles to the main light source.

The screen should be perpendicular or vertical not tilted.

Equipment layout and access

Commonly used items should be kept in easy reach.

Is the layout of the work area and items to be used appropriate to prevent undue twisting or lifting?

Space

Are storage facilities adequate?

Manual handling

Is the area free from manual handling hazards?

Heavy or frequently used items should be stored at waist height.

Is a step stool available to access higher shelves?

Noise

Is the level of noise conducive to concentration?

Ventilation, humidity and temperature

Is ventilation and thermal comfort adequate?

Workstation and equipment

Desk

The desk should be 68cm – 72cm high. The dimensions should be a minimum of 90cm x 75cm for paperwork tasks or 115cm x 90cm for mixed clerical and computing tasks

Is the desk suitable in size for the work being undertaken?

Chair

The chair should provide lumbar support, have height and back rest adjustment and be on a 5 star castor base. Chairs with non-adjustable armrests are not recommended for desk-based work.

Does the chair have lumbar support, adjustment of the height and the backrest and a 5 star castor base?

Is the depth of the seat appropriate? The thighs should be fully supported with 2-3 finger space behind the knees when seated and with the back fully supported by the chair.

Adjust chair height (if the desk is adjustable start with the foot position, see below). When seated the elbows should be at or slightly above the desk when arms are at the side of the body and shoulders relaxed.

When keying, the forearms should be parallel with the floor and elbows bent at 90 degrees, with the wrist in the neutral position, not resting on the desk. The test position is with the fingers on the home keys (keys “asdf” left hand and “;lkjj” for the right hand).

Can the chair height be adjusted to the correct height needed for the correct keying position?

Foot position

Feet should be resting comfortably on the floor with knees bent at 90 degrees. The thighs should be parallel with the floor. If this cannot be achieved and the desk is not adjustable in height a footstool is required.

Is a footstool required?

Computer and accessories

Always keep the spine in neutral i.e. the natural “S” shape. Stay symmetrical (ie directly in front of the keyboard and the screen equipment – do not sit twisted.

Is the top of the computer screen (toolbar) at eye level when seated in the chair and looking straight ahead?

If glasses are worn which affect viewing of the screen, can a neutral neck position be maintained?

Is the keyboard:

• Positioned directly in front of you?
• Centered with your body?
• At a height that allows your shoulders to be relaxed and your wrists and hands to be straight?

Is the monitor at least arms distance when seated in front?

Are the characters on the computer display set at an appropriate size and colour for reading?

Is a document holder available?

Document holders should be placed between the keyboard and the hard-drive.

Is the image on the screen steady? If it flickers the refresh rate may need to be reset.

Is the mouse being used at the same level and as close as possible to the keyboard?

Elbows should not be forward of the trunk when keying and using the mouse.

Does the mouse have a scroll button feature and is it used?

It is recommended that the middle finger be placed on the scroll button to assist in maintaining the correct position of the hand on the mouse and avoid twisting through the wrist.

Laptops

Exactly the same principles apply as written above.

For prolonged use are a monitor riser and external keyboard and mouse used?

Work practices

Can posture be changed at least every hour?

Rest breaks are recommended every 5 minutes for every 30 minutes of work, or 10 minutes every hour. It is preferable to have a variety in tasks in order to get the change in posture.

Does the person have control over their workload and ability to take breaks?

Safety equipment

Is a first aid kit/supplies available?

Is an earth leakage circuit breaker installed?

Are electrical cords and connections safe?   (ie undamaged and unimpeded – not caught under equipment)

Action required