Free Ergonomics Computer Workstation Setup Checklist
Morgan Maxwell has produced a free ergonomics computer workstation setup checklist that can be applied to the office or home.
As you will see within the PDF download below the free Ergonomics Computer Workstation Setup Checklist does not constitute a Display Screen Equipment Assessment.
Movement is first priority!
When working with computers for long hours the number one priority is to ensure you move as much as possible throughout the day. Your body has not evolved to sit or stand still for long periods of time and requires low intensity high frequency movements to help maintain key body functions such as blood pressure regulation.
Posture is important to help reduce the risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders which are prominent within the UK workforce as seen within image 1. Image 1 shows Health and Safety Executive data in relation to work related musculoskeletal disorders in 2019 which provides some interesting data around working days lost and the number of people suffering from work related musculoskeletal disorders.
It’s very important to note, even in the perfect posture you may be at risk of injury and a number of chronic diseases as discussed within our recent blog post Risks of Being Sedentary at Work.
Image 1: Health and Safety Executive data in relation to work related musculoskeletal disorders in 2019
9 tips to add more movement into your day
The key message to take home with computer workstation ergonomics is ‘The next posture is the best posture’. Arrange your workstation so you have to move. Some ideas to add movement include:
- Place home office on top floor to promote use of stairs.
- Place bottle of water away from desk to promote standing from sitting.
- Have regular breaks away from your screen. Add calendar reminders or alarm on your phone to prompt you.
- In the office? try to reduce internal emails.
- Centralise printers and bins.
- Make the stairs a nice place to be. Add some colour or pictures of the local area. Maybe a calorie counter for every floor an employee completes.
- Consider sit stand desks as a why to promote movement. Be aware that standing still is not the solution as discussed in our blog post Risks of Being Sedentary at Work.
- Within the office create collaborative spaces that have a purpose.
- At home or in the office have walking meetings.
Computer workstation set-up checklist
As you will see within the PDF download the free Ergonomics Computer Workstation Setup Checklist does not constitute a Display Screen Equipment Assessment. The checklist is a quick guide to help you adopt more of a neutral posture when working with computers.
Morgan Maxwell Workstation Set-up checklist
Need help with your Display Screen Risk Assessments and ergonomics improvement process? Contact Morgan Maxwell today to speak with a Chartered Ergonomist. We can support you with online DSE Assessments for home/office workers and Online DSE Risk Assessment Software
If you’re unsure whether you need a Chartered Ergonomist’s expertise, see our blog post first: What is a Chartered Ergonomist?, and drop us a line with any questions.