Ergonomics Program

Designing the work environment to support healthy work postures and purchasing the right equipment can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury and increase productivity.  More information and examples of equipment can be found online.

• Please refer to our Office Ergonomics Page for more information
• For Home Office Ergonomics, refer to our Supervisor’s Guide for Home Office Ergonomics
• If you are looking to purchase office furniture and equipment please check out our Ergo Design & Purchasing Considerations for tips and examples.
• If you or your staff are interested in sit-stand desks, please refer to our Sit-Stand Ergo Resources for more information
• We encourage each DEPT or unit to have an Office Ergo Rep to assist with initial set-up and problem solving.

• Pre-assessment. 

1. We encourage staff/faculty to let their Supervisor/Manager know if they are experiencing pain or difficulty at work.  If they feel that they have an injury that occurred as a result of work, this should be reported to WSBC and a CAIRS report should be completed—see UBC Safety & Risk Services for details.

2. For office related assessments, staff/faculty will be encouraged to complete the Office Ergonomics Orientation Workshop first and if possible implement changes.

3. If Staff/Faculty would like to proceed with an assessment they can then contact us for a pre-assessment survey 

4. We will send staff/faculty a pre-assessment survey to gather some background information. They will receive an email from Input Health/Workplace Health Services with a link to the survey.  To complete the survey they will need to attach a couple of pictures of them working at their workstation so that we can see how things fit. We will review responses to determine the next steps. If there is an obvious solution, such as getting a footrest, we will contact the individual and the Supervisor/Manager to discuss equipment options, feasibility and implementation. Or, if necessary, we will arrange an onsite or virtual assessment.

• Assessment. 

We will meet privately with the staff/faculty member for the ergonomics assessment. The assessment will involve a 15 to 20 minute interview to review background, concerns and symptoms followed by 30 to 45 minutes of observations, education, and, if possible, adjustments to the actual workstation.

• Post Assessment. 

Communication. After the assessment, we will call the Supervisor/Manager to discuss findings and recommendations to determine suitable and feasible options for your department. A formal report will be sent to both the Staff/Faculty and the Supervisor/Manager.  The supervisor and staff/faculty member are encouraged to meet to review this report. This will require an open dialogue to explore options, barriers and solutions. These solutions may require creativity, flexibility and compromise by both parties.

Purchasing Decisions. Purchasing decisions are the responsibility of the department. It is recommended that the supervisor follow-up with their department to determine, who, within their department, has the authority to approve purchases and to determine if the department has a preferred provider for equipment/furniture purchases. Providers listed in our reports are merely suggestions of where equipment can be purchased.

Follow-up. The Ergonomics Program will send a follow-up survey to both the supervisor and staff/faculty member approximately one month after the assessment.  During the assessment, we provide education regarding proper workstation set-up; the goal is for the Staff/Faculty member to set-up and adjust their workstation if new equipment is received or they move to another workstation. A follow-up assessment is conducted only if requested.

Requirements. Under the WSBC Ergonomic MSI Requirements (4.51), workers must receive training in ergonomic risk identification, recognition of MSI signs and symptoms and, how to safely use equipment and do their jobs.

How to meet the WSBC Ergonomic Requirements.

• Ensure Staff/Faculty have received the necessary ergonomic and MSI training either by taking the relevant Ergonomics Orientation Workshops or contact us to arrange a customized workshop if necessary.
• Alternatively, the DEPT may develop their own ergonomic training in accordance with the WSBC Ergonomic MSI Requirements, if preferred.
• The DEPT is also responsible for training staff on how to safely use equipment and do their jobs.

Requirements. Under the WSBC Ergonomic MSI Requirements (4.47), the employer must identify Ergonomic (MSI) Risk Factors.

How to meet the WSBC Ergonomic Requirements.

• Review CAIRS Reports and First Aid Reports and consult with the Joint Committee/Worker Health & Safety Rep
• For CAIRS/First Aid injuries refer to a tip sheet the Ergo MSI Incident Investigation Tip Sheet
• For lifting related injuries, complete the Lifting Incident Investigation Form and submit it to the Ergonomics Program
• If you have no CAIRS or First Aid Reports, use UBC’s Ergonomic Hazard Identification Checklist to assist you in identifying risks
• Check-in with your staff and faculty to identify tasks that are difficult or associated with near misses and/or tasks that faculty and staff have identified as having musculoskeletal injury risk factors.
• Encourage staff and faculty to report MSI injury signs & symptoms early

Requirements. Under the WSBC Ergonomic MSI Requirements (4.48 and 4.49), when MSI risk factors have been identified, the employer must ensure that the risk is assessed. the employer must identify Ergonomic (MSI) Risk Factors.

How to meet the WSBC Ergonomic Requirements.

• Consult with the Joint Committee/Worker Health & Safety Rep and a representative sample of workers and workers with MSI injury signs & symptoms
• Refer to an overview of risk factors to consider or the WSBC Ergonomic Worksheets ‘A’ and ‘B’
• If you need assistance, contact us to arrange an ergonomics assessment

Requirements. Under the WSBC Ergonomic MSI Requirements (4.50, 4.51 and 4.52), the employer must implement controls that eliminate or, if that is not practicable, minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury to workers; provide workers with training on how to use the control measures; and, must evaluate the effectives of the control measure.

How to meet the WSBC Ergonomic Requirements.

• Consult with the Joint Committee/Worker Health & Safety Rep
• Refer to WSBC Hierarchy of Controls: implementing engineering controls is more effective than providing training on correct body mechanics
• If you need assistance, contact us and we will work with you to source appropriate control measures.
• Train workers on how to safety and effectively use the equipment or control measures implemented
• If cost is a barrier, the DEPT may apply for funding for innovative solutions for non-office environments through the Ergo Fund. Refer to our Info Sheet and Application Form

• Safe Lifting Resource Sheet
• General Ergonomics Website