Risk Assessment

WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

A baseline assessment of the current work environment is recommended prior to devising an improvement strategy. This service is designed to help your organization quickly prioritize risk and identify current ergonomic challenges. We will perform an on‐site evaluation of current risk factors, design standards and technology challenges. A detailed report is prepared shortly after the site visit. Components of our approach are listed below. A baseline assessment of the current work environment is recommended prior to devising an improvement strategy. This service is designed to help your organization quickly prioritize risk and identify current ergonomic challenges. We will perform an on‐site evaluation of current risk factors, design standards and technology challenges. A detailed report is prepared shortly after the site visit. Components of our approach are listed below.

Identification of
musculoskeletal risk factors
Musculoskeletal risk will be assessed throughout the work environment. The following postural risk factors will be screened for: Wrist extension, Ulnar/radial deviation, Excessive reaching, Neck/trunk rotation, Pronation/Supination, Shoulder abduction, Forward sitting, Contact stress, Sedentary postures.

Task Analysis
Because tasks often dictate posture, rest break schedules and joint movement, it is critical that our team can gain a better understanding of the workers’ tasks. The most computer intensive tasks will be examined so that specific recommendations for improvement can be made.

Employee Interviews
Speaking with employees helps improve our understanding of challenges that can be difficult to measure through observation alone. These include worker comfort, job stress, equipment challenges and perceived job demands. Interviews are informal and last no longer than 10 minutes. Three to five interviews are conducted per facility. Historically, the feedback has proved invaluable.

Review of existing equipment and technology standards
Workstation design and configuration are often linked directly to worker discomfort. All workstation configurations will be analyzed and compared to established ergonomic design guidelines. The following technological components are also considered:

Monitor technology and size
Input device design
Computing technology
Placement of technology

Environmental conditions
The ambient environment has been linked to worker health and performance. The following areas can be quickly measured and analyzed where necessary:

Lighting
Noise levels
Thermal conditions
Relative humidity

ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Humanscale Consulting is available to perform individualized ergonomic assessments of computer workstations. Our Professional Ergonomists utilize a web based assessment tool to collect employee-specific postural and discomfort data. Postural improvement and behavioral change are achieved through onsite ergonomics training and workstation adjustment. A detailed report is prepared shortly after the site visit which offers recommendations for improvement and an implementation strategy. Our basic and standard assessment levels entail three phases whereas our advanced assessment level entails five. Assessments can be performed remotely where necessary. Each phase is described below and summarized in table format.

Phase I: Pre Assessment

Prior to the assessment, a web link to our pre assessment survey is e-mailed to the employee. The 5-10 minute survey collects task specific information and employee discomfort data which is used by our team of ergonomists to reduce risk and formulate recommendations.

Phase II: Ergonomics Training

Next, we provide the employee with one-on-one onsite ergonomic awareness training. The goal of this effort is to increase the employee’s understanding of common postural issues while empowering them to affect behavioral change. Common misconceptions, basic ergonomic principles, and recommended work practices are discussed throughout the training. An article summarizing the training as well as a tip sheet is e-mailed to the employee immediately following the training.

Phase III: Assessment

Once training has been delivered to the employee, a board certified ergonomist will conduct a formal assessment of the workstation. Postural risk factors are documented and an equipment review is performed to ensure the existing workstation meets basic ergonomic criteria. Digital images of the employee’s workstation are taken and uploaded to our web based assessment tool. Any workstation adjustments that can be implemented given the existing equipment are made at this time. A report is generated shortly after the assessment that provides recommendations for further improvement.

Phase IV: Implementation

If additional workstation or equipment changes are required, the ergonomist provides assistance at the time of installation to ensure that the equipment is installed correctly and that the employee has an understanding of how to adjust the equipment properly.

Phase V: Post Assessment Check-Up

Four to six weeks following the implementation of changes, a post assessment survey is administered to the employee to gauge the effectiveness of the intervention. Feedback is collected on the assessment process and on any workstation changes. Pre and post musculoskeletal discomforts are compared and presented in a final report, which also indicates if any further actions are required. Ongoing support is provided, where necessary.

Summary Table - Ergonomic Assessment Program

		Basic	Standard	Advanced
Phase I	Pre Assessment Survey	✓	✓	✓
Phase II	Onsite Ergonomics Training	✓	✓	✓
Phase III	Onsite workstation assessment by a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist which includes: Complete documentation of musculoskeletal risk factors Review of existing equipment Recommendations for further improvement Detailed written report summarizing postural observations, equipment challenges and a recommended improvement strategy	✓	✓	✓
Phase IV	Implementation assistance to ensure workstation enhancements are installed properly and correctly utilized by employee			✓
Phase V	Post Assessment Check-Up: 4-6 weeks following the implemented changes, an online post assessment survey is administered to reassess employee discomfort levels and to gauge the effectiveness of the intervention Pre and post discomfort data is compared and a final report is generated which highlights areas of improvement, employee feedback and further recommendations where necessary			✓