Washington State University
SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

---

Ergonomics

This section provides general information and procedures regarding office and industrial ergonomics.

Ergonomics involves evaluating and modifying work environments, tasks, and tools to reduce bodily stressors caused by:

• Repetitive motion activities,
• Awkward and static postures, and
• Use of excessive force.

The purpose of this policy and procedure is to:

• Enhance employee health by preventing repetitive strain injuries,


• Ensure early intervention once a repetitive strain injury has been reported, and


• Enhance employee productivity.

Office ergonomics involves evaluating and modifying new and existing workstations and associated tasks to accommodate each employee.

Workstations and associated tasks are defined as the layout and use of a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse, office furniture, telephone, documents, and workplace lighting.

Supervisors, with employees' assistance, are to evaluate and, if necessary, modify workstations and associated tasks whenever:

• New office spaces are designed.


• An employee requests or a supervisor determines that a workstation and associated tasks need to be evaluated.


• Significant changes occur in workstation tasks.


• An employee reports a repetitive strain injury.

Contact EH&S for additional assistance with evaluating and/or modifying workstations and associated tasks; telephone 335-3041.

Evaluations are to be conducted using the information under "Workstation Guidelines and Design" below.

The evaluations are to identify workstation conditions and associated tasks that may place chronic stress on joints, muscles, tendons, and bones through repetitive motion activities and prolonged static postures, such as sitting.

Workstation conditions and associated tasks identified as potentially causing chronic stress should be modified to accommodate each worker using the "Workstation Guidelines and Design" information. See below.

Supervisors are to provide employees with general information on office ergonomics. This information includes:

• Proper sitting posture.


• Proper positioning and use of the monitor, keyboard, mouse, documents, and frequently used office items.


• Reducing strain and fatigue by alternating office tasks.


• Causes and symptoms of repetitive strain injuries.


• Prompt reporting of potential repetitive strain injuries.

Refer to this section (S80.15) and the EH&S Ergonomic WWW page for office ergonomics information. To view the EH&S Ergonomics WWW page, go to:

http://www.ehs.wsu.edu/

Select Office Safety, and then

Select Ergonomics.

The guidelines below and the diagram in the PDF version of page S80.15.4 are to be applied in designing, adjusting, or modifying workstations and associated tasks to minimize stress and fatigue:

• Adjust sitting arrangements to ensure proper posture and leg support. The chair back provides lower back support.

Adjust the chair height to place the user's thigh almost parallel to the floor with the knees slightly lower than the thighs.

Rest feet on the floor or footrest.

• Position the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and documents appropriately.

Place the monitor directly in front of the user with the top of the screen at eye level.

Place the keyboard and mouse directly in front of the user. Position and angle the keyboard so the forearms are parallel to the floor and the wrists are straight.

• Place frequently used items (e.g., telephones, reference materials, documents) within easy reach.


• Ensure sufficient lighting in the workstation area (e.g., work place and task lighting). Eliminate or reduce glare on the monitor screen.


• Move eyes frequently and focus eyes away from the screen when using a monitor for prolonged periods of time.


• Alternate tasks (e.g., keyboarding and filing) and change postures (e.g., standing and sitting positions) frequently.

Contact EH&S for assistance with workstation design and information materials, or view EH&S's Office Ergonomic WWW page at:

http://www.ehs.wsu.edu/

Select Office Safety, and then

Select Ergonomics.

Industrial tasks may place chronic stress on joints, muscles, tendons, and bones leading to repetitive strain injuries. These tasks may involve one or more of the following:

• Repetitive motion activities,
• Using excessive force,
• Static or awkward postures, and/or
• Working with vibrating equipment.

Examples of industrial-type tasks include: mopping, scrubbing, sanding, cutting, grinding, hammering, painting, screwdriving, sawing, operating motorized equipment, frequent lifting, and prolonged standing.

Contact EH&S for an ergonomic evaluation of industrial tasks.

Repetitive strain injuries involve inflammation, strain, and/or degeneration of the nerves, muscles, tendons, and bones. Symptoms include chronic discomfort, pain, fatigue, swelling, stiffness, and burning, numbness, and tingling of the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, back, and knees.

Other terms for repetitive strain injuries include cumulative trauma disorders and overuse syndrome.

Employees experiencing symptoms consistent with a repetitive strain injury are:

• To report the potential repetitive strain injury to their supervisor, and


• Encouraged to seek medical attention, particularly if symptoms persist and/or worsen.

Supervisors, upon notification of a potential repetitive strain injury, are to:

• Complete an Accidental Injury and Occupational Illness Report. See S25.20.



• Conduct a workstation/task evaluation.

Contact the following departments or offices for additional ergonomic information and assistance and refer to the cited SPPM section.

EH&S is available to perform office and industrial ergonomic evaluations. EH&S works with supervisors and employees to identify alternate equipment, tools, and work practices, as needed.

Telephone 335-3041 or view the Ergonomics WWW page at:

http://www.ehs.wsu.edu/

Select Office Safety, and then

Select Ergonomics.

Computer furniture acquisition and trial; telephone 335-4583.

Interior design and furniture layout; telephone 335-9027.

Back Injury Prevention and Treatment.