COVID-19 Temporary Work Location Ergonomic Guide Edith Cowan University

This guide provides ergonomic information for staff undertaking work from home, or another temporary work location, as result of self-quarantine.

It is intended to assist staff to review and make simple adjustments to their work area in order to maximise workstation comfort.

Name: ...................................................................... Manager/Supervisor: ………………….......................................................

Workstation Location: ......................................................................................... Date of review: ........................................

Laptops and Notebooks

Laptop and notebook computers are designed for short-term or mobile use only. If using these types of computers from prolonged periods, it is recommended that, where possible, you use

an external keyboard and mouse; and a laptop stand or docking station; or an external monitor.

Do not use the laptop on your lap, or for extended periods of time (no more than 30 minutes at a time).

Work Environment

You should be able to easily see documents and complete computer tasks without glare, reflection and without the need to strain your eyes.

Noise, lighting, temperature should be conducive to concentration.

Desk Set Up

Place keyboard or laptop to the front edge of the desk allowing enough room for wrist and forearm support.

Place mouse (if used) right next to the keyboard on the side of your non-dominant hand. Where possible, use of a separate mouse is recommended when using a desktop or laptop computer.

The recommended keyboard setting is with the feet lowered so the keyboard sits flat on the desk.

Centre the keyboard according to keys you will be using (i.e. centre the section with the letters to you if you are not using the number pad).

If mainly making calls using a landline or mobile phone, place this on the same side of the desk as your dominant hand within easy reach and in a position that avoids the need to twist to grasp the handset

It is recommended to use Microsoft Teams, with a headset, for making calls where possible.

Computer Screen (if using separate computer monitor)

Position the screen so that the top of the monitor is level with, or slightly lower than, your eyes when sitting upright.

(If you wear bi-focal glasses, set the monitor height such that you can see the screen with your neck in a natural position – not having your neck tilted forwards or backwards).

If your screen is too low and you don’t have a monitor riser, a temporary solution is to place the monitor on several large, stable books to raise the screen height to the appropriate level.

Begin with the screen an arm’s length away and adjust according to vision and comfort.

Chair

HPE Sub Folder: HSMS/50 Uncontrolled when printed 1 of 4 Version 2.0 COVID-19 Temporary Work Location Ergonomic Guide March 2020

COVID-19 Temporary Work Location Ergonomic Guide Edith Cowan University

To assist with the chair set up firstly adjust the height of the seat so that your feet are flat on the floor and thighs are horizontal.

If this is not possible, consider using a footrest if available. If no footrest is available, you can use a large book, cushion or lever arch file as a temporary solution.

The distance between the front of your seat pan and the back of your knee should be approximately 1 to 3 finger width.

If adjustable, set the tilt of the seat base to horizontal or slightly forward to your own preference, your hips should be between 90- 120 degrees.

Adjust the lumbar support in your backrest to fit it with the curve of your lower back. Fit the backrest where the most comfortable position is found.

If you do not have a lumbar support on your chair and feel you require support, a temporary support can be created by using a rolled-up bathmat or towel placed in the curve of your lower back.

Adjust the position of the backrest until a comfortable pressure is exerted on the lower back while seated.

Your shoulders should be positioned behind your hips.

If the desk is not adjustable, raise the height of the chair so that the elbows are just above desk surface height and use a footrest big enough for both feet to rest comfortably on it.

Ensure there is sufficient space under the desk for legs and movement – avoid using this space for storage.

If using a standing desk, ensure the height of the surface is just below elbow height and that computer screen is an arm’s length from the user (as per seated position guidelines).

We recommend alternating from a standing to sitting position each 20-30 minutes. Wear appropriate footwear i.e. low heal and supportive.

Work Breaks

As your temporary work location may not offer the same ergonomic adjustability as your normal work location, it is recommended that you are particularly aware of the length of time you work in the one static position.

It is recommended that you limit sitting or standing at your workstation without a moving rest break to periods of 20 – 40 minutes. This movement break may include:

Standing and stretching

Taking phone calls standing up or walking (if using a mobile)

Workstation Review Outcome

Do you have a current health issue, injury or condition which may be adversely impacted by undertaking work activities in the temporary work location given the current ergonomic set up?

Has this review identified any significant hazards related to the temporary work location that have the potential to cause an injury or illness?

If you answer yes to either of these questions, please contact a member of the Health and Safety team on 6304 2302 or osh@ecu.edu.au before starting any work activities. Please also advise your manager/supervisor.

HPE Sub Folder: HSMS/50 Uncontrolled when printed 2 of 4 Version 2.0 COVID-19 Temporary Work Location Ergonomic Guide March 2020

COVID-19 Temporary Work Location Ergonomic Guide Edith Cowan University

HPE Sub Folder: HSMS/50 Uncontrolled when printed 3 of 4 Version 2.0 COVID-19 Temporary Work Location Ergonomic Guide March 2020

Forearms horizontal to the desk and elbows close to the body.Please note: Arm rests are only permitted on workstation chairs for staff who require assistance when altering from a sit to standing position.

Forearms horizontal to the desk and elbows close to the body.Please note: Arm rests are only permitted on workstation chairs for staff who require assistance when altering from a sit to standing position.

Forearms horizontal to the desk and elbows close to the body.Please note: Arm rests are only permitted on workstation chairs for staff who require assistance when altering from a sit to standing position.

Forearms horizontal to the desk and elbows close to the body.Please note: Arm rests are only permitted on workstation chairs for staff who require assistance when altering from a sit to standing position.

Forearms horizontal to the desk and elbows close to the body.Please note: Arm rests are only permitted on workstation chairs for staff who require assistance when altering from a sit to standing position.

Forearms horizontal to the desk and elbows close to the body.Please note: Arm rests are only permitted on workstation chairs for staff who require assistance when altering from a sit to standing position.