WORKSTATION CHECKLIST & RISK ASSESSMENT.

Workstation identification       Any further action needed? Yes/No

User Steve Rigby      Follow up action completed on      

Checklist completed by Steve Rigby

Date of assessment 08/10/2009

Assessment checked by      

Risk FactorsTick

Things to Consider Action to take Action CompleteYES NO

1 Display screen

Are the characters readable?

Is the screen clean?Make Cleaning materials available

           

Check text and background colours work together well!      

Is the Font or text big enough and comfortable to read?

Software settings may need adjusting to change text size            

Is the image free from flicker?

Adjust refresh rate (ideal 75 hertz) or refer to IT support person.Try tungsten task light to reduce flicker.

           

Are the brightness and contrast adjustable?

Separate adjustment may not be necessary on latest technology            

Notes for completing - Read Risk factors, Help Notes and Click on box in the YES or NO column. If YES no further action is required.If NO and you know what is required to remedy the situation please put further information in the Describe Further Action text area.Return document to the Office Manager who will assess the form, and if necessary verify what if any action is required.

Risk FactorsTick

Things to Consider Action to take / Comments

Action CompleteYES NO

Does the screen swivel and tilt?

Swivel and tilt need not be built in. Can you add a tilt mechanism?

If work is intensive, and user has problems, may need to replace

Amazing pic of old tech!      

Is the screen free from glare and reflections?

Use mirror placed in front of screen to check where reflections are coming from

           

Try to move the screen, desk or source of reflections

Adjust lighting or window coverings. Check that blinds work (vertical blinds are more effective than horizontal blinds).

If you have tried these suggestions, as a last resort consider an anti-glare screen filter or seek specialist help

           

Risk FactorsTick

Things to Consider Action to take / Comments

Action CompleteYES NO

2 Keyboard

Does the keyboard tilt? Tilt need not be built in            

Can you find a comfortable Keying position?

Is the user keying properly?            

Push the Display screen back to make enough room for the keyboard, hands and wrists

hands shouldn’t be bent up at the wrist

is user applying a soft touch on the keys?

is the user over-stretching the fingers?

           

           

           

Does the user have a good keyboard technique?

Training can be used to prevent: Hands bent at wrist Hitting keys too HARD Overstretching the

fingers

           

Is the keyboard glare free?

Use a keyboard with a matt finish            

Are the characters on the keyboard easily readable

Keyboard should be kept cleanIf characters still can’t be read; replace.

           

Risk FactorsTick

Things to Consider Action to take / Comments

Action CompleteYES NO

3 Mouse, Trackball Etc

Is the device positioned close to the user

           

Most devices are best placed as close as possible to the userE.G. right beside the keyboard.Training may be needed to: Prevent overreaching To tell users not to leave

their hand on the device when not being used

Encourage a relaxed arm and straight wrist.

Is there support for the device user’s wrist and forearm?

Support may be from desk surface, arm of chair or separate supporting device.

           

Does the device work smoothly at a speed that suits the user?

Cleaning may be required.Check surface mouse mat may be required.

           

Can the user easily adjust the software settings for speed and accuracy of the pointer?

User may nee training in where to find and adjust device settings.

           

4 Software

Is the software suitable for the task?

Soft ware should help the user to carry out the task and minimise stress.

Has the user had training on the software?

           

Risk FactorsTick

Things to Consider Action to take / Comments

Action CompleteYES NO

5 Furniture

Is the work surface large enough for documents, monitor, keyboard, etc.

Can printer/files etc go elsewhere to make more room?

           

Is the user making repeated or awkward stretching movements?

Can you rearrange equipment, paper or work to avoid discomfort?

May need to provide more space or re-site sockets

Can the user comfortably reach all the equipment and papers they need to use?

Rearrange the equipment so that the most frequently used is in easy reach.

A document holder may be needed, positioned to minimise repeated head and eye movements

           

Is the surface free from glare and reflections?

Consider mats or blotters for larger areas

Or

Contact the supplier

           

Is the chair stable?

The chair may need repair or replacing. If the user is uncomfortable, or cannot use the adjustment mechanisms.

No seat back height adjustment      

Is the chair suitable

Does the chair have working:

Seat back height and tilt adjustments?

Seat height adjustments?

Swivel mechanism?

Castors or glides

Risk FactorsTick

Things to Consider Action to take / Comments

Action CompleteYES NO

Is the chair adjusted correctly?

The user should be able to carry out work sitting comfortably

           

Are your arms horizontal and eyes at roughly the same height as the top of the VDU casing?

Are your feet flat on the floor?

Is there too much pressure or backs of legs and knees may mean a foot rest is needed

Is the small of the back supported by the chair’

Is the back straight, but supported and shoulders relaxed, or is user leaning forward

Are the arms of chair (if any) preventing user getting close enough to key comfortably?

Is the under side of the desk clear of obstructions and cables? Can the user stretch their legs out?

The legs should be able to move to ensure good blood circulation maintained.

If necessary clear obstructions from under desk!

If feet do not reach floor provide foot rest.

End up playing footsies with the person the other side of the desk

     

Risk FactorsTick

Things to Consider Action to take / Comments

Action CompleteYES NO

6 Environment

Is there enough room to change position and vary movement?

User needs space to fidget

Will reorganising office layout help?

Check for obstructions

           

Are the levels of light, comfortable?

Light could be too bright or not bright enough to comfortably read by.

           

Consider shading or repositioning light sources or consider more lighting e.g. task light.

Does the air feel comfortable?

Equipment may dry the air: circulation of fresh air: where possible, and plants may help

Consider a humidifier if discomfort severe

           

Are the levels of noise comfortable?

Consider moving sources of noise away from user            

Are levels of heat comfortable?

Can the heating be better controlled?Air-conditioning may be required!Can the user be positioned away from the source of heat or cold?

           

Risk FactorsTick

Things to Consider Action to take / Comments

Action CompleteYES NO

7 Miscellaneous

Has this checklist covered all of the problems you have working with your VDU?

Do you have a pre-existing complaint or disability, which makes the standard ways of setting up a workstation uncomfortable?

           

Have you ever experienced any discomfort or other symptoms which you attribute to working with your VDU?

This may also have been with a previous company!            

Have you been advised re eyesight testing?

If you suffer eye strain, find it difficult to see the VDU or suffer from migraines: you may need to have your eyes tested.

           

Do you take regular breaks away from working with your VDU

It is recommended you change your activity for 5 or 10 minutes every hour.E.G. walk to the printer – collect mail – use the telephone – attend a meeting, etc.

           

Do you hot desk?

If you hot desk; you should check and adjust prior to working:1. chair height (forearms

level)2. Position of keyboard,

mouse and wrist supports.

3. Foot rest if required.4. Height of monitor5. Reflection on monitor

screen

           If so; do you check the workstation is re-setup to suit you, prior to working each time you use it?