Ergonomics program

ASU Employee Health has implemented the Ergonomics Program to promote employee health by limiting ergonomic risk factors.

Ergonomics studies the relationship between people, their work and their physical work environment. The goal is to help lessen muscle fatigue, increase productivity and reduce the number and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

The benefits of ergonomics include:

• Decreased workplace injuries.
• Improved employee morale.
• Increased work efficiency.
• Minimized compensation costs, absenteeism and turnover.
• Promoted physical well-being.

Who is eligible for an ergonomics evaluation?

All current ASU employees must consult their supervisor before submitting an ergonomics evaluation request. Employee Health provides onsite assessments at a minimal fee, which the department usually covers.

Employees can request an ergonomic evaluation for the following:

• Comfort issues at workstations.
• Equipment evaluation and workflow.
• Experiencing discomfort in one or more work-related tasks.
• Learning how to adjust or arrange equipment at the workstation, such as your chair, desk, keyboard tray, monitor, monitor arms(s), document holder, footrest, etc.

Employee Health staff includes a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist and an Ergonomic Assessor who continue to obtain certifications to enhance the services provided to the Sun Devil community.

Please email ASU Employee Health or call 602-496-1917 to schedule an evaluation.

EHS provides the following ergonomic classes on Canvas to help with ergonomics-related issues that may come up at ASU:

• EHS Office Ergonomics Ergo Zone — general ergonomic training.
• Ergonomic principles and considerations for DACT.

The course contains links to ergonomics resources at ASU, including furniture vendors and more. A self-evaluation tool for office-related work is also available to help you properly set up your computer workstation. 

Check-in with yourself

• Bring your equipment to you instead of conforming your body to your equipment. 
• Set a timer for every 30 minutes to identify and correct awkward postures, including:
  • Crossing your legs.
  • Holding your fingers up when using the mouse.
  • Hunching over your laptop.
  • Leaning on your elbow.
  • Rotating your neck to the right. 

Move frequently

• Move your body and muscles regularly. No matter how good your posture is, if you have not moved in an hour, you burden your body structures in the same direction for an hour. 
• If you can, try standing, varying your sitting positions, standing with one leg forward, switching hands, changing locations or alternating tasks.
• Take active breaks by changing how you perform a task to reduce the risk of repetitive motion injuries. 
• Try micro-break exercises every 30 minutes.
  • Giving your body a break from prolonged and repetitive activities can reduce your risk of injury.
  • Exercising activates your muscles and helps improve circulation, energy and mood. Movement can help you feel refreshed when you resume your work.

Prefer to stand

• Find a counter or high surface.
• Stand on a kitchen mat.
• Wear comfortable shoes.

Reduce eye strain and fatigue

• 20-20-20: Look away from your screen every 20 minutes, for at least 20 seconds, at something 20 feet away.
• Avoid facing or having your back to a window to reduce glare.

Set up your workstation

• Distance your computer screen at an arm’s length, or 18–30 inches away.
• Keep your elbows at your sides and rest them gently on armrests.
• Maintain neutral wrists and forearms parallel to the ground.
• Raise the top of your monitor to eye level or below.
• Rest your feet flat on the floor with your knees at or below the hip level.
  • Leave a 1–2-inch space between your calves and the seat’s edge.

Stay hydrated

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Take water breaks.

Take care of yourself

• You can work more comfortably and effectively when you care for all aspects of your health and wellness.

Using a laptop

• If you have a keyboard, mouse and monitor, raise your laptop off to the side for dual monitor use.
• Use a stand or a sturdy object to raise your laptop to eye level.
• Utilize a separate keyboard, mouse or stand-alone monitor and type on your laptop.

Work surface is too high

• Type on a lower surface like a keyboard tray, lap desk or a side table.
• Use a footrest or box to support your legs.
• Utilize a taller chair or raise your seat with a cushion.