Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging work spaces, products or systems so that they physically fit the people that use them. Ergonomics play an important role in the safety and well-being of employees and proper ergonomic set up and design of work spaces can minimize the risk of a wide range of injuries or daily discomfort.
Many potential injuries can be avoided by making a few simple changes to the set-up of a work space. The VIU Ergonomics program includes responsibilities, risk assessment, mitigation and control as well as resources to assist employees to reduce workplace musculoskeletal injuries. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort when working at your workstation please use the Safety Portal to report your concern.
- VIU Ergonomic Program
- Ergonomic Hazards
- Appendix A - Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (Ergonomics)
- Appendix B - Office Workstation Self-Evaluation
- Appendix C - Furniture and Equipment Recommendations
- Appendix D - Resources/Links
Stretching
Ergonomics at Home
- Office Ergonomics Self-Assessment Tool: The Office Ergonomics Self-Assessment Tool will help you identify and resolve potential office ergonomic issues. Learn how to adjust and position your equipment to fit you better, and take the time to make any necessary modifications as you work your way through the assessment.
- View this MoveSafe webinar (password: MoveSafe) to learn tactics on how to set up a home office as well as movement to keep the body healthy.
- Ergonomics @Home: Tips on Working From Home: Attention to safe work, health and wellbeing in the home office or workspace is as important as it is when on campus. When working from any new workspace, it is important to conduct a workspace self-evaluation and incorporate regular stretch breaks.
- Setting Up Your Home Workstation: If you are used to working with a sit-stand desk at work, here are some creative solutions that could be improvised for the home office. If you have a portable stand-up solution—or other portable ergonomic equipment such as a mouse—at the work office, you could borrow those items from VIU to use at home until staff are recalled to campus.
- MoveSafe Home Office Worker Guide -- everything you need to know about preparing and maintaining the body, imparting movement into the workday, preparing your work area, adapting available home furnishing to establish an ergonomic home office and learning how to sit properly, hold a mouse properly, text without neck strain, etc.
- Virtual Home Office Assessments: Contact Safety@viu.ca to arrange for yours today!
Office Chairs
When setting up your work station it is important to understand all the functions of your office chair. Click on the link below, find your office chair and watch the video demonstration.