THO-NW 10 Point Workstation Checklist v2

• Facility

• Workstation location

• Name of worker using workstation

• Worker designation

• Worker's manager name

• Conducted by

• Conducted on

  Date

Photograph the setting

• If warranted, take a workstation photo

  Media

1. Employee work pattern

• Estimate the percentage of time working at the computer

• Does the worker have a variety of tasks that allow movement from a static position?<br>If no, the worker has an increased risk of injury.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If yes, does the worker have some control over the order in which the tasks are done?<br>If no, the worker has an increased risk of injury.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Has the assessor explained the importance of taking short pauses and rest breaks?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• How to take a micro pause.
  
  A micro pause is a small break taken frequently during periods of continuous computer use.
  A micro pause should be taken every 5-10 minutes for between 5-15 seconds.
  By taking a micro pause you will reduce eye strain and release muscular tension.
  During a micro pause you should:
  - release your mouse and close your eyes or look away from the screen
  - rest your arms on the chair or drop them at your sides
  - lean back, breath deeply, and allow your shoulders to 'droop'

• Reference:
  http://www.balancedergonomics.com/workpaceinformation/How%20to%20take%20a%20micropause/How%20to%20take%20a%20Micropause.htm
  Accessed 20/1/2014.

  

• See also the Workplace Standards Tasmania pause exercises poster.
  Go to http://worksafe.tas.gov.au/resources/publications
  or press the link button below and scroll down until you find the poster.
  

• 
  http://worksafe.tas.gov.au/resources/publications

2. Chair

• 

• Can the worker get close to the workstation without impediment? (Check that the desktop is thin, chair arms allow a close position to the desk and there is clear leg room.)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the seat height and tilt adjusted so that the worker's thighs are parallel to the floor with feet resting on the floor or on a footrest?<br>See set up image above.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the backrest angle and height adjusted to fit the small of the black and keep the user upright while working?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Can the chair be correctly adjusted from a seated position?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the chair have a stable, 5 point base with castors (friction castors for hard floor surfaces), padding and covers in good condition?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the size of the seat and backrest suitable for the user's stature?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If the worker's work area is a counter, is the chair of an appropriate height?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3. Footrest

• Is a footrest required to enable the worker to sit at their desk without pressure on the back of their thighs? To be effective a footrest should be in good condition and have an adjustable tilt.<br>See workstation set up image.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

4. Desk or Workstation

• Is the desk suitable for the work being performed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the height reasonable for the stature of the worker? (Average 720mm.)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there adequate room under the desk to allow safe leg movement for tasks?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

5. Computer

• 

• Is the monitor placed directly in front of and at a comfortable distance form the worker (approximately an arms length) and free from glare and reflections?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the top of the monitor adjusted so it is at or just below eye level? (Adjustable monitor stands are available.)<br>Note: any higher than this causes the head to tilt back and the chin to be thrust forward which can cause neck problems.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If a laptop computer is used, has it been set up for desktop use? Is a laptop stand or separate monitor provided, and is a separate keyboard and mouse used?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the keyboard close to the front of the desk edge, directly in front of the worker?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the keyboard feet maintained in the lowered position (unless the worker is a touch typist)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If a wrist rest is used, is it only used for resting between keying?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the mouse suitable for the worker?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the alternative mouse functions used effectively (scroll button, moving between left and right usage using keyboard commands)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the mouse used with a combined hand wrist movement with hand and arm parallel to, but not touching the desk?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 

• Is the mouse kept close to the keyboard and on the same level?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

6. Documents

• Is a suitable document holder available, if required, for computer source documents?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is it placed in front of or close to the centre of the worker?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is a slope board available if required for bulky source documents or high levels of research and / or reading?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

7. Telephone

• Is the phone placed on the opposite side of the desk to the dominant hand and close to the worker? (So user can write with dominant hand.)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is a headset available if worker has frequent, lengthy or documented phone conversations?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the worker understand the damaging effects of cradling the handset or using poor posture while on the phone?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

8. Layout / Storage / Housekeeping

• 

• Is there sufficient storage space at the workstation?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the floors clear of trip hazards?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the sharp corners of furniture etc situated to avoid a hazard when passing?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are electrical connections and cords in a safe location and condition (electrical inspection tagged)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

9.. Environment

• Does the lighting level feel suitable for the work environment?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the worker find the level of noise compatible with the work being undertaken?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the air flow feel adequate in the work area?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the worker find the air temperature suitable and the area free from draughts?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

10. Manual Handling

• Has the worker received manual handling / back care education suitable for the tasks being undertaken?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Organise manual handling training within one month.

• Are suitable mechanical aids provided if appropriate? (Eg stepladder, trolley, etc.)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Corrective Actions

• 

• Detail any corrective actions to be undertaken

• Enter completion date for actions

  Date

Sign Off

• Workstation Owner

  Sign

• Assessor

  Sign