Ergonomics

The goal of Cal Poly's ergonomics program is to reduce the risk and severity of musculoskeletal injuries by identifying ergonomic risk and implementing effective control measures to reduce the risk. Common musculoskeletal injuries include sprains and strains.

The first step in reducing your risk of a musculoskeletal injury is to understand what work tasks you are doing that put you at risk. Faculty, staff, and student workers who are at risk should discuss the risk with their supervisor and complete EHS Ergonomics for Office Workers training within the Learning Hub by clicking this link:

Ergonomic Evaluation

Proper office ergonomics can help relieve discomfort at work. If you would like to request an ergonomic evaluation from EHS, please fill out the following form. Note that EHS can help recommend products but does not supply office equipment or furniture.

Ergonomic Guidance for Telecommuting

Below are some tips to prevent repetitive motion injury or discomfort while telecommuting. Designate a work area that allows for sitting or standing in a neutral position avoiding prolonged static or awkward postures that strain muscles. Work areas should have sufficient lighting, minimal glare, and a comfortable chair to provide back support. Work with your supervisor to temporarily bring your ergonomic equipment such as laptops, tablets, monitors, keyboards, mice, and chairs home to allow flexibility in work posture. Take a 1-2 minute break every 30 minutes to stretch. If you are experiencing discomfort a greater break period may be required in addition to repositioning your work. Take advantage of any opportunity to move your body and maintain adequate blood flow, (e.g. use a hands-free option to stand or walk while on the phone, utilize voice dictation software). Workers who spend greater than 4 hours a day using a computer or are experiencing discomfort should complete EHS Ergonomics for Office Workers training. This class provides workers and supervisors with information on ergonomic risk factors and control measures to assist them with completing a self-evaluation to identify ergonomic risk (low, medium, high) and appropriate control measures.

For further assistance with Ergonomic training, self-evaluations or EHS ergonomic evaluations please contact Christina Juarez at cdjuarez@calpoly.edu.

If you are experiencing ongoing pain while at your workstation, notify your supervisor and complete an injury report.