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
Please verify that your office has the equipment listed on the Cal Poly office furniture standard installed prior to contacting EHS for an ergonomic evaluation. Highly adjustable equipment is needed during an ergonomic evaluation to achieve a neutral body posture.
Office Furniture Standards for Cal Poly
The products on the standard office furniture list below should be used for all Cal Poly purchases regardless of the requestor (facilities, or end user) and all Ergo requests. If you have a situation that does not work with the products we have selected, please reach out to Christina Juarez to discuss.
If you can think of a scenario we have not covered, please let me know so we can find a solution to use going forward.
- All monitor arms, keyboard trays and height adjustable bases should be from the attached selections.
- The height adjustable bases will work for any situation as there is a 2 leg and 3 leg base available.
- Please use the Humanscale EFloat Go 2.0 (2) and (3) leg base for all height adjustable desk conversions and new installations. If the desk size does not fit the EFloat Go 2.0 parameters, we will alternate to the Humanscale EFloat Lite and I would ask that you confirm the spec with @Brandi Honn.
- For extremely tall or petite employees, we have an extended height base alternative. Since this unit has a higher cost, please use only when necessary. Adding a keyboard tray to the EFloat will lower the working height and provide useful desk space for petite employees.
- Projects that include systems furniture, new desks, etc. are all subject to this standard and should use the referenced standard products. We are asking that you cooperate with this mixed manufacture request.
Contact Tri County Office Furniture to purchase and install equipment.
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.