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   Ergonomics

Ergonomics is an important part of health and safety at work, particularly for employees who spend the majority of their work day using computers. 

Formal ergonomic policy is described in ESH Manual Chapter 54, "Ergonomics".  This section provides guides, tips, instructions, and links to other resources. For questions and more information, please email: ergonomics-slac@slac.stanford.edu

Evaluations

The SLAC Occupational Health Center offers ergonomic evaluations free of charge to SLAC employees and temporary employees.

To schedule a computer workstation evaluation, first complete SLAC-internal page ESH Course 291 and then email the ergonomics team.  All are encouraged to complete the on-line the self-evaluation contained inside the training.  There is also a Computer Self-Evaluation Form you can use. Non-office (industrial) evaluations can also be scheduled, as well as virtual evaluations of your home office space for hybrid and remote workers.

Ergonomic Showroom

You can visit the Ergonomic Showroom to see and try recommended office products. The showroom is available by appointment only at the Occupational Health Center, Building 28. To schedule an appointment email the ergonomics team.

Procurement of ergonomic equipment must be approved through your SLAC supervisor - please see the SLAC Ergonomic Product List Catalog to see what is available.

Ergonomics and Flexible Work

Creating new ways to work at SLAC involves maintaining a sense of belonging while increasing personal flexibility in a way that achieves excellence in delivering on SLAC’s mission. For more information on related resources, policies, etc. see the Flexible Work at SLAC website.

Under SLAC’s current policies, an employee’s division is responsible for the provision of needed computer equipment and accessories for hybrid and remote workers. This is to protect staff from injury and also promote productivity while avoiding excessive costs for duplicate office setups.

Obtaining Equipment for Home Office

Hybrid Workers

Employees working in approved Hybrid work arrangements are eligible to purchase or be reimbursed up to $250 for basic necessary ergonomic equipment for their telecommuting/home worksite after completing the steps listed below.

Steps Prior to Obtaining Home Office Equipment

  1.  Complete the online  Ergonomics Training (Course 291) if not completed in the past two years. Complete this online training with your home workstation in mind to help ensure proper setup.
  2.  Complete the Computer Self-Evaluation Form.
  3.  Based on self-evaluation results, determine if equipment is needed.
  4.  Select necessary items from the SLAC Ergonomic Product List Catalog [pdf] 
  5.  Obtain approval from your manager prior to ordering equipment and follow your department’s ordering procedures.

Remote Workers

Employees on approved Remote work arrangements will be provided with a one-time taxable payment of $750 to purchase basic home office to ensure a productive and safe home work environment.

Steps Prior to Obtaining Home Office Equipment

  1.  Complete the online  Ergonomics Training (Course 291) if not completed in the past two years. Complete this online training with your home workstation in mind to help ensure proper setup.
  2.  Complete the Computer Self-Evaluation Form.
  3.  Based on self-evaluation results, determine if equipment is needed.
  4.  Select necessary items from the SLAC Ergonomic Product List Catalog [pdf] 

Additional Information

In the event a suitable item is not available from the Remote Worker Equipment Guide or if assistance is desired, the employee should schedule a remote ergonomic assessment to receive recommendations from ES&H at: ergonomics-slac@slac.stanford.edu.  An ergonomic assessment is required for SLAC purchased equipment associated with a current or potential workers compensation case. For more information, review the Home Office Equipment FAQs.

Reimbursement Program

To encourage departments to engage in a more proactive role in preventing computer-use related injuries at SLAC, ES&H has partnered with Stanford on an ergonomics program involving awareness training, workstation evaluation, and consultation services.  The Ergonomic Equipment Reimbursement Fund Program will reimburse departments for 50% (up to $300) of the purchase price of ES&H pre-approved ergonomic office equipment such as chairs, keyboard trays, and footrests on an individual basis and per tenure. See equipment catelog and guide above for product recommendations, and request approval from ESH Ergonomics. Reimbursement must be submitted within six (6) months of ergonomic purchases and can be done by completing the Reimbursement Request Form [pdf]. Details of the process steps are listed on the first page of the form.

Note: this only applies to SLAC benefits-eligible employees for furniture/equipment to be used at SLAC or at their home office with telecommuter approval. Approved remote workers can apply for the one-time stipend as outlined in the Flexible Work at SLAC matrix.

Please see the Reimbursement Frequently Asked Questions for more details.

Computer Workstation Ergonomics

To improve workstation ergonomics, review the following links:

Industrial Ergonomics

Before and After Examples

 

 


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