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
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
- 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.
- Complete the Computer
Self-Evaluation Form.
- Based on self-evaluation results, determine if equipment
is needed.
- Select necessary items from the SLAC Ergonomic Product List Catalog [pdf]
- 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
- 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.
- Complete the Computer
Self-Evaluation Form.
- Based on self-evaluation results, determine if equipment
is needed.
- 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
|
|
|