People come in all shapes and sizes and also have varying capacities and limitations. Being able to adjust a workstation to cater for individual differences can assist in reducing the risk of injury.
There are many different types of workstations and equipment that contribute to the overall work environment and therefore the most appropriate choices/adjustments need to take into account the following:
- all tasks an individual performs at the workstation
- the workspace or layout in which the tasks are completed
- any equipment, tools or materials that are used
- the individual’s working posture when completing these tasks
- the number of individuals using the workstation
- task performance requirements or targets.
(Comcare 2000; WorkSafe Australia 1994)
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Workstations or work areas generally involve a worker working at some form of work surface and interacting with a range of materials. They may be standing or sitting to work. Within the workplace some simple guidelines can be used regarding task set up, equipment storage, work techniques and routines than can assist in reducing the physical strain on the body. Some things to consider include the following:
Modifying the workplace layout and equipment:
store heavier and frequently used items at waist level and infrequently used equipment below mid thigh height or above shoulder height
- set up work tasks to avoid twisting of the spine, bending forwards or reaching away from the body
- use tools or mechanical equipment to reduce the physical force required to complete tasks i.e. trolleys, jacks & cranes
- consider whether the tasks can be done from both a sitting and standing position to allow for postural change
- consider whether appropriate equipment is available to undertake all tasks with minimal physical risk i.e. stepladders for accessing higher items.
Controlling the work environment:
is there plenty of space so bending, reaching and twisting can be eliminated during tasks - if not, how can it be changed? (sometimes shifting tasks far enough away that the worker has to walk or move their body means they will do the task in a better posture than if they can keep their feet still and twist or reach).
- is the lighting sufficient so that individuals are not having to lean towards a task to view it or strain the eyes?
- if using trolleys, consider the size and type of wheels i.e. larger wheels will make the trolley easier to move.
Redesigning work practices:
- consider postural change, can the tasks within the job be rotated or distributed between different employees?
- can stretch breaks be built into the work routine especially before and after physically demanding tasks?
In complex work situations, professional advice can be sought on appropriate workstation adjustments that can minimise the risk of injury:
People with disabilities requiring equipment or workstation changes specific to their disability may be eligible to apply for funding under the workplace modification scheme. Please refer to the Workplace Modification Scheme Guidelines for eligibility criteria.
(WorkSafe 2006)
References
ComCare 2000, Officewise Office Safety – A guide to health and safety in the office, Australian Government – ComCare, Canberra, viewed 25 March 2008, http://www.comcare.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/735/Officewise_June_2007.pdf
WorkSafe 2006, Code of Practice for Manual Handling, Government of Western Australia Department of Consumer and Employment Protection (DOCEP), Perth, viewed 25 March 2008, http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/WorkSafe/PDF/Codes_of_Practice/Code_manual_handling.pdf
Worksafe Australia 1994, National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Occupational Overuse Syndrome (NOHSC:2013(1994)), Australian Government National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, Canberra, viewed 31 August 2007, http://www.ascc.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/A7C1F830-9975-436A-8BE2-5E4FEDAA3312/0/OOS_COP_NOHSC2013_1994.pdf.