Individuals 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.
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 such as trolleys, jacks & cranes to reduce the physical force required to complete tasks
- 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 such as 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 as larger wheels will make the trolley easier to move.
Redesigning work practices:
- consider postural change and whether the tasks within the job can 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:
Workers with disability requiring equipment or workstation changes specific to their disability may be eligible to apply for funding under the Employment Assistance Fund. Please refer to the Employment Assistance Fund guidelines for eligibility criteria:
References
ComCare 2004, Officewise Office Safety—A guide to health and safety in the office, Australian Government—ComCare, Canberra, viewed 13 May 2010, http://www.comcare.gov.au/forms__and__publications/publications/safety_and_prevention/?a=39570.
Safe Work Australia 2005, National Code of Practice for Manual Handling, Safe Work Australia 2009, Canberra, viewed 13 May 2010, http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Documents/97/NationalCodeOfPractice_ManualHandling_NOHSC2005-1990_ArchivePDF.pdf.
Safe Work 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 13 May 2010, http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Documents/98/NationalCodeOfPractice_Prevention_OccupationalOveruseSyndrome_NOHSC2013-1994_ArchivePDF.pdf.
WorkCover New South Wales 2010, Manual Handling-Hierarchy of Controls, New South Wales Government, Sydney, viewed 13 May 2010, http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/hierarchy_of_controls_5620.pdf.