Workstation Ergonomic Self-Assessment
Department of Safety and Environmental Management
Created: 9/19/17
Revision: New 2 | Page
• The monitor is directly in front of me, slight tilt or perpendicular to the
desk and approximately arms reach away (20-28”)
• The top of the monitor is at or below eye level so you can read without
bending the head or neck down or back.
• If wearing multifocal lenses, it should be lower to avoid tilting the
head backward.
• It is adjusted to a comfortable level of brightness, contrast and font
size.
• The screen is free from glare or reflections from light sources.
• If using two monitors, they should be placed at the same height. I
swivel on my chair (rather than repeatedly twisting the neck) to
visually navigate between monitors.
• My mouse comfortably fits my hand so that the padded sections for
the palm connect with the desk top.
• My mouse is responsive and operates smoothly over the desk surface.
• My mouse pad, if used, is flat.
*** Note: Mouse pads fitted with a gel wrist rest are not
recommended as they promote poor wrist postures and movements.
• I alternate between mouse scroll functions and page up-down
navigation.
• My mouse posture involves:
o Shoulders relaxed
o Elbow close to side of body
o Forearm close to side of body
o Wrist straight- not moving from side to side
o Middle finger maintained in a straight line with forearm
o Circular, smooth, whole arm motion
• I take micro-pauses and rest breaks (every few minutes) when
performing prolonged periods of mouse work.
• The keyboard is positioned directly in front of me and at the distance
from the edge of the desk that feels comfortable and supportive for my
• My wrists are slightly extended (10-20 degrees) while keying. Wrists
or hands do not rest on sharp or hard edges.
• The keyboard tray is large enough and stable to hold a keyboard and
mouse or other input device (i.e. mouse or trackball).
• I keep my fingers slightly bent and strike the keys softly when keying.
• I take micro-pauses and rest breaks every few minutes.
• I am familiar with keyboard shortcuts and use them where applicable.