Workstation Ergonomic Self-Assessment
Department of Safety and Environmental Management
Created: 9/19/17
Revision: New 1 | Page
This checklist is designed to help you assess your workstation and make some simple adjustments or improvements to optimize
your comfort at work. If “no” is checked, the Safety and Environmental Management offers ergonomic assessments to city
employees.
A. CHAIR
YES
NO
N/A
COMMENTS
My chair is comfortable, in good condition and all adjustment
mechanisms are in good working order.
I am familiar with all the adjustment mechanisms on my chair.
The back rest provides support for your lower back (lumbar).
My head and neck are upright, or in-line with the torso. Not bent or
hunched over.
The width and depth of the seat are sized appropriately for me.
There is approximately 2-3 inches of clearance between the front of
the seat and the back of my knees.
When seated at the workstation with my hands on the keyboard, I can
achieve the following posture:
o Shoulders relaxed and symmetrical, head in midline
o Elbows in vertical alignment with shoulders. Approximately
tennis ball sized gap between waist and elbow. Elbows slightly
higher than wrists
o Navel approximately in line with desk
o Hips slightly higher than knees
o Feet flat on the floor or footrest (not dangling)
Armrests, if used, do not interfere with good posture or movements.
I stand and move approximately every 30 minutes to stretch for a few
minutes.
B. DESK
YES
NO
N/A
COMMENTS
The desk (seated position) allows room:
o Between the under-surface of the desk and the thighs
o The edge of the desk and the navel.
I have sufficient leg room and do not store items under the desk that
encroach on this space or compromise my posture.
The desk height for a stand-up desk should be at or slightly below
elbow height (see picture).
Workstation Ergonomic Self-Assessment
Department of Safety and Environmental Management
Created: 9/19/17
Revision: New 2 | Page
C. COMPUTER MONITOR
YES
COMMENTS
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.
E. MOUSE
YES
COMMENTS
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.
D. KEYBOARD
YES
NO
N/A
COMMENTS
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
arms/shoulders.
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.
Workstation Ergonomic Self-Assessment
Department of Safety and Environmental Management
Created: 9/19/17
Revision: New 3 | Page
G. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
YES
NO
N/A
COMMENTS
Noise levels at my workstation are conducive to concentration.
The lighting at my work station is adequate for the tasks I do, and
does not influence my posture.
I feel comfortable with the room temperature and air flow.
There are no trip hazards (e.g. cabling, mats or clutter in the
immediate environment).
Electrical cabling is secured neatly around the workstation to
avoid unwanted contact.
Personal storage is easily accessible (does not involve excessive
reaching, twisting, bending or force exertion).
H. OUTCOME
YES
COMMENTS
I have been able to implement the above adjustments/work
methods and am comfortable with my workstation set up and
environment.
I have answered “no” to some of these questions and have not been able to resolve the issue(s). I require assistance with:
If you would like a workstation ergonomic evaluation, please e-mail a copy of the completed self-assessment to
safety.environmental@bangormaine.gov. You will be contacted to set up an appointment.
C
ontact Information:
Name: _____________________________________ Date: _________________________________
Department:_________________________________ Supervisor: ____________________________
F. DESKTOP ITEMS
YES
COMMENTS
A document holder is available if needed and positioned between
the monitor and keyboard.
In the event of using a laptop for prolonged periods of time, a
docking station and external monitor, keyboard and mouse is
provided.
A headset is available for prolonged, frequent phone
conversations or if simultaneous keying/writing is required.
There is adequate room on the desktop to accommodate all
necessary items and frequently used items are within comfortable
reach.