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  5. Hazards and Risks
  6. Inherent Hazard Types
  7. Office Ergonomics

Office Ergonomics

This page outlines the University's risk management approach and the resources available for managing ergonomic hazards associated with working at computer workstations.

‘Good work’ is healthy and safe work where hazards and risks are eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. Good work is also where the work design optimises human performance, job satisfaction and productivity. (Principles of Good Work Design, Safe Work Australia, 2015).

A large number of the University’s workforce spend their working days at computer workstations.  Common hazards associated with computer-based work include:

  • Prolonged work at a computer in a seated position
  • Inadequate breaks
  • Poor setup
  • Poor posture
  • Repetitive movements
  • Glare and reflections
  • Individual factors such as physical fitness, gender, reaction to stress and coping abilities
  • Psychosocial factors such as job control, work organisation, work pressure, symptoms of stress, quality of management and co-worker support

Any of the above can contribute to the development of muscular strain injuries over a period of time.

Risk management

The University continues to place focus on the control of this hazard type through implementation of health and safety plans, programs and resources designed to assist in minimizing incidents and injuries occurring. This includes:

  1. Safety and Wellbeing Strategic Priorities.
  2. Health and Safety Local Action Plan Priorities.
  3. Local Hazard Register WHS01 to record identified hazards and risk control measures.
  4. Workstation Self-Assessment integrated into induction processes for new and re-located staff.
  5. Learnonline Office Ergonomics at UniSA training module.
  6. WorkPace software program.
  7. Dragon Naturally Speaking voice recognition software – enables users to speak to their computers and watch their spoken words appear in documents. It reduces the amount of keyboard typing and mouse work required at a computer workstation.
  8. Online hazard/incident reports that trigger early intervention and referral for medical assessment where applicable to minimise injury.

WHS Consultants may assist individuals who require reasonable adjustment in the workplace or specialist advice on ergonomic equipment or furniture.  Recommendations are made to the individual and their manager to organise the appropriate approval for purchase.  Further information can be sought by contacting your WHS Consultant.

Please note: The following forms are updated frequently. Please access the forms from this page and do not store a local copy to avoid using outdated forms.

Forms

Resource

Training