1. Rationale for reactive use of the checklist (e.g. employees experiencing discomfort)
- to facilitate discussion and problem-solving between the reviewer and an employee experiencing workstation-related difficulties
- to help the reviewer uncover obvious ergonomics problems to help a specific individual
- to help develop a reviewer’s awareness of these types of problems so they can anticipate and act to prevent injuries to others (i.e. become more proactive)
- to facilitate a fast response to future concerns by developing local expertise
2. Rationale for proactive use of the checklist (e.g. new employees)
A new employee is someone who is new to your team, not just someone who is new to the University. Even for someone who has been employed elsewhere on campus, the new position may involve sitting in a chair or desk that s/he may not be familiar with or require different equipment (e.g. document holder, etc).
New employees are typically the least likely to speak up if they are having any problems and by the time they do, the chance of a full recovery may be diminished. The checklist will help to ensure that:
- they have the basic skills and knowledge to prevent an injury or avoid aggravating a pre-existing condition
- all required equipment is in place and working properly at the outset
3. Selecting a reviewer
Examples of possible candidates (alphabetically listed):
- Administrative Officer
- Departmental Facilities Manager/Coordinator
- Employee’s manager
- Health and Safety Officer
- HR Business Partner
Although your Health and Safety Officer is likely able to perform this function, it is important to keep in mind that top performing companies understand that health and safety is EVERYONE’S responsibility, not just those who have health and safety in their job title.
Ideally, the reviewer will not have to travel too far to meet with the employee and be able to meet with him/her on short notice. Often times, this is why the employee’s manager is the best choice to be the reviewer.
4. Importance of having the employee demonstrate each adjustment
It is common for employees to say that they know how to make an adjustment when they do not really know (i.e. sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know). Having them demonstrate each adjustment is the only way to know for sure that they know how to do it and that the equipment is working properly.
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