Though you may not realize it, the way you sit at your desk every day can have a major impact on your comfort and productivity. If you’re experiencing discomfort while working, it may be time to get an ergonomic assessment. Here’s what to expect during an office ergonomic assessment and how it can help you feel better while working.

What is an Office Ergonomic Assessment?

An ergonomic assessment is a process of evaluating how someone uses their body to interact with their environment. This evaluation can be done in a work setting or any other environment where someone spends extended periods of time. The goal of an ergonomic assessment is to identify any potential risk factors that could lead to pain or injury and then make recommendations for changes that can help reduce those risks.

An office ergonomic assessment is particularly important because it can help to identify any potential risks posed by the way you sit or use your desk and computer equipment. These assessments are typically conducted by a trained ergonomics specialist who will observe how you interact with your work environment and then make recommendations for changes that might be beneficial.

What will happen during the assessment process?

There are several steps to the assessment process to make sure you get the most benefit and results from the visit. From scheduling the appointment, cost, and what to expect during and after your assessment we will walk you through all the steps to make it as easy as possible for you and your employee!

1. Contact and Schedule an Appointment with WorkSafe Physical Therapy

The first step is to contact WorkSafe and schedule an assessment. We come to you for the appointment. The assessment will take around 45 minutes to an hour to complete. We will work with your schedule and availability to find the perfect time for you. We perform these assessments Monday thru Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

2. Fill Out a Self Assessment

We will provide you with a questionnaire so that we can get an idea of your current workstation setup and daily habits. This will help us to identify any potential risks before the assessment begins. We’ll need information about what type of chair you use, how often you take breaks, how long you sit each day, and other relevant data.

This assessment will also ask about any current issues or discomforts you are currently having.

3. In-Person Assessment

We come to you! We will come to either your home office or your office at your company depending on where you are wanting the assessment to take place and the equipment location that you are using!

During the in-person assessment, we will observe how you interact with your work environment and then make recommendations for changes that might be beneficial. We’ll check things such as computer placement and monitor height, chair adjustments, desk adjustments, and any other equipment you may have or need.

While at your office we will make any adjustments that we are able to with your current equipment and setup. As well as provide education on what may benefit you further with recommended equipment or changes in the setup of your working environment that we aren’t able to do on the spot.

4. Take some time to adjust to the new setup

Once the assessment is complete, you may feel some discomfort as your body adjusts to the new positions and setup. It’s important to give yourself a few days or weeks to adjust and get used to the changes before making any additional tweaks.

5. After Your In-Person Assessment

Your Physical Therapist will provide you with a completed report and any supplemental information that is needed as well. This report will include everything that was observed and adjusted as well as recommendations for further equipment.

6. Follow Up Appointment If Needed

If after a few weeks you still aren’t feeling as comfortable as you would like, we recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment. This is to ensure that any additional changes or tweaks can be made to maximize your comfort and reduce the risk of injury.

This follow-up appointment is also beneficial if you purchased any of the recommended equipment from the initial assessment and require it to be adjusted correctly.

What are some common recommendations that come out of ergonomic assessments?

Ergonomics assessments usually provide recommendations based on your individual needs and job requirements. Some of the most common recommendations are to adjust where you work, such as monitor height or desk placement; changing furniture like getting a new chair with ergonomic features; getting an adjustable desk; taking regular breaks throughout the day; monitor stands or arms; and wrist rests for keyboards.

Additionally, we may suggest that you take short exercises or stretches to reduce strain on your body.

Ultimately, all these recommendations are designed to help you work more comfortably and efficiently while keeping you safe from any injuries. Areas of focus may also include things such as lighting

What does an Office Ergonomic Assessment Cost?

At WorkSafe Physical Therapy we provide a comprehensive ergonomic evaluation and assessment. For an Office Ergonomic Assessment, the price is $375. This includes a physical therapist performing an initial assessment and any follow-up appointments needed if necessary. The first assessment takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete and any follow-up visits are usually about 30 minutes in length.

Conclusion

An ergonomic assessment can help identify any potential issues you may be having with your current work setup. The assessment will provide recommendations for changes that might be beneficial to you, such as adjusting your workspace, getting new furniture, or taking regular breaks.

WorkSafe Physical Therapy offers comprehensive ergonomic evaluations and assessments performed by Physical Therapists. By performing an ergonomic assessment, you can reduce your risk of injury while increasing your comfort and productivity. So don’t wait – schedule your appointment today!

Contact WorkSafe to find out how we can help your company today!

Working to keep you safe, healthy, and productive,