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This questionnaire will guide you through improving your workstation.

For each question, tick the box with a click if the answer is NO.

 

No
1.) Is there enough space on your desktop for the flow of work?
2.) Is there adequate leg room (height, width and depth)?
3.) Is the desk deep enough for the monitor to be at least 20" from the eyes?
4.) If the monitor is located at one end of the desk, is there legroom to roll the chair to that end of the desk, so you can sit square to it?
5.) Do you have, and habitually use, a comfortable resting place for your hands/wrists when not keying (in the lap, a gel wrist rest)
6.) Is the layout of the desktop equipment satisfactory?
7.) Is your chair at a height that means your elbows are at approximately the same height as the desk edge when you are using the keyboard?
8.) Is the bottom-cushion a suitable length for your upper leg length, i.e. can you sit fully back in the seat without any pressure behind the knee?
9.) If fitted, are the armrests at a suitable and supportive height when you are sitting upright?
10.) Can you get the chair close enough to the desk to type with your elbows vertically under your shoulders?
11.) Does the backrest support the small of your back (lumbar spine) in an upright posture?
12.) Does the foam on the bottom and back of the chair cushion your fist when you press hard into them?
13.) Is the chair comfortable?
14.) Can the backrest be adjusted to provide adequate support and encourage good posture?
15.) Is the chair stable and undamaged?
16.) With the seat and desk adjusted correctly for the elbows, are the feet firmly on the floor without compressing the underside of the thighs?
17.) If a footrest is (thus) required, is an appropriate one present?
18.) If not, are you going to get one without a Health & Safety intervention?
19.) Is the top of the visible area at eye height when you are sitting upright?
20.) Is the monitor at a suitable distance from your eyes (20"- 26"/50-65cm)?
21.) Is the monitor directly in front of you so that you do not sit twisted?
22.) Is the screen free from glare and reflections?
23.) Is the information on the screen well defined and easy to read?
24.) Is the image stable and flicker free?
25.) Are you free from discomfort in the eyes and neck?
26.) Is the screen tilted between 0 and 15 degrees up from the vertical?
27.) Can you adjust the brightness and contrast easily?
28.) Is the keyboard angle set to prevent an angle through the wrist when typing?
29.) Is the keyboard at a distance from you that puts your elbows vertically under your shoulders when typing?
30.) Are you aware that you should move the keyboard over for intensive mouse or keypad use?
31.) Is the standard keyboard width satisfactory (e.g. can you use the mouse without having to reach excessively to the side)?
32.) Is the mouse close enough to the user to be used without extending the arm at the elbow?
33.) Does the mouse run smoothly on its mat and work accurately, without fiddling?
34.) Do you know how to clean the mouse?
35.) Do you know how to adjust the tracking speed and double-click interval?
36.) Do you know how to minimise mouse use by using quick keys, styles and templates? (and do you know that you should?)
37.) Can all of your tasks be completed without the need to refer to paper documents?
38.) If so, does the duration of these tasks mean you don't need a document holder (e.g. 20 minute stints)?
39.) Can documents be reviewed with the head in a balanced posture?
40.) If no, has a document holder been provided?
41.) If yes, is the document holder of a suitable size and position?
42.) Is other equipment at the workstation appropriate for its use?
43.) Is the extra equipment located in a position that is compatible with correct posture?
44.) Is there adequate access to the workstation?
45.) Is there space to manoeuvre the chair?
46.) Does the layout of the immediate work area allow the job to be done in a correct posture?
47.) Is there sufficient storage space?
48.) Are the cables in a safe and secure position i.e. to avoid tripping?
49.) Is the monitor positioned at right-angles to the windows, or at least optimally within structural constraints?
50.) Is the work area free from obstructions and hazards such as tripping?
51.) Is there adequate lighting for all the tasks?
52.) Is the background behind the screen slightly less bright than the screen?
53.) Is the lighting positioned to prevent glare and reflections?
54.) Do the windows have effective blinds to control daylight?
55.) Is the workstation quiet enough for concentration and conversation?
56.) If NOT, is the noise from something which is not part of the workstation?
57.) Is the temperature comfortable, most of the time?
58.) Can you adjust the temperature locally?
59.) Is humidity normally comfortable for your eyes and sinuses?
60.) Is the work area free from draughts?
61.) Are you free from stressing levels of uncertainty and anxiety when using software?
62.) Can you organise your time to have adequate breaks from the screen?
63.) Do you have non-computer activities incorporated into your daily routine?
64.) Is your workload reasonably free of urgent peaks and troughs?
65.) Have you been shown how to adopt good posture at the workstation?
66.) Have you received information on how to avoid visual fatigue?
67.) Have you been made aware of ways to detect and avoid stress at work?
68.) Have you received information about the provision of eyesight tests?
69.) Have you been given information about the provision of corrective lenses?
70.) Have you been informed about taking breaks and changes of work activities?
71.) Have you had training and information in how to adjust your workstation?
72.) Do you know where to report workstation problems?
73.) Is your workstation tidy and cleaned regularly?
74.) Is your equipment cleaned regularly?
75.) Do you never or only infrequently have to hold the phone and type at the same time?
76.) Do you type with your wrists not resting on the table?
77.) Are your wrists in a flat, neutral position when you are typing?

(If you have not ticked any boxes, you are not reporting any problems and so there will be no advice, this page will reload.)

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Workstation assessment