Why is a workstation assessment important

Ergonomics is the study of the design and arrangement of equipment to ensure the user will interact with the equipment in a healthy, comfortable, and efficient manner. As related to computer equipment, ergonomics is concerned with such factors as the physical design of the keyboard, screens and related hardware.*

* The free online dictionary of computing - 1993 - 2006, Denis Howe

It is the legal obligation of an employer to provide workstation assessments for all new employees and also for existing employees when there is a change in their working environment, such as new desks, PC's, lighting, position or job tasks. There are major cost implications associated with workstation assessments:

• Employers can conduct workstation assessments for Free!
  Use our online workstation assessment or sign up here for your free workstation assessment information pack, register here.
• Workstation related illnesses affect nearly ½ million people every year and costs UK businesses over £5 billion per annum!
  It is estimated that workstation related illnesses cost businesses £1,000 per employee, yet ergonomic products that help to provide a comfortable, safe and productive working environment start at as little as £10! Click here to review the products required per ergonomic zone.
• 4.7 million working days in Great Britain (full-time equivalent) were lost due to RSI, (a workstation related illness affecting the neck and upper limbs), in 2003/04.
  Every day, six people in the UK leave their jobs due to an RSI condition!
• Ergonomic preventative methods identified and implemented in companies have resulted in significant savings per £1.00 spent on ergonomic products.
• 80% of people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.

Not only are there legal and economic reasons for introducing ergonomic products into your workplace, leading insurance companies are now stipulating workstation assessments as part of their insurance policies, negating them from costs associated with improper workstation usage and subsequent law suits.

Improved working environments have been proven to increase employee moral and thus productivity.