Having the right workstation is critical in creating a safe and healthy work environment and can have a huge impact on employees with a disability, helping them deliver to their full potential but also preventing claims of discrimination. In this AbilityNet webinar our experts reviewed some of the most common workstation issues that they encounter, and will describe how this can help people with a wide range of disabilities, including many which employers often do not consider. It will also look at the implications of the rise in mobile working and the changes this is bringing to people’s workstation.

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HR Update
Workstation ergonomics for a safer,
more effective workplace
AbilityNet Webinar
10 February 2014

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Welcome
Sarah Irving
AbilityNet
Robin Christopherson
AbilityNet
Mark Walker
AbilityNet

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Workstation ergonomics
Understanding ergonomics
The impact on employees
Legal responsibilities
Common issues in the workplace
And how to deal with them
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• Workplace Services
• Student Services
• Accessibility Services
• Free IT Support for
Disabled People
• My Computer My Way
• Tech4Good Awards
AbilityNet
Adapting Technology. Changing Lives.

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Because one size doesn’t fit all
In an average office:
• 10% of people will be
left handed
• 15% won't be able
to read a 10 point font
without straining
their eyes
• 10% or more will
have dyslexia
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Workstation Assessments

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Workstation Assessments

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Workstation Assessments

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What is Ergonomics?
ERGON + NOMOS
(Work) (Natural Laws)
The science that studies people’s performance and well being
in relation to their job tasks and their environment
The Purpose of Ergonomics and our assessments is:
• Maximise performance
• Minimise the risk of illness and injury

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Who is the average person?

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What does the law say?
Employment Law
• Duty of Care
Equality Act 2010
• Requires Reasonable Adjustments
Health and Safety (Display Screen
Equipment) Regulations 1992
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What is the impact in the workplace?
• 90% of people in the UK use
a computer in their work
• Many use a specified
workstation
• Growing use of hot-desking
Poor ergonomics contributes to:
• Absenteeism
• Chronic Sickness
• Claims against the employer
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Some of the most common issues
• Poorly adjusted chairs / unsuitable chairs
• Monitors, and keyboards positioned badly
• User not knowing how to use mouse correctly
Plus
• Lack of expert advice and information in-house
• Lack of understanding within HR and management teams
• Lack of knowledge of legal risks
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An example bad workstation.....
Cacti grow well
in hot dry
environments
Incorrect
positioning of
desk lamp
Feet not firmly on
the floor
Cushion pressing into
underside of thigh
Back not supported by
the backrest
Keyboard at an angle
increasing angle at wrist
Neck twisted
to look at
monitor
Monitor
not
positioned
head on
Using mouse too
far away causing
strain on
shoulder

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Physical/Musculoskeletal Symptoms
What? Where?
Discomfort Neck
Aches Shoulders
Tightness Arms
Pains Wrists
‘Pins and Needles’ Hands
Numbness Mid/Lower Back
‘Burning’ Lower Limbs

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Causes of physical symptoms
• Awkward, twisted postures
• Improperly adjusted furniture and equipment
• Workstation layout
• Excessive stretches and reaches
• Static postures
• Stress and muscular tension

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Not just physical problems
Others factors need to be considered, such as
• Vision
Fatigue, eyestrain and discomfort, including effects on vision
• Hearing
• Specific Learning Difficulties eg Dyslexia
• Stress
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An example good workstation…..
Monitor approximately at
eye height and an arms
length awayHead up
Feet firmly
on a footrestOnly moderate
pressure at the
front of the seat
cushion
Eyes looking
forward to
most of the
time
Back erect
and
supported
Shoulders
relaxed
Hands in line
with the
forearms
Reference material
is easy to look at

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Some examples
Getting them in the right posture
Chair, document holder, etc
Alternating between sitting and standing
Sit/stand workstation
Specialist chair + perching stool

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The mobile workstation…

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The mobile workstation…

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Key lessons
• The goal is for every employee to be safe, comfortable and
productive
• Employers must offer reasonable adjustments
• One size doesn’t fit all
Remember:
• It’s NOT about fitting the person to the environment
• It’s about fitting the environment to the person
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Interactive Guide
www.uel.ac.uk/hrservices/hs/assessment/
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Questions
Please use the Questions box on GotoWebinar

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Contact Us
robin.christopherson@abilitynet.org.uk
+44 (0)1926 465 247 @abilitynet
Next AbilityNet webinars
• Dealing with RSI in the Workplace, 10th February 2015
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