Ergonomic Risk Assessment • Occupational Therapist • Healthywork

Ergonomic Risk Assessment – in the workplace or home office, Face to Face or via video call

Resolve Health and Posture Issues In The Workplace

This Ergonomic Risk Assessment will improve health, comfort and productivity where medical issues and symptoms are experienced.

It can apply to computer workstations or non-computer task workstations or environments.

This in-depth assessment allows implementation of Reasonable Adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 (this replaced the Disability Discrimination Act 1995). Now that the Med3 ‘sick note’ is a ‘fit note‘ (since April 2010) this type of assessment can assist in the process to get the individual back to work after a period of illness.

How an Ergonomic Assessment Works

We spend 1-2 hours with the employee, discussing the medical details and assessing the work tasks. This can be done face-to-face or via video call.

We implement practical solutions immediately. In an office role, this includes:

adjusting the chair for individual needs e.g. reviewing the backrest comfort and height and depth of the lumbar support.
unlocking the movement of the chair, using a tension wheel if available and checking which levers adjust the angles of the chair
adjusting the sitting position to the correct height to the work surface.
ensuring the gas stem height range of the chair is sufficient for the user.
correctly positioning the arm rests, critical in the prevention & treatment of RSI, upper limb, shoulder and neck problems.

We assess all workstation tasks and identify solutions.

We carry out analysis of non-computer tasks and identify ergonomic and health solutions.

We provide advice on management of symptoms – breaks and pain or fatigue management.

Educational advice is given to the individual. This includes how to set up the work area equipment, posture and condition management advice. A handout is provided where relevant.

A typed report is emailed to the referrer, justifying the recommendations. The report includes examples of specific models of chairs or other equipment – providing quotes, product codes and supplier information for ease of ordering. (We are independent from suppliers, so you can purchase any items required from any supplier – but we will provide advice on what you require).

What are the benefits of having this assessment?

Reduces the costs of sickness absence, insurance or litigation.
Allows implementation of Reasonable Adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.
Increases comfort and awareness of health and maximises the work environment and individual productivity.
Reduces the likelihood of sick leave.
Supports the return to work process after sick leave.
Gain valuable insight into ‘best practice’ in the workplace.
This assessment would encompass employer’s Duty of Care and responsibilities under the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992/2002 if it is a computer workstation environment.

When is this assessment suitable?

Suitable for an employee experiencing pain or discomfort, seeking medical advice or treatments for their condition. They may be continuing to work or be on sick leave. The employer may have performed an internal H & S / DSE Risk Assessment but a detailed Ergonomic Assessment by a health professional is required.
Conducting this assessment prior to an employee returning to work ensures task and equipment suitability.
Detailed return to work graduated hours plan included.
Fulfil their responsibilities to accommodate employees under the Equality Act 2010.
This assessment can prevent future ill health in employees.

What is the cost of an Ergonomic Assessment?

Prices are provided on a case-by-case basis. For guidance, a video call Ergonomic Assessment estimate is from £225.00 (for approx. 2.5 hours professional input).