MSD Hazard Identification Tool - Computer Workstation

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Table 1. Chair component of MSD hazard identification checklist

MSD Hazards

Is the hazard present?Corrective Options
YesNo Potential steps to reduce or eliminate the risk associated with the MSD hazard.
  • Feet cannot rest flat on floor
  • Raise/lower chair to allow feet to rest comfortably flat on floor.
  • Use footrest if keyboard/desk height requires an elevated chair.
  • Unable to sit with thighs parallel to the floor, or with a slight downward angles from hips to knees
  • Adjust chair height so that feet remain flat on floor or footrest, but thighs are also parallel to floor.
  • Front edge of seat pan presses into back of knee
•    Choose a chair with 2-3 fingers width between front edge of chair and back of knees.
•    Attach a removable back support cushion to existing backrest to shorten seat pan.
•    Choose a chair with a gently curved front edge on seat pan.
•    Chair lumbar support NOT supporting the small of the back (i.e. the curve of the lumbar spine)•    Raise/lower the backrest so the small of the back is in contact with the most outward curved areas of the back support.
•    Place a rolled-up towel or attach a removeable back support cushion to existing back support.
  • Space exists between the spine and backrest
•    Arrange workstation to allow proper back support (i.e. position keyboard closer to user, bring monitor closer to user).
•    Remove or lower arm rests which may prevent sitting back fully cue to contact with front of desk or keyboard tray.
•    Replace the seat pan if it’s too long and doesn’t allow for sitting back fully in chair.
•    Armrests provide inadequate forearm support when keying or mousing. Hunched shoulders – armrests too high; leaning to one side – armrests too low; elbows away from the body – armrests too wide  If armrests are too low/too high:
•    Add padding to bring them up to a comfortable level.
•    Only use the armrest during short pauses from typing.
•    Replace with armrests that can be adjusted to the correct height.
If armrests are too wide:
•    Adjust to bring them closer together.
•    Replace seat pan on chair with a narrower one.
•    Preplace with width-adjustable armrests.
 

Table 2. Keyboard and mouse or other input device component of MSD hazard identification checklist

MSD Hazards

Is the hazard present?Corrective Options
YesNoPotential steps to reduce or eliminate the risk associated with
the MSD hazard.
  • Wrist is not flat, forearms not parallel with floor or shoulders are tensed when using keyboard, mouse or other input device
  • Adjust seat height so that keyboard and mouse sits just below elbow height.
  • Raise or lower adjustable work surfaces in systems furniture so that they are just below seated elbow height.
  • Place keyboard and mouse on articulating keyboard tray and adjust tray height and tilt until wrists are working in neutral posture.
  • Retract keyboard feet.
  • Support arms on armrest with keying or mousing.
  • Wrist is deviated when using keyboard, mouse or input device.
•    Ensure adequate space for input device.
•    Use an appropriately sized keyboard (e.g. external keyboard if laptop is used regularly on desk).
  • Reaching to side or front when using mouse or other input device (i.e. the elbow is away from the side of body)
  
  • Place mouse/input device beside keyboard at same height.
  • Use a mouse bridge(i.e. a hard surface that is placed over number pad on keyboard).
  • Ensure adequate space on either the desk top or a keyboard tray for input devices.

Table 3. Monitor and workstation device component of MSD hazard identification checklist

MSD Hazards

Is the hazard present?Corrective Options
YesNoPotential steps to reduce or eliminate the risk associated with
the MSD hazard.
•    Head tilted up/down, repeatedly or for
a long time, while working at desk		•    Raise/lower monitor so that eyes are in line with top line of text. Monitor may need to be lowered for bifocal wearers if they look at the
monitor through the bottom of their lenses.
•    If using a number of paper documents, use a document holder that sits between the worker and the monitor.
  • Head turned to the side, repeatedly or for a long time, when working
  • Position monitor directly in front of user.
  • Place documents on holder located in line with the computer.
  • Neck tilted to the side (I.e. holding the phone between ear and shoulder)
  • Maintain one hand on phone.
  • Use a hands-free system(e.g. headphone).
  • Head not directly over spine (i.e. the head is forward and the chin is out)
  • Arrange workstation to allow for proper posture (e.g. sit back in chair, pull keyboard to user, change location/height of monitor).
•    Hard/sharp objects press into skin (e.g. wrist, elbow or forearm resting on a hard edge/surface)  •    Move keyboard/input devices to the edge of desktop to avoid resting hand/wrist on edge.
•    Use a wrist rest for support during pauses in keying.
•    Pad sharp objects on desktop with foam.
•    Replace object with objects with rounded edges.
•    Install keyboard tray with wrist rest for support during pauses in typing.
•    Twisting of torso (e.g. reaching
behind or across the body)		  •    If user is right-handed, arrange accessories (except telephone) to the right of the computer.
•    Locate telephone on the left in order to answer with the left hand and take notes with the right. Opposite set-up if left handed.
•    Determine which accessories are used most frequently and locate them closest to the user.
•    Encourage users to stand up when retrieving items behind them.
•    Inadequate clearance under desk for legs.  •    Remove materials underneath desk.
•    Raise desktop surface for taller individuals, or chair may be lowered if knees remain at or slightly below the hips.
•    Install keyboard tray to increase distance between monitor and desktop and provide more leg room.
•    Repeated or prolonged trunk
bending (e.g. filing documents)		  •    Where possible, perform filing on a desk surface, or other surface that allows for neutral back postures.

Table 4. Environmental component of MSD hazard identification checklist

MSD Hazards

Is the hazard present?Corrective Options
YesNoPotential steps to reduce or eliminate the risk associated with
the MSD hazard.
•    Too much/too little light  •    Reduce the amount of light in work area,
especially from ceiling-mounted light fixtures.
•    Use low gloss, off-white colour on surfaces.
•    Use appropriate task lighting.
•    Glare on monitor  •    Prevent source of glare from reaching monitor (i.e. use opaque vertical blinds, use glare screens).
•    Place monitor at right angles to windows.
•    Use LCD monitors.
•    Temperature is less than 20°C or more than 24°C (dependent on individual comfort and season)  •    Raise/lower temperature to individual comfort.
•    Wear more/less warm clothing.
•    Use individual heaters where appropriate.

Modified from Part 3B: MSD Prevention Toolbox – Beyond the Basics Developed by Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario (OHSCO)

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