Office Ergonomic Assessments

An Office Ergonomic Assessment identifies and evaluates ergonomic risk factors associated with an office or computer workstation that may contribute to discomfort, strain or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Assessments can be completed onsite at the workplace or in an employee’s home office when working remotely. Ontario’s Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 amended the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to clarify that the Act applies to telework performed in or about a private residence.

The goal is to reduce physical strain and identified ergonomic risk factors by improving the fit between the employee, workstation, equipment and work tasks. Recommendations may address workstation design, equipment positioning, work practices and task organization to support employee comfort, safety and well-being.

Our Office Ergonomic Assessments are completed by a Registered Occupational Therapist (OT) with training and experience in workplace ergonomics.

Depending on the employee’s work and concerns, the assessment may include:

• Review of the job description and available Job Demands Analysis (JDA) or Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) information
• Interview with the employee and, where appropriate, the supervisor to understand concerns and job requirements
• Observation of the employee performing typical computer and office tasks
• Assessment of workstation set-up, posture, keyboard and mouse use, monitor positioning, seating and equipment
• Evaluation of relevant ergonomic risk factors using standardized assessment methods, such as the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), where appropriate
• Assessment of office-related lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing or pulling tasks when these form part of the employee’s work
• Objective measurements using appropriate tools, where required
• Review of posture and body mechanics during relevant work tasks
• Individualized ergonomic education to help the employee understand recommended workstation adjustments, positioning and safe work practices
• Practical ergonomic resources for the employee to support the recommendations
• A detailed report, including photographs where appropriate, provided to the employer
• Recommendations for workstation modifications, ergonomic equipment or workplace accommodations, where possible and practical
• Follow-up assessment or education, when appropriate, to review equipment changes and determine whether recommended accommodations or modifications are working effectively

An Occupational Therapist may recommend strategies to:

• Improve employee comfort and reduce identified MSD risk factors
• Improve workstation design, layout and equipment positioning
• Support appropriate workplace accommodations
• Identify ergonomic knowledge or training needs
• Provide employees with practical strategies they can apply throughout their workday

An individual office workstation ergonomic assessment may be helpful:

• As part of a return-to-work or workplace accommodation plan
• Following a return to regular duties when ergonomic risk remains a concern
• When an employee experiences discomfort or pain while performing office tasks
• When a chronic or progressive health condition results in changes to functional abilities
• When changes in job duties, equipment or workstation set-up create new ergonomic concerns

Office ergonomic assessments can also be completed proactively to review general workstation design and ergonomic risk for employees across an office or organization.

Employee Consent
When an assessment focuses on an individual employee, informed consent is obtained before the assessment because assessment findings and recommendations are provided to the employer.