About

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the task and tools to the user to maximize productivity while reducing discomfort, fatigue, and the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) which can develop over time.
Applying sound ergonomic principles can identify risks in order to decrease fatigue and injuries, and increase comfort, productivity, job satisfaction, and safety:

  • Designing workstations, tools & tasks for safety, efficiency, and comfort.
  • Utilizing tools, equipment and behavior to promote neutral postures.

Become 鈥渆rgonomically conscious鈥 and reduce your chance of developing MSDs by knowing the risk factors:

  • Repetition: repeating the same movement every few seconds
  • 'Static' or awkward postures or positions: the same position being held for a long period of time
  • Contact Stress or pressure on a joint: physical contact between you and an object
  • Force: material handling (lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, gripping/pinching)

Identifying the Need for an Assessment

  • The employee is experiencing discomfort or has concerns about their workstation setup, chair, and/or equipment.
  • The employee is interested in learning more about ergonomic practices for safe work and injury prevention.

Requesting an Ergonomic Assessment

  • Notify your supervisor of any ergonomic/workstation concerns and request an ergonomic assessment. 
  • Complete the optional self-assessment, and make any necessary adjustments to your workstation, as presented in the assessment module. Use the link below to access the RMS-Ergonomic Training and Online Workspace Self-Assessment available in REBELearn through REBELPeople. Please send a copy of your completed report to RMIC-group@unlv.edu. We will contact you to provide additional support if indicated during the assessment. Supervisor approval is not required.
  • Request an in-person assessment. Supervisor approval is required. 
    • Complete this Ergonomic Assessment Request Form.
    • The RMS Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (EAS) will contact you and your supervisor to schedule an appointment.

The Assessment Process

What to expect during the evaluation, report completion, and receival of equipment:

  • Evaluation/Observation: 
    • Basic ergonomic questions will be asked about the employee鈥檚 concerns which prompted the assessment request. 
    • The assessment consists of an observation of the office environment, specifically examining the arrangement of equipment, the employee's posture and interaction with their chair, workstation, telephone, keyboard, and mouse to identify ergonomic risk factors.
  • Time Frame for the Initial Ergonomic Evaluation: 30-60 minutes
  • Report: 
    • Provides the identified ergonomic risk factors observed during the evaluation, and recommendations to mitigate or eliminate those risks, and equipment recommendations. 
    • Assessment reports are completed within 2-5 business days and provided to the employee and supervisor for review of recommendations.

Procuring Ergonomic Furniture/Equipment

Recommendations may be made to obtain furniture or equipment. There are no particular brands of equipment/products or furniture that are endorsed. Purchases are at your department鈥檚 discretion and must follow established purchasing guidelines.

  • If a replacement chair is recommended, RMS partners with Planning and Construction (P&C) to allow employees to 鈥榯est鈥 a chair prior to purchase. The test chairs meet the P&C guidelines for furniture specifications. To request the chair sit test, the employee will schedule with the RMS EAS. 
  • If a chair is selected, the RMS EAS will obtain chair specifications from P&C, and request a quote from the P&C approved furniture vendor. Once the chair quote is received, it will be sent to the employee and their supervisor.
  • If the purchase is approved, their department will follow their standard procurement process to purchase the chair. The vendor will coordinate with the department for chair delivery and set up.
  • If an employee is unable to obtain department approval, but believes they may qualify for a workstation modification as part of a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they are encouraged to complete the Workplace ADA Accommodation Request Form available on the Human Resources website.
  • For general guidelines for public and non-public facing spaces, please refer to the Planning and Construction website.

Follow-up and Support

For further assistance regarding ergonomics, please contact Risk Management and Safety:
RMIC-group@unlv.edu
702-895-4226