Frequently Asked Questions
Staff and faculty
Choose the category which best describes your concerns and follow the prompts to determine if you require a formal assessment or a consultation.
Departments are responsible for assessment, furniture and equipment costs related to the employee’s permanent workstation. Department approval is required.
Consultation: The Staff Wellness Ergonomic Program Advisor may complete a consultation to determine if a formal assessment is required. The Ergonomic Program Advisor collects information, such as photos/video, medical history, diagnosis, workstation concerns and the Office Ergonomic Self Adjustment report. Once the information is reviewed, the Ergonomic Program Advisor may:
- Refer the worker for a formal ergonomic assessment with the external service provider, EWI Works. Departments are responsible for the fees associated with the assessment and equipment/furniture recommendations for the permanent workspace. Department approval is required.
- Recommend changes to the workstation and/or work practices.
- Recommend temporary loan equipment.
- Recommend applicable equipment/furniture.
- Request further information such as medical information, additional photos, and/or form completion.
Assessment: A formal, in-person or virtual assessment (30 – 60 minutes) is completed. A full report is sent to the client and a summary report is provided to the leader, indicating recommended equipment/furniture and/or changes to the workstation and/or work practices.
Staff and faculty who require specific equipment or furniture for their workstation may be approved for a short-term loan through the Staff Wellness, Proactive Ergonomics Program.
Work From Home furniture and equipment are the worker’s responsibility. Refer to your Blue Cross Wellness Spending Account for applicable coverage for Work-from-Home equipment and furniture.
Base furniture consists of an appropriate desk, office task chair, external keyboard and mouse, and monitor.
Complete an ARCHIBUS furniture request and inquire about chair trials.
Contact Staff Wellness. The Ergonomic Program Advisor will review your case and may request further information to determine if a sit/stand is the best option for your situation. In some cases, individuals find more symptom relief from taking microbreaks to alternate their posture, changing positions, walking and/or performing exercises, versus standing stationary for 15 – 20 minutes. Standing does not provide a change in posture for your upper body, it can also increase low back and lower extremity symptoms if completed for too long or with poor posture.
Leaders
Customized training sessions can be completed for groups of 10 or more. If your department has less than 10 employees and the assessments are for office workers, consider having them attend a webinar and/or complete the Office Ergonomics Self Adjustment Tool. If individual formal assessments are required, the external service provider, EWI Works, provides a discounted rate for three or more assessments completed in the same day.
Furniture: Complete an ARCHIBUS furniture request.
Equipment: visit the IT webpage – order something - desktop computing - computer accessories request.
If you require specific furniture or equipment related to an injury or a disability, please contact the Ergonomic Program Advisor.