A web-based calculator designed to help you reduce the likelihood of MSDs by helping you adjust your workstation according to your individual body measurements
MSDs account for 40% of all lost-time compensation claims in Ontario.
Luckily, the majority of workplace risk factors that provoke MSDs, can be identified and eliminated through ergonomic interventions.
Ensuring the proper height of your chair and workstation are crucial in office ergonomics.
Having a proper workstation setup can alleviate symptoms and prevent occupational diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Your office chair is important because it serves to support your back, reduce pressure on the popliteal fold, and support your upper and lower limbs. If your chair is not positioned accordingly, it can cause harm to your body.
The following conditions have been observed in office workers with an inadequate chair or chair setup:
Edema • Numb and cold feet • Lower Back Problems (LBP)
An ergonomic chair does not protect against the eventuality of MSDs if the user does not know how to use or adjust the chair correctly.
A healthy posture, induced by proper seat positioning, promotes overall comfort, increases concentration, and leads to greater endurance through long hours of seated work.
Your posture is greatly influenced by the position of your keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
The position of these items affects the ability for your shoulders and neck to be placed in a neutral posture.
The risk for MSDs such as:
shoulder tendonitis • carpal tunnel syndrome • neck strain
are decreased when the workstation is setup according to ergonomic principles.
In order to work safely and comfortably, each element of your computer workstation should be adjusted to fit your needs.
This calculator will provide you with a list of ideal measurements for each component of your workstation including:
chair height • keyboard / mouse height • screen height
All you have to do is enter your workstation measurements along with your body (anthropometric) measurements, and answer a couple of related questions.
The calculator will then determine whether your equipment is currently too high (-), too low (+), or perfectly situated (0).
Use a measuring tape to ensure that your equipment is adjusted according to the ideal measurements table.
If you are not able to position your equipment accordingly, you may need to purchase office equipment such as:
a height-adjustable keyboard tray, chair or monitor.
You can also save your assessment for future reference if needed.
Need assistance using this tool, or need help with an ergonomic assessment?
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