What Does an Ergonomic Assessment Involve?

Many office employees spend a large part of their day at desks, so their workstations must be set up to be comfortable, efficient, and safe. This is where office ergonomic assessments can be extremely beneficial, as they evaluate the suitability of an employee’s workstation for their tasks, body shape, and working habits. These assessments not only make employees more comfortable but also prevent future musculoskeletal complications and reduce the risk of workplace injuries. At Precision Health, we provide ergonomic assessments where our assessors conduct in-depth evaluations of your employees’ work setups and provide tailored recommendations. In this post, we will explain what to expect from an office ergonomic assessment and outline the key benefits of these assessments.

The Ergonomic Review: What Happens During the Assessment?

During an office ergonomic assessment, a trained assessor observes how an employee interacts with their workstation throughout the day. This includes evaluating posture, reach, and the frequency of repetitive movements, as well as the suitability of office furniture and equipment. The assessor also considers the specific tasks the employee performs, identifying areas that may cause strain over time.

After the evaluation, tailored recommendations are provided to optimise workstation setup, reduce physical stress, and support sustained efficiency and comfort during working hours. Below, we discuss what office ergonomic assessments examine and why they are so important:

Desk and Workspace Layout

One of the first areas an assessor evaluates is the desk and the surrounding workspace. This includes the height, size, and positioning of the desk as well as the organisation of items such as keyboards, mice, and stationery. An optimal layout ensures that employees can reach essential tools without overextending or twisting, which reduces strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. Recommendations may include adjusting desk height, adding monitor risers, or repositioning frequently used items to improve workflow and comfort.

Chair and Seating Posture

The chair is a critical component of an ergonomic workstation. Assessors examine the chair’s height, lumbar support, armrests, and overall adjustability to ensure it supports good posture throughout the day. A properly configured chair can prevent back pain, spinal misalignment, and repetitive strain injuries. An assessor may recommend adjusting the seat height, adding cushions or lumbar supports, or replacing chairs that do not provide adequate support for the employee’s body type and work style.

Monitor and Screen Positioning

The positioning of computer monitors is key to reducing eye strain, neck pain, and headaches. Assessors measure the height, distance, and angle of the screen relative to the employee’s eyes and seating position. Correct alignment encourages a neutral head and neck posture, reducing muscular tension over long periods. Suggestions provided following an assessment may involve raising or lowering monitors, using adjustable arms, or implementing dual-screen setups to suit specific work tasks and improve visual comfort.

Keyboard, Mouse, and Input Devices

Ergonomic assessments also focus on how employees interact with keyboards, mice, and other input devices. The assessor examines wrist and arm positions to prevent repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Proper device placement supports natural hand alignment and encourages movement breaks. Potential recommendations include adjusting the height of the keyboard tray, using ergonomic mice or split keyboards, or encouraging the use of wrist rests to maintain a neutral, comfortable posture throughout the day.

Lighting and Environment

Assessors also evaluate the lighting, glare, and overall environment of the workspace. Poor lighting can contribute to eye strain, headaches, and postural adjustments that cause muscular tension. Assessors consider natural light sources, artificial lighting, and screen glare, making recommendations to improve visibility and comfort. Suggestions might include repositioning monitors, adding desk lamps, adjusting blinds, or upgrading overhead lighting to create a balanced, comfortable environment conducive to productivity.

After evaluating these areas, an assessor provides tailored recommendations to optimise each employee’s workstation. These changes not only improve comfort but also support long-term musculoskeletal health. By implementing these adjustments, businesses can reduce the risk of workplace injuries and create a more productive environment for their team.

Benefits of Ergonomic Assessments

Alongside improving comfort and safety, ergonomic assessments also offer many advantages for both employees and companies. By reviewing individual workstations and providing targeted recommendations, businesses can proactively address risks and have a happier and more productive team. Below we highlight three key benefits of ergonomic assessments:

• Improved Employee Comfort and Productivity: Ergonomic assessments ensure workstations fit each employee’s needs, reducing fatigue, discomfort, and poor posture. Adjustments to chairs, desk layout, and monitor height help staff work efficiently and comfortably. Employees can focus better, complete tasks more effectively, and maintain energy throughout the day. Over time, this enhanced comfort improves productivity, reduces errors, and supports a healthier working experience.

• Reduced Risk of Musculoskeletal Injuries: Back, neck, and wrist injuries often develop gradually in office environments. Ergonomic assessments identify risks and provide practical solutions to prevent them. Adjusting seating, desk heights, posture, and input devices reduces strain and protects long-term musculoskeletal health. This proactive approach lowers absenteeism, cuts treatment or compensation costs, and creates a safer, more sustainable workplace for all employees.

• Long-Term Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency: Ergonomic assessments deliver measurable financial benefits by preventing discomfort and injury, reducing sick leave, and lowering workers’ compensation claims. Optimised workstations can also improve workflow, as employees spend less time adjusting equipment or correcting posture-related fatigue. Over time, these changes streamline operations, reduce costs, and support a healthier, more productive workforce across the organisation.

Office Ergonomic Assessments at Precision Health

At Precision Health, we provide thorough office ergonomic assessments to create workspaces that support employee wellbeing and safety. Our ergonomic assessments can be held either remotely or in-person at your workplace, where our team assesses desks, chairs, monitors, and other equipment for the best possible setup.

Our tailored recommendations help to improve your office’s ergonomics and ensure that employees are as comfortable and safe as possible. Alongside office ergonomics, we also specialise in delivering workshops and health assessments. To learn more about our office ergonomic assessments, contact Precision Health today.