Road Map: Managing Ergonomic Enquiries

  1. 1 of 5
  2. 2 of 5
  3. 3 of 5
  4. 4 of 5
  5. 5 of 5

Ergonomic Assessment (In-person and Virtually)

An ergonomic assessment is an evaluation performed by a trained Ergonomic Specialists, primarily through external service providers, for employees that have a specific medical need or physiological variations that may impact the employee’s ability to perform his / her tasks. The specialist will assess the employee’s ergonomic needs, aid with setting up and/or adjusting the workstation and equipment, and provide ergonomic recommendations.

A request for an ergonomic assessment must always be supported by a medical indication. Review the questions below for additional guidance on when an ergonomic assessment should be requested.

Refer to the Procedures for Requesting an Ergonomic Assessment for more details on requesting an ergonomic assessment.

Important ... for security and safety reasons, ergonomic assessments for employees who are working remotely should be completed virtually.

  • When is an ergonomic assessment necessary?

    An ergonomic assessment is not a tool to address general aches or discomfort nor to acquire a specific piece of desired furniture or equipment. An ergonomic assessment is a tool that is used to address an employee’s specific ergonomic issues as the result of:

    • a disability;
    • being under the care of a health care professional for a specific injury (e.g. physiotherapist);
    • out-of-average physiological characteristics; or
    • a change in workplace following a previous ergonomic assessment.

    Employees with specific issues resulting from the above noted circumstances should also review and apply the information contained in the self-help tools, and may benefit from ergonomic adjustment.

  • What do I do if an employee presents a medical note requesting an ergonomic assessment?

    Employees will commonly seek treatment from a health care professional for moderate aches or discomfort. As part of the treatment, the health care professional may write a medical note requesting an ergonomic assessment.

    Health care professionals are often unaware of the ergonomic tools and services available to employees within the Department. Many situations can be successful resolved through the application of the departmental ergonomic self-help tools and the performance of an ergonomic adjustment. An ergonomic assessment may not be warranted given the circumstances.

    If a medical note requesting an ergonomic assessment is received from an employee and the employee has not previously reported any ergonomic issues, the employee should first review and apply the information in the self-help tools and receive an ergonomic adjustment if the issues persist.

    Managers may also Request Guidance to consult with a Regional OHS Advisor.