Workstation Evaluation

Why get your workstation evaluated by an occupational therapist? 

A well adjusted workstation helps prevent musculoskeletal pain due to bad posture, bad habits, or poor use of equipment. 

A poorly adjusted workstation that disregards ergonomic principles can cause:

• Lumbar and cervical pain
• Carpal tunnel pain or numbness
• Headaches
• Pain due to bad posture

Whether directly or indirectly, a poorly adjusted workstation can affect your comfort and energy levels, your productivity, cause visual fatigue, as well as reduce your ability to concentrate. 

Remote and Self-Employed Workers 

Working from home has become prevalent in Quebec. An occupational therapist can help you transition to remote working, whether your situation is permanent or temporary. 

Service for Businesses

Several studies have concluded that an employee’s well-being is directly related to their productivity, creativity and health. For the business, the studies found an increase in overall performance, a better employee retention rate, as well as a decrease in absenteeism. 

An Occupational Therapy Appointment: What to expect

The occupational therapist will start with the evaluation of the worker’s specific needs and their physical condition. They will evaluate (among other things):

• Tasks and nature of the job
• Postures and positions during work 
• The positioning of equipment and work tools
• How to use equipment and work tools
• Lifestyle (breaks, meals, exercises, pace, principles of self-regulation)
• The physical work environment (lighting and location of the workstation, for example)
• The risks associated with the tasks
• The physical and mental requirements (constraints and demands) of the position or of the work tasks.

The therapist will take measurements, photos and sometimes even videos in order to provide a thorough analysis and recommendations. 

In some cases, they will be able to provide immediate recommendations regarding posture and habits. 

The final detailed report will include:

• The analysis of the barriers allowing for a safe, functional and satisfactory work performance (aggravating factors, constraints, disabilities)
• Provide margin of manoeuvre options that will help the worker develop different ways of working
• Preventive and therapeutic self-regulatory activities
• Recommendations on posture, the layout of equipment and how to use work tools
• Recommendations in order to promote the resumption or retention of the job

Follow up appointments may be recommended in order to adjust the plan of action.

The concept of margin of manoeuvre in ergonomics is defined as the possibility or freedom available to a worker to develop different ways of working in order to meet production requirements, without having an adverse effect on their health.