WORSTATION RISK MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
Worker Name: Manager/Supervisor: Date self-assessment conducted:
This workstation risk management checklist is used to assist you to adjust your workstation and identify hazards and assess any risks present.
If you answer “NO” to any item, please follow the suggestions/controls listed for ways to rectify the issue. Please contact WHS Manager for further advice/assistance if you have any
special needs or experience symptoms whilst performing your work tasks.
Other supporting tools: Workstation set up and Stretch Exercisers that can be found on the WHS Intranet site
No. Item Yes No N/A Suggestion / Control
CHAIR
1. Is the backrest correctly positioned so that it provides support to the lumbar Yes No NA Adjust the height of the backrest up / down by loosening wind up mechanism or lifting
region of the back? For this to be effective you should sit back as far as the ratchet back upwards (depending on your chair design)
comfortable on the seat. Is the backrest angle adjusted so that you are sitting Adjust chair backrest angle using the lever
comfortably upright when operating the computer?
2. Is the seat angle approximately horizontal? This may not be adjustable on all Yes No NA Adjust by pulling up lever to unlock, hold onto front edge of chair (between thighs) with
chairs. other hand and rock backwards. Lock in position by pushing lever back down with other
hand.
3. Is there enough room to place 2-3 fingers between the back of the calf and Yes No NA If not, the chair may not be suitable for your stature (too big or too small).
the front edge of the seat? Discuss with your manager that you may require a new chair
4. Is the chair height adjusted so that your elbows are slightly higher (2 - 3cm) Yes No NA Adjust chair height by using the appropriate adjustment lever
than the workstation (arms are bent approx. 90°) with the shoulders relaxed?
5. Are your feet resting flat on the floor, with the thighs parallel to the ground, Yes No NA If not, you may require a footrest, see Footrest section for details
at this chair height?
6. Does the chair have adequate padding and the fabric covering intact? Yes No NA Discuss with your manager that you may require a new chair
7. Are you able to sit in close to the edge of the desk without obstruction? Yes No NA If the armrests on your chair impede access, consider removing them from the chair
8. Does the chair move easily over the floor? Yes No NA Check if the castors are rolling freely, you may need a chair mat, you may have lockable
castors if you are on vinyl or hard flooring which is acceptable
MONITOR
9. When sitting tall and looking straight ahead, are your eyes approximately 40- Yes No NA The optimal height may vary depending on the size of your monitor or if you wear
50 mm below the top of the display? (tip this is tool bar height on MS word) bifocals / graduated lenses. Adjust the height of the monitor by sliding it up / down (this
adjustment may not be available on some monitors use monitor stand or ream of paper
to correct height.
10. Is the screen approximately just past your outstretched arm/fingers away Yes No NA This distance may vary if you wear prescription glasses
from you?
11. Is the screen free of reflections from overhead lights or windows? Yes No NA Change the screen tilt angle or adjust the blinds, etc.
12. Are you free from sources of glare issue when viewing your screen? Yes No NA Consider adjusting blinds or relocating your screen on the desk
13. If you have more than one screen, do you predominantly use one screen or Yes No NA The primary screen should be positioned directly in front with the secondary screen on
both simultaneously? (This will assist in determining the layout of your one side. If using two screens simultaneously, position yourself centrally between the two
monitors on the desk). or position the main one used more square on to you
KEYBOARD
WORSTATION RISK MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
14. Is the keyboard positioned parallel to the front edge of the desk and the Yes No NA This will assist in keeping you in to the correct alignment and reduce twisting of the trunk.
monitor?
15. If you rest your forearms on the desk when typing, keep the keyboard angle Yes No NA Do not use a gel wrist support UNLESS you have been advised by a Doctor or Health
as low as possible. This will reduce the angle of wrist extension when typing Professional to do so.
16. Are the keys easy to operate? Yes No NA If not, you may need a new keyboard, discuss with your manager
17. Do you use keyboard shortcuts? Using these can greatly reduce your Yes No NA Check out the keyboard shortcuts from the WHS intranet.
reliance on the mouse.
MOUSE
18. Is the mouse at the same level as the keyboard? Yes No NA Keyboard tray should be in full upright position (level desk surface)
19. Is the mouse immediately adjacent to the end of the keyboard? Yes No NA Reposition mouse as close as possible and same level to reduce shoulder injury
No. Item Yes No N/A Suggestion / Control
20. Is your elbow bent and shoulder relaxed when using the mouse? Yes No NA Check your seat is at the correct height
21. Is your elbow comfortably by your side when operating the mouse? Yes No NA Reposition mouse as close as possible
22. Is the positioning of the mouse dictated by the desk surface? (ie, uneven Yes No NA You may benefit from using a mouse mat, you can laminate a photo or picture (tip is to
surfaces, gaps, etc) make sure it is the same size as a mouse pad, and have not lumps/bumps)
TELEPHONE
23. Do you use your hand set to make or receive calls? Do you hold the handset Yes No NA Depending on the number and duration of calls, it may be advisable to use a head set,
between shoulder and cheek? Is the handset located on the non dominant not all phones have speak functions or can be used in open plan spaces. Locate phone
side? to non dominant side to avoid cradling phone.
FOOTREST (if required)
24. Is the footrest of a sturdy design and in good repair? Yes No NA Discuss with your manager you may require a new footrest
25. Is the footrest height and angle adjustable? Yes No Na This is preferable
26. Does the footrest stay in position? Yes No NA Discuss with your manager you may require a new footrest
27. Adjust the footrest so that when your feet are supported, your knees and Yes No NA Ideally we are looking for an 85 to 90 degree angle
hips are level (thighs parallel to the ground)
DESK LAYOUT
28. Are frequently used items within easy reach? Keyboard, mouse, phone, etc. Yes No NA Reposition items as required
WORSTATION RISK MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
29. If required, is there sufficient desk space for reading and writing tasks? Yes No NA Look at using a document holder that you can use over your keyboard
30. Is there sufficient storage space to avoid desk clutter? Yes No NA Look at what you can reducing bring in to work, or using other storage areas
31. Are you able to access the telephone without stretching or twisting? Yes No NA Relocate it closer to the body
32. If you are frequently referring to hardcopy documents when typing, have you Yes No NA Document holders are usually placed between the keyboard and monitor and should not
been provided with a document holder? obscure any part of the screen.
33. Do you complete data entry tasks? Yes No NA Documents should be placed between the monitor and keyboard to reduce injury
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
34. Is the lighting adequate for office tasks? Yes No NA Utilise under hutch lighting, if appropriate or set up desk / task lighting
35. Is the work area free from excessive noise and disruptions? Yes No NA Discuss further with your manager
36. Is the temperature and air flow in the area comfortable? Yes No NA Lodge a BIEMS to review – if facility based, ensure that you drink water to rehydrate
37. Are electrical cords tidy and out of the way, so as not to pose a trip hazard? Yes No NA Utilise extension cords or request additional GPO’s to be installed
38. Are items (folders, files or books) easy to reach? Yes No NA Stand up to reach items that above your shoulder height to reduce injury
WORK ORGANISATION
38. Do you regularly change your posture between sitting / standing / walking? Yes No NA Alter your position at least once every 60 minutes.
39. Is your workload manageable? Yes No NA Discuss any concerns with your line manager.
LAPTOP COMPUTER or TABLET DEVICE (if applicable)
40. Do you use an external keyboard and mouse with your laptop? Yes No NA This is strongly recommended with frequent use of a laptop.
41. Are you only using your laptop for short periods at a time (not more than 60 Yes No NA If operating for more than 60 minutes at any one time, it is recommended you use an
minutes at a time)? external keyboard and mouse and raise the height of the screen.
42. Are you able to easily carry your laptop? Yes No NA If carrying over long distances or for extended periods of time, consider using a suitable
trolley bag or similar.
WORKING AWAY FROM THE OFFICE (if applicable) with a laptop or tablet device
WORSTATION RISK MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
43. Be aware of the environmental limitations of your work set up when working Yes No NA When posture is not ideal due to environmental limitations, limit work periods to 30
away from the office. i.e., hot desking, clients home or vehicle, etc. minutes at a time with at least a 15 minute break in between.
44. Do you occasionally travel using a laptop or tablet device? Yes No NA If travelling frequently to and from work, consider having a fold up laptop/tablet device
raiser to easily raise the screen in addition to your external keyboard and mouse
OTHER FACTORS
45. Does the task/workstation have any other factors that may affect worker, Yes No NA Comments:
clients/patients or visitors safety?
Is the worker new, or new to the workstation?
Does the worker have an injury that inhibits there workstation tasks?
WORSTATION RISK MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
2. Assess the risk of injury or harm Using the NSW Likelihood Consequence Risk Rating
Health Risk Matrix
The score provides an indication of the level of risk and how effective the existing controls are. The next stage
of the process is to determine if/what additional controls are required and how soon they need to be
implemented.
3. Control the risk/hazard
Eliminate the hazard
Substitute the hazard for
something less harmful
Isolate the hazard from the person
Engineer out the risk, use
equipment to do the work
Administration, use safe work
practices and training
Personal Protective Equipment
Re-assess the hazard with your new/additional Likelihood Consequence Risk Rating
controls in place using the NSW Health Risk Matrix
4. What controls require implementation? Who will do By when? Date
it? completed
5. Evaluate/monitor the
effectiveness of the controls After: 1 week 1 month 6 months 12 months
you put in place.
The controls put in place are Working well Need review
Need a new Risk Assessment
Person completing review: Consulted:
Date: Date:
SWSLHD WHS Workstation Risk Management Checklist Dec 2014. Reviewed February 2021
