My 2 Most Frequent Occupational Therapy Workplace Ergonomic Tips

There are significant benefits for employers and workers in adopting best practices for 'ergonomics in the workplace'.

Ergonomics helps optimize how a worker interacts with equipment and work routines to maximize productivity by minimizing fatigue and discomfort.

Common workplace injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and strained backs are costly for employers and employees. Did you know an Ergonomic Assessment conducted on-site by an occupational therapist will help identify poor workplace practices that could lead to costly and painful injuries?

Sometimes a simple adjustment at your desk is all it takes to prevent an ergonomics injury. How simple is that?

In almost every ergonomic assessment our occupational therapists complete, we hear complaints about sore necks, eye-strain and painful wrists from working at a computer all day. Making the following two simple ergonomic adjustments for those who work with computers will help increase comfort and raise productivity.

1. Keyboard and mouse height should be at bent arm height. Always use an external keyboard and mouse for laptops. The height of the keyboard and mouse should be about level with the underside of your arms with your arms bent at 90 degrees at the elbow.  "Keyboard and mouse at bent elbow height" is my motto.


2. Adjust the monitor screen height so that the top is about the same level as your eyes. Raise it on stacks of books if needed!  "Top of eyes, top of screen", I say all the time.

These two simple adjustments demonstrate that applying proper ergonomics doesn't necessarily require a big investment in time or money. Uncovering these opportunities to improve work performance and reduce injury is why ergonomic assessments are one of the best investments an organization can make.

Who should do an Ergonomic Assessment?

The occupational therapists at TOTAL ABILITY have the professional training and experience to not only provide an ergonomic assessment but also provide productivity and workplace health solutions.

• Occupational Therapists are taught both anatomy (the structure) and physiology (the function) of the human body.


• Occupational therapists are taught the medical and functional effects of illness, injury, disease and disorder.


• Occupational Therapists are trained to analyze physical, cognitive, emotional and social activities.


• Occupational Therapists are specialists at improving an individual’s or groups’ ability to work by changing the environment.


• Ergonomics means adapting the job to the worker and the product to the user.  Ergonomics is one of the great tools in our "tool box" when we help employees and employers at work.

Interested in learning more about how to reduce ergonomic injuries in the workplace?

Call us today at 506.847.0677 for a complimentary, no-obligation phone consultation.

You can also learn more by downloading my eBook: How to avoid the most common work-related injuries via this page. It’s FREE as part of #ChristelGivesBack

And tell me in comments below, what ergonomic change at your workstation made the most difference to your health at work?