Why workstation checklists should be used.

  A full time worker spends about 8 hours a day 5 days a week at work.  A part time worker may spend anywhere from 1 hour to 7 hours a day at work.  With long hours like that work is often considered a "second home."  
  The term ergonomics is often used in cooperation with workstation and checklist to denote comfortable and functional working conditions.  Although there are many different criterion available that one might benchmark, ultimately the satisfaction of the employee lies in the hands of the organization they work for.  Some other very important reasons to ensure that employees have a functional, safe and efficient working environment are directly related to:
  1.  Productivity
  2.  Morale
  3.  Safety
  4.  Satisfaction
  One very useful tool that can be used to improve all of the four elements listed above is the workstation checklist.  The general outline of a workstation checklist outlines an established criterion from such notable organizations like: Osha, Cornell University and of course various labor organizations like Ontario ministry of Labour.

  As noted before there are many different ways of establishing healthy ergonomics in the workplace.  Be sure when looking to set a criterion that all work activities take into consideration there are many different postures employees use throughout the day and they should all be accounted for.  Another consideration to take is sedentary activity many large corporations have noticed increases in overall organizational well being when implementing daily stretching activities and 5 minute walks.  A great site to visit when looking for employee suggestions related to ergonomics is ergonomics.org which offers many great resources to help reduce unnecessary motion and strain related to employees.  

  Caring for our employees is very important and taking into consideration there comfort at work can certainly pay dividends towards showing them what an important resource they are.  Please feel free to grab a copy of the free template on our free CI page to start developing your own employee ergonomics program or simply sign up below and receive your template free.