Before you begin to create a new workspace at home, here are some of the things to consider, taken from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services’ Home Office Workplace Checklist. (More information on WSPS.ca.)
- Is your chair adjusted to an appropriate height (i.e., thighs parallel or knees slightly lower
than the hips)? - Are your feet on the floor or fully supported by a footrest?
- Do you have sufficient leg room at your desk?
- Does the placement of your monitor and keyboard allow for a comfortable position (e.g.,
head is looking forward, not downwards or to one side)? - Is it easy to read the text on your screen?
- Is your computer screen free from noticeable glare at all times of the day?
- Is there space to rest your arms when not keyboarding?
- When keying or using the mouse, are your elbows close to the body and your forearms
close to parallel with the floor? - Are frequently-used items positioned within easy reach of your normal working position,
and is desk space? - If you need to connect and disconnect a laptop or other equipment, are you able to do this
without bending or crawling under your desk each time? - Are temperature, noise, ventilation, and lighting levels adequate for maintaining your
normal job performance? - Is the work area free from all slip, trip and fall hazards?
- Is material stored in file cabinets or on shelves properly to avoid overloading and tipping?
