UC Davis Health
Workers’ Compensation & Ergonomics

Ergonomics | Workers' Compensation and Ergonomics | UC Davis Health

Ergonomics

Improving comfort and performance by designing and arranging workspaces and tools to fit workers’ needs, enhancing efficiency and safety.

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All UC Davis Health employees and students working at the UC Davis Medical Center, satellite clinics, or office locations can do an online ergonomic self-assessment (below).

Ergonomics considers the capabilities and limits of the worker as they interact with tools, equipment, work methods, tasks, and the working environment. Ergonomics aims to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders by adapting the work to fit the person.

  • Workstation setup: Evaluating the arrangement of desks, chairs, monitors, and other equipment to ensure they support good posture and reduce strain.
  • Experiencing discomfort: In one or more work-related tasks.
  • Work practices: Observing how tasks are performed to identify repetitive motions, awkward postures, or excessive force that could lead to injuries.
  • Employee feedback: Gathering input from employees about any discomfort or difficulties they experience while working.
  • Environmental factors, including lighting, noise, and temperature, can also impact comfort and productivity.
  • Union contract: An ergonomic evaluation may be required.
  • Referred evaluation: On-site evaluation for disability and/or workers’ compensation.

The Ergonomics Unit does not order, purchase, or repair furniture and equipment.

Online Ergonomic Self-Assessment

The online ergonomics self-evaluation provides insights into how an employee's workstation fits and meets their needs. This can identify most ergonomic risks that can result in discomfort or injury. Once completed, your self-evaluation includes an interactive report with self-help tips and videos to help you identify and correct comfort issues yourself.

For questions, contact:
hs-requestergonomics@ucdavis.edu    
916-734-8840

Instructions for UC Davis Health Employees:

Risk & Safety Solutions (login)

  1. Go to the Risk & Safety Solutions website (login above).
  2. Sign in with your UC Davis credentials.
  3. Click: "Computer Ergonomics Med Center Self-Assessment" found at the top right side of the page.
  4. On the next page, click "Start Assessment" found at the top right side of the page.
  5. Complete all three sections: Summary, Training, and Assessment.
  6. Once completed, go to the "Report" tab to review your report and access self-help information.

Instructions for UC Davis School of Medicine Employee, School of Nursing Employee, or Temporary Employee Services:

UC Davis Ergonomics Essentials for Computer Users (login)

  1. Go to the UC Davis Ergonomics Essentials for Computer Users website (login above). Select the "UCD" button.
  2. Sign in with your UC Davis credentials.
  3. Click "Start" on the top right side of the page.
  4. Follow the instructions and watch the tutorials.
  5. Once completed, you will receive an email with your Ergonomics Essentials for Computer Users results.