Ergonomics for managers and supervisors

Last updated on March 18, 2024

Ergonomics is the science of adapting work processes, equipment and tools so they fit you. Ergonomics reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI), including injury to muscles, bones or joints.

Employees who work comfortably with a knowledge of ergonomic risk factors and neutral working postures are more productive, attend work more regularly and are less likely to be injured on the job.

Help reduce the likelihood of workers developing MSI with an effective ergonomics program:

  • Identify ergonomics risk factors associated with work tasks
  • Assess the risk once the factors are identified
  • Train employees at risk of developing MSI
  • Conduct ergonomic assessments for all employees
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the assessments
  • Consult with the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee on all aspects of the program

WorkSafeBC's occupational health and safety regulation and the BCGEU Master Agreement set out the workplace ergonomics requirements for the BC Public Service.

Ergonomic assessment

Every workplace should have an in-house ergonomic assessor to help with workstation setups and evaluations. Contact your in-house assessor to help you evaluate and set up workstations for your employees. You can also contact your JOHS committee for help.

In some cases, specialized training may be needed to complete assessments due to the nature of the work process, equipment, type of workplace or a medical condition. Contact AskMyHR (IDIR restricted) if you need help. Submit a service request with the category Myself (or) My Team/Organization > Workplace Safety > Ergonomic Assessments.

If you're interested in becoming an ergonomics assessor, register for the (OSH) Office Ergonomics Risk Assessment course.

Ergonomics and shared workstations

If your worksite has shared workstations, contact AskMyHR (IDIR restricted) to request Workstation Ergonomic Tent Cards.

Submit a service request with the category Myself (or) My Team/Organisation > Workplace Safety > Ergonomic Assessments.

The cards have easy guidelines for setting up ergonomically correct workstations and are great for mobile and shared workstations. Cards can be placed at individual workstations.