Workstation set-up and ergonomics

Most UQ staff spend a considerable amount of time at their workstation. If your workstation is not set up properly, you may experience discomfort or injury.

The following ergonomic guidelines can help you arrange your workstation to reduce or eliminate risks that can lead to injury.

Workstations at UQ campuses and offices

To prevent injury while performing daily tasks, all staff with University workstations should review their set-up using the computer workstation self-assessment tool.

WorkSafe Queensland has some helpful advice and videos to assist workers in optimising their workstation set-up. You can contact your local Work Health and Safety Coordinator (WHSC) if you need additional assistance.

To help you to incorporate regular active breaks from your desk, install ‘Breaktimer’ software on your computer. This app can provide you with prompts to take regular breaks and is fully customisable to suit your work patterns.

Medical conditions requiring height-adjustable workstations

If you have a medical condition that requires temporary or permanent use of a height-adjustable workstation, you need to have your workstation assessed and provide information from your doctor.

To request a height-adjustable workstation for medical reasons, you need to:

1. Complete the online computer workstation self-assessment.
2. Contact your local Work Health and Safety Coordinator or the Ergonomics and Rehabilitation Advisor to review your workstation.
3. Ask your treating GP or specialist medical doctor to complete a sit-stand workstation clinical recommendation form (PDF, 249.6 KB) or provide a Doctor's medical certificate that includes a recommendation for use of this equipment.
4. Provide the completed form or medical certificate to your local Work Health and Safety Coordinator.

This ensures that decisions are informed by detailed medical advice and that increased standing will not adversely affect any other pre-existing medical condition.

Selecting furniture or equipment

All faculties, schools and centres must purchase seating and furniture from UQeMarket.

Home workstations

Setting up your home workstation optimally is essential to minimise risk of injury, whether you work from home regularly or only occasionally.

Review your home workstation set-up using the online computer workstation self-assessment tool and Working from Home – Work Area Self-Assessment.

For D.I.Y. and around-the-home solutions, watch the Ergonomics and Working from Home webinar below.

For more information on the University’s working from home procedures, read the Flexible Work Procedures.

Laboratory workstations

If you work in a laboratory, consult the Laboratory Ergonomics Guideline for information and advice about ergonomic set-up of your workstation.

Performing exercises to break up tasks can help to manage or reduce injury risks from lab work. Try these exercises when in the lab (PDF, 694.5 KB), or these additional exercises (PDF, 763.4 KB) that may be more suited to use when you are back in the office.

Additional ergonomic requirements

Assessment and specialised seating, furniture or equipment can be arranged for people with:

• existing injuries
• pain and discomfort
• tall or short stature
• a specific disability.

In such cases, or if you have any questions about workstation ergonomics, contact your local Work Health and Safety Coordinator or the Ergonomics and Rehabilitation Advisor.