Faculty/Staff Ergonomics

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The Be Well at Work - Ergonomics Program 

The Be Well at Work - Ergonomics Program promotes healthy campus and at home work environments through worksite assessments, workshops, consultation and resources. Our goal is to help fit jobs and work environments to people for both office and non-office environments.

When working on a computer, it is important to remember that having ergonomically designed equipment and making proper adjustments to your computer workstation are important no matter where your “office” may be. To help you have a supportive computer workstation on campus or at home, please follow the ergonomics steps below: 

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Step 1: RSS Computer Ergonomics Online Module

Important Notice: New RSS Computer Ergonomics Self-Assessment & Training Module

UCOP is retiring the Computer Health Matters online ergonomics training module as of 7/14/23. In its place is the new RSS Computer Ergonomics module which is housed and accessed on the Risk & Safety Solutions platform instead of the UC Learning Center.  

RSS Computer Ergonomics is an online solution that provides insights into how an employee’s workstation should fit and meet their postural needs. The self-assessment helps identify ergonomic risks at a computer workstation that can cause injuries. An improper work area setup and improper equipment or use of it can result in the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Completion of the self-assessment module helps fulfill ergonomic training requirements and grants eligibility to apply for the Ergo Matching Funds program. 

To access RSS Computer Ergonomics:

  1. Click the hyperlink or copy and paste it into your browser: https://app.riskandsafety.com
  2. Log in with your campus sign-on credentials.
  3. Click on “Computer Ergonomic Self-Assessment” from the upper right-hand corner of the landing page.

More detailed user guides regarding access and use of the RSS Computer Ergonomics module can be found in this video or PDF document.   

For assistance, if you have issues with the module, such as accessing the training, please contact Risk & Safety Solutions via their online ticketing system. 

Optional In-Person Alternative: Computer Health Matters - Campus and Remote Work Workshop

This workshop offers in-person training that promotes safe and healthy work practices and the effective use of workstation furniture and accessories. It is designed to cover the same content as the online self-assessment and training. Note that this in-person workshop is only offered at select times each semester. Visit the Ergonomics Workshops webpage to learn more or to enroll in a workshop.    

Step 2: Review Resources & Requesting an Evaluation 

The following resources are recommended to help further supplement the ergonomic guidance provided by the Computer Health Matters online ergonomics module:  

Request an Ergonomic Evaluation (Optional):

The RSS Computer Ergonomics online module is designed to include an ergonomics self-evaluation and thus provides basic ergonomic evaluation assistance. If you have identified equipment needed through the self-assessment, further ergonomic evaluation support is not required as long as you are selecting products from the approved ergonomic product catalog (see Step 3 section for more information). 

If further assistance is needed beyond the RSS Computer Ergonomics self-assessment and our website resources, you can submit an ergo evaluation request from a campus ergonomist to the Be Well at Work - Ergonomics program via our linked online request form. Remote evaluations for workstations outside of campus are conducted virtually via Zoom.  

Step 3: Choose Computer Workstation Products

Be Well at Work - Ergonomics program curates an approved ergonomic product catalog. The catalog products abide by UC and campus ergonomic standards and are sourced through UC contracts via approved vendors.  

Discuss any needed items with your supervisor/manager and department financial approver(s) for budgetary approval. If you have questions regarding the products or are looking for product selection guidance, reach out to our program at ergonomics@berkeley.edu.

Ergonomic Standards: Furniture and Accessories 

Proper ergonomic equipment is essential to allow computer workstation users to make adjustments to support their postural needs. UC Berkeley campus ergo standards are that electric height-adjustable tables and ergonomic chairs should be provided as standard equipment that all users to provide adjustability for proper postural support. Accessories with ergonomic design can help provide additional postural support. Our approved list of computer ergonomic furniture and accessories can be referenced on our Be Well at Work Ergonomics: Approved Ergo Product Catalog.

Step 4: Apply for the Ergonomics Matching Funds Program

Be Well at Work - Ergonomics Computer Workstation Matching Funds Program:

Only products on the approved catalog qualify for the Ergo Matching Funds Program. Exceptions may be made only in cases of recommendation by a campus ergonomist or a specific medical accommodation need; for questions reach us at ergonomics@berkeley.edu. The Ergonomics program continually assesses the catalog for potential updates and additions with a focus on products that meet UC and campus ergo standards at reasonable pricing.

To apply for Ergo Matching Funds, please follow this link to the online application form.

Please note: 

  • Applicants must be UC Berkeley employees (faculty, staff, Postdoc, GSR) receiving payment from the university and with job tasks involving the use of computer work for the university
  • Funding for this program is limited. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis each fiscal year beginning July 1st. The deadline for submission for the Matching Funds to be applied towards the current fiscal cycle is no later than 4 weeks before June 30 to allow enough processing time before the close of the fiscal year. 
  • Funding reimbursement will be delayed or denied for applications that are incomplete or provide insufficient supporting documentation and information.
  • The matching funds program does not apply to computer workstation furniture for new construction, renovation, or relocation projects. While Be Well at Work - Ergonomics can provide guidance on product selection, large-scale projects should be handled through Capital Strategies. 
  • Due to limited resources, individuals are only eligible for the $1000 Matching Funds limit one-time. Exception may be granted by the Be Well at Work - Ergonomics program (such as in the case of a UC Berkeley departmental transfer). 

For Matching Funds program details, visit the Ergonomics Matching Funds Program page.

For More Information

Please contact ergonomics@berkeley.edu for questions or issues. 

Injury Care

Tell your supervisor and call (510) 642-6891 for an appointment with the campus Occupational Health Clinic for medical care for work-related health problems.

Disability Management and Ergonomics

If you have a preexisting condition and/or require additional accommodations, please start with and reach out to the Disability Management team. Click for more information.