University Health Services

Setting Up Your Workstation

Ergonomic Workstation Set-Up (A Diagram)

Workstation Evaluations (click to schedule)

Preventive workstation evaluations for all faculty and staff who use a computer four hours a day or more are (1) required by the campus Health and Safety Guidelines for Computer Users, and (2) the responsibility of each department. 

Ergonomic Problem Solving

Experiencing problems at your computer station? Here is what you can do:   

• Assess your workstation and your work habits by using the User-Friendly Workstation Diagram and completing the RSS online ergonomics training and risk assessment. Implement the recommended changes that you can. Ask your supervisor to help you find solutions to problems you cannot resolve on your own.
• Rotate your job tasks or take a stretch break after every half hour of intensive computer use.  
• Enroll in the next "Computer Health Matters" workshop or take it online to learn more about designing a user-friendly workstation and stretches to relieve computer-related aches and pains. You can register online from our workshops page.  
• Ask your departmental computer workstation evaluator to evaluate your workstation. To find out who your departmental computer workstation evaluator is, ask your supervisor or department Safety Coordinator, or view our homepage for requesting evaluations through a campus ergonomist. 
• Notify your supervisor and call the campus Occupational Health at (510) 642-6891 for an appointment if you are experiencing pain, numbness and tingling, stiffness or cramping, or loss of grip strength.  

Repetitive motion injuries are easier to treat in their early stages. Ignoring symptoms could lead to chronic or serious injuries. Symptoms that go away overnight are usually signs of fatigue. Symptoms that are persistent and don't go away overnight may indicate a more serious problem. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing such symptoms.