Is workplace ergonomic assessment safe in office workers?

A clinician or trained assessor may observe your chair, desk, screen, keyboard, mouse, lighting and the way you move between tasks. They may ask about neck, shoulder, wrist or back symptoms and about the times of day when discomfort appears. Recommendations can include changing screen height, adjusting chair support, moving input devices closer, or varying posture and breaks.

The assessment is not a test of fitness and should not require strenuous exercise. Adjustments are usually introduced gradually so the workstation remains practical for your job.

Bring a clear description of your usual tasks, symptom triggers and equipment constraints. Demonstrate your normal working position rather than sitting rigidly for the assessment. Try one change at a time and note whether it alters comfort, reach or fatigue. The full service is described in [Workplace Ergonomic Assessment](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/workplace-ergonomic-assessment/).

Tell the assessor if a position causes sharp pain, spreading pain, new weakness, marked numbness, dizziness or loss of coordination. Arrange clinical assessment for persistent or worsening symptoms, especially if pain continues away from work or is accompanied by weakness or changes in bladder or bowel control.

Ask which workstation changes match your symptoms, how often to change position, whether you need targeted exercises, and which signs mean an ergonomic review is not enough and a medical assessment is needed.