What to expect from a workplace ergonomic assessment for repetitive strain injury

An assessor may watch how you sit, stand, reach, grip, type, lift or use tools. They consider the height and position of your screen, chair, desk, keyboard and frequently used items, as well as force, repetition, pace and recovery time. You may be asked when symptoms appear and whether they change away from work. The assessment is about fitting work to your body and duties; it is not a test of blame or effort.

Describe your most difficult tasks and bring examples of symptom timing. Recommendations might include moving equipment closer, changing chair or screen height, alternating tasks, using a lighter grip, adding brief movement breaks or learning a different lifting technique. Make one change at a time when possible and note its effect over several workdays. Adjustments should be reviewed with your employer and adapted if they interfere with safe work or increase discomfort.

Arrange medical assessment if pain, tingling or weakness persists despite task changes, spreads down an arm, or affects sleep and everyday activity. Seek urgent help for sudden loss of strength, severe swelling, a cold or discoloured hand, or symptoms after a significant injury.

Ask whether your symptoms fit repetitive strain injury, which movements to limit temporarily, whether physiotherapy is appropriate, and what workplace restrictions or graded return may be useful.