An ergonomic assessment looks at how a job fits the person doing it: the height of the work, how far they reach, how often they repeat the same motion, how hard they grip or push, and whether they sit or stand in a way the body can keep up all shift. This template works for a computer desk and for a light industrial station — an assembly bench, a packing table, a spot on a line — and only shows the checks that fit the station you pick. Every check marked Needs change becomes a finding, and the form ends with recommendations ranked by priority. Fill it in here and download a PDF without an account, or speak while you walk, and the document writes itself.
Why ergonomics matters, even without a federal standard
Musculoskeletal disorders — back injuries, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder strains — are among the most common work-related injuries in the United States, and some of the most expensive in lost time. There is no federal OSHA ergonomics standard, but OSHA can still cite serious, recognized ergonomic hazards under the General Duty Clause, and California has its own rule for repetitive motion injuries.
Most employers do these assessments for a simpler reason: a few changes to a workstation are far cheaper than a workers' compensation claim, and they usually make the job faster as well.
The risk factors to look for
Ergonomists keep coming back to the same short list: awkward postures held or repeated, reaching far or overhead, the same motion repeated many times an hour, heavy force or a tight pinch grip, pressure from hard edges on the wrists or forearms, vibration, and long periods without a change of position. The more of these combine in one task, the higher the risk.
The form takes them one at a time. Watch the worker do the real job for several cycles before answering, rather than asking them to demonstrate it, and take a photo from the side.
Desks and benches need different questions
At a computer, the questions are about chair height, monitor position, keyboard and mouse placement and glare. At a bench or on a line, they are about working height relative to the task, reach to parts bins, tool weight and grip, foot fatigue and anti-fatigue mats. The workstation type you pick at the start opens the right set, so a packing station is never marked down for lacking a monitor arm.
Precision work generally belongs a little above elbow height, light assembly near elbow height, and heavier work a little below it. Frequently used items should sit within easy forearm reach.
From findings to fixes
Recommendations work best in the usual order: change the workstation or the tool first, then the way the work is organized — rotation, pacing, breaks — and only then rely on training or personal equipment. Each recommendation gets a priority, an owner and a target date, and the worker's own report of discomfort tells you when to go back and check whether the change helped.
Common questions
What is an ergonomic assessment?
A structured look at a workstation and the way a person works at it, to find postures, reaches, repetition and forces that could cause strain or injury, and to recommend changes. It can be done for a desk, a bench, a line position or any regular task.
Does OSHA require ergonomic assessments?
There is no specific federal OSHA ergonomics standard. OSHA can cite recognized ergonomic hazards under the General Duty Clause, and some states, such as California, have their own rules. Many employers assess workstations as part of their safety program or after a discomfort report.
Who can do an ergonomic assessment?
A supervisor, safety coordinator or HR professional with basic training can assess most office and light industrial stations with a checklist like this one. Complex or high-injury jobs, and workers with an existing injury, are worth referring to a certified ergonomist or a physical or occupational therapist.
How is this different from a DSE assessment?
A DSE assessment is a UK requirement focused on computer screen users. This form follows US practice and covers any workstation — computer desks, assembly benches, packing tables and line stations — including force, repetition and hand tools.
How often should workstations be assessed?
When a new employee starts or a station is set up or changed, when someone reports pain, numbness or tingling, after an injury, and as part of a routine audit — many employers aim for every year or two.
What is the ideal monitor height?
The top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, about 20 to 40 inches away, directly in front of the user. People wearing bifocals or progressive lenses usually need the screen lower.