Height Adjustable Workstation

Ideal Set up

Alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day:

• Start out sitting for twenty minutes, stand for eight, and stretch for two.
• Sit and stand in neutral postures, move and gently stretch
• Keyboard/mouse should be slightly below elbow level (the same is true for both seated and standing work).
• Position monitor with the top line of text at eye level; lower for those with bifocals.
• Wear comfortable shoes with good support.
• Anti-fatigue mats, though comfortable to stand on, create problems when pulling your chair on and off the mat and as such are not required unless an individual is predominantly standing.

Requesting a Sit/Stand Workstation

Have a discussion with your Manager about your concerns and need for a sit-stand workstation. If your manager would like you to have an ergonomic assessment prior to purchasing a desk, contact Health & Safety.

If it is not possible for your department to install individual sit-stand workstations, the department could explore other options such as providing staff and faculty members with access to a shared sit-stand workstation, scheduling walking meetings or encouraging staff and faculty members to take micro-breaks and stand up every 30 minutes.

Sit/Stand Medical Accommodations

It is up to your supervisor to make the accommodations necessary for your workstation. Each case is unique but in general, the following criteria will be considered to determine the medical need to accommodate:

• Medical condition results in functional limitations/restrictions that warrant an accommodation
• Chronic condition (>6 months)
• Specialist involvement may be required
• Engaged in appropriate medical treatment with regular follow-up with a Healthcare Provider to monitor, review and adjust treatment as necessary

A workplace accommodation does not always mean a perfect solution or the staff/faculty member’s preferred option. Once information about limitations and restrictions is sh ared, an open dialogue can begin to explore options and ideas that offer reasonable solutions. This communication should involve creativity, flexibility and may require compromise by both parties.

Providing an individual height adjustable workstation is one option; however, departments may consider other options such as incorporating movement into the job design (rotating tasks) and/or allowing individuals to take standing breaks at set intervals and/or providing the staff/faculty member with access to a shared height adjustable workstation.

If you require assistance in determining if a height adjustable workstation would work for you, please contact Health & Safety.