Ergonomic Assessment and Workplace Modification for an Adult

Jason is a 41-year-old office-based professional who was referred for occupational therapy due to increasing discomfort and fatigue related to prolonged computer work. He reported neck and shoulder tension, intermittent wrist discomfort, and frequent headaches, particularly after long periods of desk-based tasks.

Service

Occupational Therapy

Setting

Work

Approach

Ergonomic Workplace Assessment

Background

Jason is a 41-year-old office-based professional who was referred for occupational therapy due to increasing discomfort and fatigue related to prolonged computer work. He reported neck and shoulder tension, intermittent wrist discomfort, and frequent headaches, particularly after long periods of desk-based tasks.

Jason also noted reduced productivity due to discomfort, frequent repositioning, and difficulty maintaining focus during the workday. He was concerned that his workstation setup may be contributing to his symptoms and wanted support to improve comfort, efficiency, and long-term work sustainability.

Assessment

An occupational therapist completed a comprehensive ergonomic assessment, which included:

What the assessment included

Review of work tasks, routines, and daily workload demands
On-site or virtual workstation assessment (desk, chair, monitor, keyboard, mouse positioning)
Observation of posture, movement patterns, and work habits during typical tasks
Assessment of symptom patterns in relation to work activities
Discussion of breaks, workload organization, and environmental factors

What We learned

The assessment identified several contributing factors, including suboptimal monitor height, limited lumbar support, non-neutral wrist positioning during typing, and prolonged static postures with minimal movement breaks. These factors were contributing to musculoskeletal strain and reduced overall comfort during the workday.

Intervention Plan

A personalized ergonomic intervention plan was developed to reduce physical strain and improve work efficiency and comfort.
Workstation Adjustments
  • Adjusting chair height and lumbar support to promote neutral spinal alignment
  • Repositioning monitor to eye level to reduce neck strain
  • Optimizing keyboard and mouse placement to support neutral wrist positioning
  • Improving desk setup to allow for appropriate reach and movement
Postural Education
  • Teaching neutral sitting posture and dynamic alignment strategies
  • Increasing awareness of common postural habits contributing to discomfort
  • Practicing posture changes during different work tasks
Activity and Break Scheduling
  • Introducing regular micro-break strategies throughout the workday
  • Encouraging position changes and movement to reduce static loading
  • Developing routines to support sustained attention and physical comfort
Task Modification Strategies
  • Organizing workflow to reduce prolonged repetitive strain tasks
  • Prioritizing task sequencing to balance cognitive and physical demands
  • Encouraging use of voice dictation or shortcuts where appropriate
Self-Management Strategies
  • Education on early signs of strain and fatigue
  • Implementation of stretching and mobility strategies during work hours
  • Development of sustainable habits to support long-term comfort

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Results

Following ergonomic intervention:
Jason reported a significant reduction in neck and shoulder discomfort
Frequency and intensity of headaches decreased
Improved comfort allowed for increased focus and productivity during work tasks
Awareness of posture and movement improved throughout the workday
He implemented regular breaks and reported reduced end-of-day fatigue
Overall work tolerance and satisfaction increased
Jason noted that small adjustments to his workstation and routines had a meaningful impact on his daily comfort and ability to sustain work demands.

Conclusion

Ergonomic assessments play an important role in identifying environmental and task-related factors that contribute to pain, fatigue, and reduced work performance. Occupational therapy interventions focus on optimizing workstations, improving posture, and developing sustainable work habits.

Through individualized recommendations and practical strategies, individuals can reduce discomfort, prevent injury, and improve overall productivity and well-being in the workplace.

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