Ergonomics Program

The aim of the UCI Ergonomics Program is to prevent symptoms due to overuse and poor positioning of employees and workstation equipment, as well as, reduce costs to the university, associated with repetitive motion injuries. This is accomplished through a combination of ergonomic strategy planning in office design stages, workplace ergonomics trainings, evaluation of workstations and work practices, and the implementation of ergonomic control strategies.

Working Remotely (Telecommuting)

Ergonomics Healthy Working @ Home – this eCourse is available through UCLC. Provides overview of the possible and proper work space set up while working from home.

Department requested Zoom training - Ergonomics training on best practices and answer questions on working remotely. Please send your request via safety@uci.edu.

Virtual Evaluations

EHS continues to support the employees in addressing their ergonomic needs while working from home through one-on-one ergonomic evaluations. If you would like to improve your work space or are experiencing discomfort while working from home, please click on the linked request form.

*For employees of the Health System (Medical Center), please contact Yvonne Ybarra (ybarray@hs.uci.edu) to request an ergonomic evaluation.

Chair Trial

We currently only have task chairs available to demo for your home. Send your trial request via this link Ergonomic Trial Program.

Ergonomic products for home could be found on "UCI Amazon Ergonomic Idea List".

  • Footrests
  • Keyboard trays
  • Keyboard and mouse
  • Laptop and monitor accessories

Home Workstation Set up

Stretch Break Software

Procurement Services policy on "Borrowing University-Owned Equipment" for details in the process, approval and types of equipment permitted to borrow.

Computer and Office Ergonomics (On-site)

Ergonomics Computer and Office Training Online: Learn about basic ergonomic guidelines and workstation design to help you make easy and simple adjustments to your computer workstation and work practices. Login to UCLC to enroll.

On-Site Evaluation may be requested by employees, supervisors, or department heads.  EH&S to conduct an ergonomic evaluation based on observations that include:

  • Posture and body mechanics
  • Equipment used (mouse, keyboard, chair, etc.)
  • Work environment including workspace, access, lighting and glare
  • Rate and repetition of tasks or job processes
  • Other employee practices that may be a contributing factor (behavioral habits)

Request and Review Ergonomic Evaluation Process

*For employees of the Health System (Medical Center), please contact Yvonne Ybarra ybarray@hs.uci.edu to request an ergonomic evaluation.

Ergonomic Showroom Visit

See how an optimum workstation set up in our Ergonomic Showroom.  Try a variety of chairs, keyboards, footrests and more. Schedule your showroom visit through https://uciergoshowroom.youcanbook.me/

Loaner Program

Request to demo ergonomic products at your on-site campus or medical center location via this link Ergonomic Trial Program.

Appropriate equipment along with proper work practices will help reduce ergonomic risks and prevent potential injuries such as cumulative trauma disorders and repetitive motion injuries.

Communicate with your supervisor or your department regarding the need for Ergonomic furniture and equipment. Process the equipment procurement via your departmental approval processes. It is your department's decision to acquire recommended equipment via new purchases or supply surplus. You may obtain pre-approved ergonomic equipment from your department surplus or place equipment order with an approved vendor (check with Procurement Services).

Furniture with Features Matrix

Office Equipment with Features Matrix

Laboratory Ergonomics

Laboratory Ergonomics eCourse – available through UCLC.

On-Site Evaluation may be requested by employees, supervisors, or department heads. EHS to conduct an ergonomic evaluation based on observations that include:

  • Posture and body mechanics
  • Equipment used (pipettes, microscopes, hoods, stools etc.)
  • Work environment including workspace, access, lighting and glare
  • Rate and repetition of tasks or job processes
  • Other employee practices that may be a contributing factor (behavioral habits)

Request and Review Ergonomic Evaluation Process

*For employees of the Health System (Medical Center), please contact Yvonne Ybarra (ybarray@hs.uci.edu) to request an ergonomic evaluation.

Back Injury Prevention

Back Injury Prevention and Manual Material Handling eCourse is available through UCLC. Learn about safe lifting practices when handling different material.

Work site audits of high risk tasks performed by a group to be observed to by EHS. Please send your request through safety@uci.edu.