AP 403 – Remote Work – Checklist
Chair (Sitting fully back into the chair)
| Parameter | Description |
| Seat height | Adjusted so feet are flat on floor or footrest with knees bent at right angles and thighs horizontal to floor. |
| Back rest height | Lumbar support of chair is at correct height to support the lumbar curve |
| Seat pan depth | There is about 2-4 finger widths between front edge of the seat and back on the knees |
| Tilt | Seat is tilted so that hips and tops of thighs are at right angles or slightly greater |
| Armrest position | Armrests are out of the way while typing but provide support when needed during other activities |
Keyboard and mouse (should be at the same height)
| Parameter | Description |
| Keyboard/mouse height | Elbows are at 90 to 110 degrees and forearms and hands form straight lines to the keyboard |
| Mouse height | Mouse is adjusted so it is close to and on the same level as the keyboard |
| Keyboard to user distance | Distance allows user to relax shoulders with elbows hanging close to body |
| Mouse to user distance | Mouse is directly next to the keyboard and at the same height so arm is not outstretched while mousing |
| Hand posture on mouse | Base of the hand rests on the mouse. Use larger mouse or mouse mate if necessary |
| Speed of the mouse | Mouse is configured to match individual needs (control panel) |
| Keyboard tray and mouse stage | Adjusted to allow neutral posture and minimal reaches and ease of use |
Monitor
| Parameter | Description |
| Monitor height | Top of screen is at or slightly lower than eye level so that users head is straight. With bi-focal/graduated lenses, height is set to allow straight head and relaxed neck |
| Screen to user distance | Viewing distance generally 18 – 33”. Depending on vision, user is not jutting chin or pushing head forward or squinting to see clearly |
| Monitor alignment | Monitor and keyboard are directly in front of user. |
| Visual comfort of screen | Monitor is positioned to avoid glare. Usually perpendicular to bright sources or outdoor blinds |
| Brightness and contrast controls | Brightness and contrast have been adjusted to make viewing easier |
Work Environment and work surface
| Parameter | Description |
| Leg clearance at workstation | There is 2” side clearance for hips, depth allows foot and knee clearance, height is adequate |
| Placement of frequently used items | Frequently used items are within easy reach |
| Document placement | Document holder is present or there is space to place documents properly |
| General lighting | Lighting is not too bright or dim, glare and reflections are minimal and work materials are easy to read |
Work Practices
| Parameter | Description |
| Frequency of breaks | Micro-break every 30 min of keyboarding. Get out of chair at least once per hour |
| Alternate tasks | Long periods of continuous use are broken up with alternate tasks |
| Keyboarding/ mousing posture | Wrists are straight, not supported on any surface while typing. Rest occasionally when not typing on sides of hands |
| Sitting posture | Upright or slightly reclined and maintaining a slight curve in lower back |
| Phoning posture | Avoid tilting head/neck to cradle the phone. Uses headset if necessary. Position phone set on opposite side of writing hand. |
| Reach posture | Stand to get items from overhead shelves. Avoid repetitive reaching over shoulder level |
Working Alone Call-in Procedures
When supervisors don’t work in the same place as their employees, they must ensure that their employees are at work and all is well.
Working alone call-in procedures must be established by the supervisor or manager. At a minimum supervisors should contact remote employees at the beginning and at the end of their remote work day.
Electrical Safety
• Does the workstation have grounded, electrical outlets? Older homes may not have three-prong grounded outlets, which could be an electrical hazard particularly during lightning storms
• Are power cords in good condition, or are they broken or scorched?
• Are power bar surge protectors plugged in to the wall socket?
Tripping & Falling
• Walking too quickly with arms full could result in injury
• Make sure that visibility is good. Lighting should allow you to see hazards. Correct dim lighting.
• Remove tripping or falling hazards. Beware of obstructions in hallways, loose carpets, tiles or uneven floor surfaces and slippery or icy surfaces
Environmental Hazards
• Are there hazards such as asbestos, tobacco smoke or a gas leak in the workspace? Is there mold or excess dust?
• Is there adequate lighting to complete the work?
• Is there excessive noise or other distractions?
Other Safety Hazards
Other hazards unique to the remote work location and type of work that need to be considered daily are
• Biological hazards: mold, viruses, blood-borne pathogens and any other bodily fluids
• Chemical hazards: toxic and dangerous chemical exposure that may be associated with your remote work workplace (for example, off-gassing of a new carpet or paint)
• Workplace stressors: workload, distractions, competing priorities and life that can affect your ability to work. If workplace stress is exacerbated by working from home, remote work may not be a good option.
November 2020