Ergonomics

What is ergonomics and why is it important in the workplace?

• Ergonomics is “fitting the job to the worker” with the proper workstation, tools, and equipment.
• Ergonomics is the adaptation of equipment, procedures, and surroundings to best fit the people who use them. The fundamental purpose of ergonomics is to create a safe, comfortable, and stress-free workplace environment by customizing the right products and systems to each individual workstation. When used in the workplace, ergonomics can prevent injuries related to work (headaches, eye strain, muscle aches, etc.) which also maximizes on productivity in addition to safety.

When should you reach out to the Ergo Desk or request an ergonomic evaluation?

• If you have questions or concern about your workstation set up
• If you are experiencing physical discomfort
• If you are a new employee or have been assigned to a new location 
• If you have a Workers’ compensation claim (will need WC approval)
• If you have a non-occupational injury, illness, or disability 
• As part of a facility renovation and planning process
• As part of a return to work program

How to request an ergo evaluation?

• Click here to complete the on-line request form.  The Ergonomic Evaluation Request Form will need to be filled out electronically and submitted via email as a PDF form to the Ergo Desk. Please follow up with the Ergo Desk within 7 days to ensure your request was received.
• Contact the Ergo Desk at ErgoDesk@co.monterey.ca.us

The Ergo Desk is currently offering in-person evaluations and phone evaluations. Ergo requests are scheduled in the order received and/or per certain criteria. 

• In-person evaluations are available for employee working on site (County of Monterey business locations only). 
• Phone evaluations are available for employees working on site and remotely. If you choose to have a phone evaluation conducted, you will be required to submit 2-4 workstation photos.  Once the Ergo Desk has received the required request and workstation photos you will be placed to be scheduled. 

 Already had an ergo evaluation? What’s the next step?                                                                                                                               Post Ergonomic Evaluation Instruction for Employee:

• Maintain a copy of this report for your records.
• Apply the training obtained to your current and future workstations.  
• Timeline for orders may vary as each department follows an approval process which requires several channels of approval prior to purchase. 
• Please be sure to cc’ the Ergo Desk on all communication regarding your ergo evaluation and pending orders/adjustments/installation.
• The signature page of this report will list the purchasing agent selected by your WC/Ergo coordinator.
• Recommended adjustments and/or installations will be completed by your department.
• Notify the Ergo Desk via email when all recommendations have been
• received/installed/adjusted per the ergo report or if there is a delay.
• Relocating:
  • When relocating within the same department ergo items may relocate with you.
  • When relocating from one department to another your items may only relocate with you if Risk Management was the purchasing agent. 
  • If the items were purchased by your department the items will need to stay with the department that purchased the items. 
  • Upon relocating, you will need to provide this report to your new supervisor.
  • If the new workstation is similar to the workstation listed in this report all recommendations/adjustments/installations will need to be applied to the new workstation.  If recommendations can not be applied for any reason a new ergonomic evaluation request may be submitted.
  • If you require assistance after all recommendation have been applied, please contact the Ergo Desk.
  • All county employees are required to attend Ergonomics and Back Safety training every 2 years. This ergo evaluation provided mandated training by CALOSHA’s Title 8, CCR, Section 5110. See training tab for more information.

Ergo Desk Contact Information:

Carmen Rosales, CEAS

Management Analyst I

168 W. Alisal 3^rd floor

Salinas, CA 93901

ErgoDesk@co.monterey.ca.us