Ergo Policy Statement
SMU recognizes the need to support a safe work environment for faculty and staff, which includes ergonomic considerations. Requests for ergonomic assessments for University faculty and staff will align with Cal/OSHA regulations. Assessments may only be done for the user’s primary work location and may be conducted internally or by an external partner.
Process:
1. An ergonomic assessment shall take place when one of the following situations occur:
a. A request is made by an employee who already has a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) workers’ compensation claim established.
b. A request is made by an employee who has documentation of a diagnosis of MSD from a licensed medical provider with a recommendation for an ergonomic assessment.
c. A request is made by an employee due to neck/shoulder pain or back strain possibly from prolonged time at their workstation.
2. All requests for an ergonomic assessment are to be submitted via the TDX Support Portal.
3. All submitted requests will need to be reviewed and approved by the requestor’s department supervisor and Risk Management and Safety.
4. Once approved, a member of Risk Management and Safety will coordinate an assessment date and time with the requestor. Assessments can be done in-person or virtually, depending on the requestor’s primary work location.
5. Following the assessment, a full report including any recommended ergonomic equipment items will be complied and reviewed with the requestor and department supervisor before coordinating the purchasing of items with the Facilities Department and IT Department.
6. Delivery and set-up, if applicable, will be coordinated between all parties involved. Delivery dates and times, backorders, and/or shipping delays will be communicated appropriately.
7. Once all requested equipment is in place, the requesting employee may request a follow-up ergonomic assessment if desired to ensure their workspace is ergonomically correct. Follow-up requests are to be submitted via the TDX Support Portal.