Posted By Frank Hallett Con, you may wish to consider the following questions:- What sort of climate control do you have? Are drafts produced that affect this workstation more than others? Does this person always adopt best principles for sitting, reaching, use of drawers, phone answering etc? The workstation might be ergonomically well designed but people don't always use it as intended. Is it possible that the person has a chair that is incorrectly adjusted for their particular needs? Not everyone is most comfortable in the classic "begging dog" position. Personally, I'm most comfortable when using a "backless kneeling chair" as I also have a lower back problem that is exacerbated by a standard chair. Does the person have any history of back problems? There are a range of degenerative ill-health problems that could pre-exist and long sitting and possibly age will not reduce their symptoms. There are lots of other suggestions but they have generally been covered by your "good ergo design" statement. Frank Hallett

Posted By angela westwood and don't forget a workstation assessment, good information and training on safe working with DSE for the employee including how to cary out pause exercise, hazards and the importance of taking regular adequate breaks away from DSE which includes the facility to get out of the chair and walk about, careful siting of peripheral equipment, eg printer....it is better to site a printer at the other end of the room which encourgages personnel to get up from the chair (most problems are due to working in a static postition - if we all only used DSE for 10 minutes per hour instead of the other way around problems would be minimised). A good supportive chair which the employee is confident in being able to adjust to support themselves is also necessary when they have to remain static. Analysis of the tasks concerned with the role, eg task anaysis to ensure that stressors are not prevelant and static position is not encourgaged through the job role, ie the tasks being heavily in favour of sitting down rather than being broken up into safer and healthier components by the employer and employee. If continous back pain is prevelant after putting into place all suggestions would suggest referral to occupational health. Regards Angela

Posted By Lorraine Shuker Following on from the other points made ~ does this person have a workstation at home? How is that set up? How long do they use that after their 45 hour week is over? I have often spoken to people with what on the face of it is a work related ULD but then after a little digging find out they play the drums, guitar, knit, garden, are an avid computer user for games, do DIY, have a rubbish mattress, or any of the other 1001 things that can cause aches and pains. Try asking a few questions about their hobbies and activities.