An ergonomic assessment is a structured review of how people interact with their work environment. Its purpose is to identify ergonomic risks and recommend practical changes that reduce discomfort, fatigue, and the likelihood of injury.

These assessments focus on how tasks are performed, not just the equipment being used, and consider posture, movement, force, repetition, and duration.

Why ergonomic assessments matter

Poor ergonomics is a common contributor to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Because these injuries develop gradually, they are often invisible until they manifest as chronic pain or lost productivity.

Learn how Line Managers and HR Heads can collaborate to overcome MSDs.

Beyond the physical toll on the individual, poor ergonomics creates a ripple effect across an organization. High staff turnover, rising insurance premiums, and a culture of “working through the pain” can all damage a business’s reputation and bottom line.

An ergonomic assessment helps by:

• Identifying risk factors before injury occurs
• Supporting compliance with workplace safety expectations
• Improving comfort and efficiency at work
• Reducing absence and long-term injury costs
• Demonstrating a tangible commitment to employee wellbeing

An ergonomic assessment is also the first and most crucial step away from reactive risk management towards proactive risk management.

Catching risk factors before they become recordable injuries, ergonomics assessments enable employers to intervene with the right type and level of employee support ahead of time.

Inevitable injuries are prevented, time away from work never happens, and employees are generally more satisfied and productive. Learn about ergonomics assessments from Cardinus.

What does an ergonomic assessment look at?

While the scope varies by role and environment, most ergonomic assessments examine:

• Working postures and joint alignment
• Repetitive movements and task frequency
• Static loading and sustained positions
• Force requirements and manual handling
• Workstation layout and equipment setup
• Task duration and recovery time

Although, there is developing in ergonomics an increased focus on broader environmental and non-physical aspects that affect the relationship between workers and their equipment. For example, increased focus on psychosocial and cognitive factors.

Modern ergonomics, often referred to as Macroergonomics, recognizes that a person’s mental state and the organizational structure are just as impactful as the height of their chair.

Here are the non-physical aspects an assessment might now include:

• Cognitive Load and Information Processing

This looks at how much mental effort is required to complete a task. If a software interface is confusing or a worker is bombarded with too many alerts, it leads to “cognitive fatigue,” which increases the risk of physical errors and stress-related tension.

• Psychosocial Environment

Assessors now look at social stressors such as:

• Job Autonomy: Does the worker have control over their pace and breaks?
• Social Support: The quality of interaction with supervisors and peers.
• Monotony vs. Overstimulation: Both extremes can lead to decreased vigilance and physical strain.
• Environmental Stressors

Beyond the desk and chair, the broader environment plays a role in how the body functions:

• Lighting and Glare: Affects eye strain and neck posture (leaning in to see better).
• Thermal Comfort: Excessive cold can stiffen muscles, while heat can lead to early fatigue.
• Acoustics: High noise levels increase cortisol, which can lead to increased muscle tension.
• Organizational Design: This examines the “flow” of work, such as shift patterns, the clarity of job descriptions, and the culture surrounding health and safety. A worker is less likely to use ergonomic equipment correctly if the company culture prioritizes speed over safety.

Types of ergonomic assessments

Ergonomic hazards are present in all work environments, so assessments are applied across many settings, including:

• Office and remote workstations
• Industrial and manufacturing tasks
• Healthcare and laboratory environments
• Driving and mobile work
• Manual handling and material movement

What happens after the assessment? Implementation and outcomes

The true value of an assessment lies in the practicality of its recommendations and the willingness of employers and employees to collaborate on actioning assessment feedback.

Typical outcomes might include:

• Engineering Controls: Physical changes like adjusting workstation layouts or introducing specialized tools.
• Administrative Controls: Modifying workflows, introducing task rotation, or adjusting shift lengths to prevent burnout.
• Behavioral Support: Providing targeted training so employees understand why they should adjust their environment.

How often should a business carry out ergonomic assessments

Importantly, an ergonomics risk assessment isn’t a one-and-done action. Assessments should be carried out regularly to ensure appropriate risk controls are put in place as working environments and scenarios change over time.

We recommend carrying out at least one ergonomic assessment for all employees once a year, although any significant shifts may require additional assessments outside this core schedule.

Making the most of ergonomic assessments

They work best as part of a broader ergonomics solution, like Healthy Working, our comprehensive office ergonomics software that combines expert workstation assessment, employee self-assessments; customizable employee eLearning; real-time communications, nudging and support; and a central management module.

As part of a unified risk management system, ergonomic assessments are never filed away and forgotten about; the data they gather is constantly used to guide improvements and to form a baseline from which progress can be measured.

Learn more about Healthy Working, or get started with a free trial today.

Who should have an ergonomic assessment?

Ergonomic assessments are useful for:

• New hires and role changes
• Employees reporting discomfort or pain
• High-risk or repetitive roles
• Remote and hybrid workers
• Post-injury or return-to-work cases

But it’s not always a matter of who? Any major changes related to how tasks are carried out need to be properly assessed for ergonomic hazards. For instance, an ergonomic assessment should be carried out when:

• New equipment is introduced to the working process
• Work area layouts are adjusted
• New health and safety regulations related to ergonomics come into effect

Expert ergonomics assessments from Cardinus

An ergonomic assessment is about understanding how work places demands on the body and how those demands can be reduced safely and effectively. When done well, they support safer work, improved comfort, and long-term performance.

At Cardinus, we deliver expert ergonomic assessments in person, virtually, and in some cases by phone. Whether your workforce is remote, global, hybrid, or fully on-site, we provide a practical, flexible solution that fits the way you work.

Book your next ergonomic assessment with Cardinus and take a proactive step toward healthier, more productive work.