Product Overview

Summary: This Ergonomic Practices Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for designing and managing work tasks to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and fatigue. It helps Australian workplaces embed good ergonomics into daily operations, improving comfort, safety, and productivity while supporting WHS compliance.

Poorly designed workstations, repetitive tasks and awkward postures are leading contributors to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in Australian workplaces. This Ergonomic Practices Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured approach for assessing work tasks, adjusting workstations and implementing practical controls to minimise strain on workers’ bodies. It covers both traditional office environments and non-office settings where manual handling, repetitive movements or static postures are common.

The SOP provides step-by-step guidance on how to set up workstations, configure seating, position screens and equipment, manage work/rest breaks, and design tasks to reduce force, repetition and awkward postures. It also outlines simple, repeatable ergonomic assessment processes that supervisors and workers can apply without needing to be ergonomics specialists. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce the incidence and severity of sprains, strains and other MSDs, support early reporting of discomfort, and demonstrate a proactive approach to WHS risk management.

For businesses, this SOP helps control one of the most common and costly categories of workplace injury claims. It supports compliance with Australian WHS legislation by documenting a clear, consultative framework for identifying ergonomic risks and applying the hierarchy of control. It also contributes to improved worker comfort, engagement and productivity, particularly in modern hybrid and remote work arrangements where ergonomic risks can easily be overlooked.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders by standardising ergonomic setup and task design across the workplace.
• Improve worker comfort, engagement and productivity through better workstation design and task planning.
• Ensure a documented, defensible approach to ergonomic risk management in line with Australian WHS legislation.
• Support early reporting and management of discomfort, reducing the likelihood of long-term or chronic injury claims.
• Streamline ergonomic assessments for office, manual and remote work environments using clear checklists and procedures.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• People and Culture / HR Managers
• Office Managers
• Team Leaders and Supervisors
• Injury Management and Return to Work Coordinators
• Facilities and Accommodation Managers
• Ergonomics and Occupational Health Advisors
• Small Business Owners
• Remote and Hybrid Work Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Repetitive strain injuries from keyboard, mouse and tool use
• Neck, shoulder and back strain from poor workstation setup and awkward postures
• Lower back injuries from prolonged sitting or poorly adjusted chairs
• Static muscle loading from fixed or constrained postures (e.g. standing or sitting without movement)
• Hand, wrist and forearm discomfort from excessive force or poor equipment design
• Eye strain and headaches from incorrect monitor height, distance or lighting
• Fatigue and reduced concentration from poorly organised work and inadequate breaks
• Increased risk of slips, trips and falls from cluttered or poorly arranged work areas

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Ergonomic Principles
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, Workers, HSRs)
• 4.0 Consultation and Communication Requirements
• 5.0 Ergonomic Risk Identification and Assessment Process
• 6.0 Office Workstation Setup Procedure (Chair, Desk, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse)
• 7.0 Laptop, Mobile Device and Remote Work Ergonomic Practices
• 8.0 Task and Job Design for Reduced Repetition, Force and Awkward Postures
• 9.0 Work Organisation, Breaks and Micro-Pauses
• 10.0 Manual Handling and Static Posture Considerations (Interface with Manual Tasks Procedures)
• 11.0 Control Measures and Use of the Hierarchy of Control
• 12.0 Ergonomic Assessment Checklists and Self-Assessment Tools
• 13.0 Training, Induction and Ongoing Competency Requirements
• 14.0 Reporting Discomfort, Early Intervention and Referral Process
• 15.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of Ergonomic Practices
• 16.0 Recordkeeping and Documentation Requirements
• 17.0 References, Legislation and Supporting Guidance

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Guidance material: Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Safe Work Australia – Handbook: Ergonomics and Human Factors at Work (where referenced by jurisdictions)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS/NZS 4443:1997 Office panel systems – Workstations (as applicable to office workstation design)
• AS/NZS 1680.1:2006 Interior and workplace lighting – General principles and recommendations