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Ergonomic Resources
Highly forceful or repetitive motions using awkward postures can result in discomfort, disabling injuries. As a result, the departments of Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management, Purchasing, AFSME and U Return are working together to reduce the likelihood of such injury among University employees.
Getting a workstation evaluation or training in ergonomic practices can greatly reduce your chance of injury. The following resources are available to University employees:
Free Workstation Evaluations
Call (612) 626-6002 to set up an appointment. You may also directly contact Greg Casura at (612) 626-5338 casur001@umn.edu or Neil Carlson at (612) 626-5714 carls001@umn.edu at the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Please schedule 2-4 weeks in advance.
Or, submit your information electronically for a "virtual evaluation".
To Purchase Chairs and Other Equipment
University of Minnesota discounts are available through the vendors featured on this site. Please contact vendors directly to purchase chairs or any of the other products listed; you'll find their contact information under each product description. Contact Jerry Taintor in Purchasing at (612) 624-5762 if you encounter any problems with vendors.
View Chairs and Workstations
(See Product Database for product informtion) Location: Room W-162 Boynton Health Service On Thursdays from 10:00 am - noon, the room will be staffed by Greg, Neil or Mike Mauer to offer individual ergonomic assistance. Please call (612) 626-6002 for an appointment at other times.
UReturn is an integrated disability services program designed to assist and support all University faculty and staff who experience an illness or injury, either work-related or non-work-related. UReturn offers access to a variety of University services that continues through your recovery, return to work, or ongoing employment.
To access UReturn, please call 612-624-3316 (V) or 612-626-1333 (V/TTY), or 218-722-5232 in Duluth, to schedule a meeting with a UReturn Specialist. All calls are confidential. If you decide you are interested in pursuing an accommodation/adjustment, we'll ask you to complete some brief registration forms.
AFSCME/Management Committee on Ergonomics
Contact AFSCME at (612) 379-3918 or http://afscme3800.org/3800/
Employee Assistance Program
http://www.umn.edu/ohr/eap/
Civil service & bargaining unit staff, call (612) 626-0253. Faculty and Academic Staff Assistance Program, call (612) 625-4073.
Training
Training for employees or supervisors on office ergonomics is available free of charge. Handouts and video tapes are available. Contact Neil at (612) 626-5714 or carls001@umn.edu for further assistance.