Office of Risk Management
and Compliance

Work well · move well

Ergonomics

Practical guidance, self-assessment tools and training to help staff and students reduce musculoskeletal risks in office and laboratory work.

Start with your work, not your chairLook at the task, equipment, working posture, repetition, force and duration together. Small adjustments made early can prevent discomfort from becoming injury.
▶Take trainingChoose office or laboratory ergonomics ✓Assess office workOpen the NUS self-assessment checklist ✓Assess laboratory workOpen the NUS self-assessment checklist ?Get specialist helpAssessment, medical and return-to-work support

About the programme

Reduce ergonomic risk at its source

The programme supports a safe and healthy work environment by reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with how work is designed and performed.

Musculoskeletal disorders can be associated with forceful exertion, repetitive movement, and prolonged awkward or static postures. Effective ergonomics considers the person, the task, the equipment and the environment as one work system.

Use the resources below to identify risk factors, make practical improvements and know when to seek further support.

ForceHigh grip, lifting or pushing effort
RepetitionFrequent or sustained repeated movement
PostureAwkward, constrained or static positions
DurationInsufficient variation or recovery time

A practical pathway

Start with four simple steps

Begin with the relevant training, then assess and improve the work. Revisit the process when the task, equipment, workspace or symptoms change.

1

Take the relevant training

Complete the NUS office or laboratory ergonomics course that matches your work setting and activities.

Choose your training →
2

Identify the risk

Use the relevant NUS checklist to review your workstation or laboratory task and recognise the factors contributing to discomfort or strain.

Choose a checklist →
3

Improve the work

Use the NUS manual and training to adjust equipment, task design, posture, reach, work height, repetition and recovery periods.

View guidance →
4

Escalate when needed

Seek an ergonomics assessment if the problem is difficult to resolve. Use the medical pathway for symptoms, diagnosis or fitness-to-return-to-work support.

Find the right contact →

Tools and learning

Ergonomics resources

NUS materials are listed first. External references are clearly identified and provide general guidance or examples of good practice.

Quick reference

Factsheets and articles

Short reads for common office and laboratory ergonomics topics.

NUS articleGood ergonomics practices for a healthier youNUS Safety and Health News article.Open article → NUS alertTips for preventing the pain of pipettingNUS Safety and Health Alert.Open alert → External guidanceErgonomics at HarvardHarvard University reference.Open guidance → External guidanceOffice Safety and HealthWSH Council information and resources for safer, healthier office work.Open guidance →

External resources

Ergonomics videos

Explore supplementary demonstrations and guidance from external organisations.

External videoSafetyCare: ErgonomicsGeneral ergonomics awareness video.Watch video → External videoSafetyCare: Laboratory ErgonomicsLaboratory-focused ergonomics video.Watch video → External videoReducing ergonomics risks at workWSH Council video on workplace ergonomic risks.Watch video → External videoOpening a centrifuge rotor lidMayo Clinic laboratory ergonomics demonstration.Watch video → External videoAutomated removal of screw-on lidsMayo Clinic laboratory ergonomics demonstration for tubes or vials.Watch video →

External-resource note: Non-NUS references are provided as general guidance and examples of good practice. References to commercial products, processes, materials or services are for the information and convenience of NUS staff and students and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation or favouring by NUS.

Need support?

Choose the right help

First, contact the relevant Safety and Health Coordinator and Business Partner in your department or faculty. If further support is needed, use the workplace ergonomics, medical evaluation or occupational health options below.

Office of Risk Management and ComplianceGeneral ORMC enquiries

Contact ORMC for general safety and health enquiries and guidance.

rmcsec@nus.edu.sg
Occupational healthOccupational and Diving Medicine Centre / NUS OH Clinic

For UHC referrals, diagnosis and fitness-to-return-to-work evaluation for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Telephone: 6601 1781

Book an appointment
OHClinic@nus.edu.sg