Scan your workspace

Welcome to the (home)workplace scan

Thank you for taking the time to investigate whether your (home) workplace is optimally set up.

The checklist consists of 21 questions divided into 7 categories. Depending on your answer to each question, you will receive a brief on-screen recommendation on what extra equipment you might need and where you can order it. Based on your overall answers, you may also be advised to consult your manager about how you can ensure a healthy and pleasant workplace together.

Completing the checklist is not compulsory but we strongly recommend using it to help you set up your personal workspace in the best possible way, to minimise the risk of developing physical and mental health problems.

At the end of the questionnaire you will receive all completed answers and advice by e-mail. 
If you have any questions, please contact the HSE coordinator at your faculty or service department.

To start the scan, click on 'Next'. 

In the case of two or more hours a day

Check out this pdf file with tips on setting up your workstation

Questionnaire not relevant

If you work less than two hours, this questionnaire is not relevant...

Tip:
It helps to work at fixed times or in accordance with a schedule. Ensure that work and private life do not overlap.

Physical computer work for more than two hours

Make sure you have:
- a laptop stand
- an external keyboard
- an external mouse

*Order these via the LISA self-service portal

University of Twente home office management policy
At the University of Twente we believe it is essential for you to have a safe and healthy workstation at home, so that you can work from home on a longer-term basis. It is therefore important that when working from home you take regular breaks and move around.

Also check out the sports facilities at the UT!

Tip:
Use micropause software such as Workrave to encourage you to take a micropause and look away from the screen for a short while.

Tip:

More information about shortcut keys

Read more about RSI on the Service Portal: 'Working from home'
Contact your HSE coordinator in the event of continuing complaints.

University of Twente home office management policy

At the University of Twente we believe it is essential for you to have a safe and healthy workstation at home, so that you can work from home on a longer-term basis. It is therefore important that you have a well-designed workstation.

Tip: 
If necessary, use a headset for video conferences, especially if there is a lot of ambient noise or in the absence of microphone and/or speakers or if the quality of these is poor.

*Order these via the LISA self-service portal

Tip: 
Look at the information on the HSE site.

Tip:
Position the screen an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen just below eye level. Use a monitor or laptop stand for this.

*Order these via the LISA self-service portal

Tip:
If possible, adjust the height of the worktop, or use a footstool if the worktop is 3 cm or more too high and then raise the seat height proportionately.

*Order a footstool via the LISA self-service portal

Tip:
Read more about this on the Service Portal: 'Repetitive strain injury (RSI/CANS) for employees'

Do you find it hard to read the computer screen?

The repetitive strain injury page will give you information about the procedure for getting for computer glasses. It explains how you can start the procedure. The cost will be borne by your department. In exceptional cases where computer glasses are of little or no help, your supervisor can ask the HSE coordinator to look at whether a custom solution is necessary and possible. The HSE coordinator will investigate this and will recommend a solution to your supervisor.

Tip:
Ask for advice from the HSE coordinator or the ICT department.

Tip: Adjust the brightness of your monitor
A bright screen enhances the colour reproduction but is also bad for your eyes. A screen that is too bright makes your eyes tired more quickly and makes it harder to focus. The best level of brightness for your monitor is around 300 nits. The screen is then easy to see and puts less strain on your eyes. Too low a contrast causes tired eyes as well. This is because your eyes have to work harder to distinguish between objects on the screen.

Tip:
If you don’t have an external keyboard and mouse, you can order them via the self-service portal. Don’t grip your mouse tightly. This makes your hand unnecessarily tense and causes problems more quickly. Lay your hand loosely on the mouse and let it rest there. A wrist rest is ideal for resting your wrist on while you are working.

What are the symptoms of RSI?
RSI relates to problems with the hand, wrist, arm and shoulder caused by excessive use of a mouse. The most common RSI complaints are stiff muscles, muscle pain, cramp, loss of strength, tingling sensations, muscle fatigue and loss of coordination.
If you have symptoms, contact your HSE coordinator or the UT physiotherapist.

Tip:
Check repetitive strain injury (RSI/CANS) for employees for the correct sitting posture and adjustment of your chair.

Also watch the video to see how you can adjust the standard UT office chair.

Tip:
If possible, adjust the height of the worktop, or use a footstool if the worktop is 3 cm or more too high and then raise the seat height proportionately.

*Order a footstool via the LISA self-service portal

Too high: Use a footstool, which can be ordered via the self-service portal.

Too low: get advice from HSE about a possible allowance for a desk.