Ergonomic Assessments

Accommodation Process for Ergonomic Assessments

The accommodation process for ergonomic requests is geared toward individuals with a physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities and/or has a record of such an impairment. The impairment may be permanent, chronic, or progressive. An impairment that is episodic or in remission is considered a disability under the ADA if the condition substantially limits a major life activity when active.

Examples of conditions that warrant consideration for accommodation include, but are not limited to carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back pain, arthritis, including osteoarthritis, nerve damage, fibromyalgia, etc. The accommodation process can also assess configurations and modifications to a worksite for individuals who are wheelchair users.

Employees interested in pursuing an ergonomic assessment via the workplace accommodation process need to complete and return the following forms:

• Employee Accommodation Request Form (Submit Online)
• Employee Accommodation Medical Certification Form (PDF)
• Healthcare Provider Cover Letter (PDF)

If the information provided is not complete and/or does not provide sufficient information to justify the requested accommodations, then Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation will request additional information and/or reach out to the employee’s licensed health care provider to ask clarifying questions.

1. Processing the Request: Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation will review the employee’s paperwork to determine the appropriateness of the accommodation process. 
2. Determination: UT Austin’s ergonomic technician will visit the employee’s worksite and assess their current work area. The technician will draft a report of their findings that details the recommended items the employee’s department needs to provide. Recommendations can include furniture (office chairs, desks, etc.) and equipment (keyboard trays, vertical mouse, etc.).
3. Funding: Individual departments have responsibility for covering the cost of furniture and equipment needed. Employees and their supervisors are encouraged to collaborate and assess whether the department already owns some of the recommended items listed in the report. Another source to check for ergonomic equipment is Surplus Property at the J. Pickle Research Campus. If the department does not already own the recommended items and/or the items are not available through Surplus Property, the department should move forward with purchasing the recommended items listed in the report.

The goal of ergonomics is to provide an efficient and safe work environment for all employees. Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation encourages employees to follow sound ergonomic practices and to become educated in ergonomic principles to ensure a healthy and productive work environment.