Purchasing the right equipment and designing spaces to support healthy working postures saves money in the long-run.
Ergonomic equipment and furniture purchasing
The following list of furniture, equipment, and providers is not exhaustive. Furthermore, not all items listed below will be right for every individual. Differences in size, shape, work requirements, work styles and workspace will impact the overall fit. Purchasing decisions are made by the department or unit and we encourage open communication between all parties to ensure the right items are purchased. If you are unsure of what to purchase, contact the Ergonomics team. Okanagan staff and faculty can refer to the Okanagan ergonomics website for location specific information.
Height adjustable desks purchasing guide
- Height adjustable desk purchasing guide. This guide will provide you with information on the recommended height range, desk dimensions and vendor examples.
- Height adjustable platform purchasing guide. This guide will provide you with an outline about the pros and cons of the different styles of height adjustable platforms that sit on top of an existing desk.
Ergonomic chairs purchasing guide
- Office chair purchasing guide. This guide will provide you with a list of examples of good chairs available from common UBC suppliers.
- Office chair ergo criteria. This guide will provide you with an overview of key features to look for when purchasing a new chair.
- Home office chairs. This guide will provide with options to consider when working from your home office.
Office accessories purchasing guides
The purchasing guides below will provide you with equipment examples, including descriptions of special ergonomic features, as well as suggestions of where these items can be purchased from.
- Mice. This PDF guide highlights a range of ergonomic mice designed to reduce wrist strain and support neutral hand positioning.
- Keyboards. This PDF guide provides examples of ergonomic keyboards that promote more neutral wrist alignment and improved typing comfort.
- Palmrests. This PDF guide lists palmrests which can help reduce pressure when typing.
- Backrests & seat cushions. The PDF guide provides information on external back rest supports for chairs.
- Riser for monitors and laptops. This PDF guide lists monitor and laptop risers which can be used to elevate screens and help reduce neck strain.
- Footrests. This PDF guide highlights ergonomic footrests, which can support proper leg positioning.
- Anti-fatigue mats. This PDF guide provides examples of anti-fatigue mats which can reduce discomfort during prolonged standing by providing cushioning.
- Keyboard trays. This PDF guide lists keyboard tray options, which allow for more adjustable keyboard and mouse placement to support more neutral positioning.
- Monitor arms. This PDF guide shows monitor arm options, which can in some cases offer screen positioning flexibility.
- Corner makers. This PDF outlines corner maker options which can be used to help maximize desk space.
- Staplers. This PDF lists examples ergonomic staplers which can help reduce hand force and strain during repetitive use.
- Document holders. This PDF provides examples of document holders, which position papers to help reduce neck strain when referencing documents.
- Floor and task lamps. This PDF guide highlights examples of lamps which can be used to provide adjustable and focused lighting in work spaces.
Design requirements and guidelines
- UBC Tech Guidelines: Ergonomics Requirements 01 87 13.1
- Office Furniture Checklist for designers
- LEED Pilot Credit 44: Ergonomics Approach for Computer Users
Ergo Fund
The goal of the HR Ergo Pilot Fund is to support the University’s effort to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) by providing one-time funding for equipment purchases or space optimization solutions that mitigate MSI risk. This fund is particularly intended for new and innovative solutions that have not been trialed before. This fund is not intended to fund office-related equipment. Please see below for more information and the application form.
- Ergo Fund Info Sheet including project examples
- Ergo Fund Application Form