Occupational & Preventive Health (OPH) for UBC faculty, staff and student employees.

UBC’s OPH unit provides confidential and free programs and services to help protect the health and safety of staff, faculty, and paid students working both on and off-campus, including UBC-Okanagan and hospital sites.

To request an appointment with an Occupational Health Nurse, please email oph.info@ubc.ca. 

What can OPH help with?

• Workplace risk assessments with consideration of employee personal health histories
• Supportive consultation with the Occupational Health Nurse, including a focus on prevention of injury/exposure
• Immunization review with an Occupational Health Nurse
• Vaccinations, tests, and screenings based on workplace exposure risks
• Medical clearance for respirator fit testing
• Pregnancy planning and workplace risk assessments (i.e. chemical exposure risk)
• Occupational allergy prevention, diagnosis, and follow-up care
• Workplace risk assessments for exposure to infectious agents (i.e. Hepatitis B Virus)
• Consultations with the OPH Physician
• Specialist referrals for occupational related health concerns
• Referral to the Centre for Workplace Accessibility or the Stay at Work/Return to Work Team

Explore these popular Occupational Health topics

Contact OPH

Clinic Location: 
David Strangway Building

311-5950 University Blvd.

Vancouver BC, V6T1Z3

Tel: 604-827-4713
E-mail: oph.info@ubc.ca

UBC ergonomics advisors

Vancouver Campus & Lower Mainland Sites

Abigail Overduin, Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist
Ergonomics Program Lead, UBC Vancouver & Lower Mainland
ergonomics.info@ubc.ca or 604-822-9040

UBC Okanagan Campus

Health, Safety and Environment
hse.ok@ubc.ca
https://operations.ok.ubc.ca/health-and-safety/ergonomics/

Not UBC staff/faculty?

Consult a Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist

Manual Material Handling (MMH) tasks contribute to a large percentage of our WSBC time loss accepted injuries at UBC. It is important that both staff and supervisor recognize MMH hazards, follow safe working procedures and implement effective ergonomic interventions that eliminate or minimize the risk and impact of MMH injuries.

UBC’s Ergonomics Program offers the following resources:

• Training. Register online for one of our regularly scheduled MMH Ergonomics Trainings
• Lifting guidelines: how much is too much and guidance on lifting mechanics. 

Contact ergonomics.info@ubc.ca if you require additional assistance.

UBC's ergonomics team is available for individual ergonomic assessments of your workspace. The goal of the assessment is to improve your comfort and reduce your risk of musculoskeletal injuries while working. 

To request an ergonomics assessment, complete an ergonomics assessment request form to provide some background information. 

Request an ergonomics assessment

About the request form:

• The form typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
• For virtual or home office assessments, you will need to include some photos and measurements.
• If you have any questions or difficulty completing the form, please contact the Ergonomics team.  

Who can request an assessment: 

• We are able to provide ergonomic assessment for all UBC faculty, staff and students with an active paid appointment.
• Ergonomic assessments are available for all UBC work environments including offices, home offices, laboratories, libraries, facilities, building services, dentistry, food services, child care, etc. 

Resources before requesting an ergonomics assessment:

• Review our resources and office ergo webinar.to explore practical strategies for setting up your workstation effectively.
• Speak with your manager about your concerns. They may be aware of additional resources available in your department.
• Report a work-related injury if you believe that your injury was caused or significantly aggravated by your work. Please guidance on how to report, please refer to Accident/Incident reporting process.

What happens next:

• After you submit your request, we'll contact you to schedule an assessment. The assessment typically takes up to one hour and includes a review of your concerns and an evaluation of your workstation. This may involve taking photos and measurements. Where possible, we'll make on-the-spot adjustments to improve your setup.
• After the assessment, we will connect with your Manager to discuss recommendations and feasible solutions. Purchasing decisions are typically made by the department. A report will be shared with both you and your Manager. 

Report an incident

Ergonomic injuries (overexertion and repetitive strain injuries) account for over 40% of the days lost from WSBC accepted time loss claims. Report an incident on the UBC Safety and Risk Services website. 

Regulations

Musculoskeletal injury (MSI) risk factors are regulated under sections (4.46 to 4.53) of the BC Worker’s Compensation Act which places a legal responsibility on employers to identify factors in the workplace that may expose workers to a risk of MSI, assess the risk level and implement controls to eliminate or, if that is not practical, minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

The purpose of the WSBC Ergonomics (MSI) Requirements (4.46 to 4.53) requirements is to eliminate or, if that is not practicable, minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury to workers

Accident-incident investigations-ergo (MSI) related

Section 4.49 of the WSBC Ergonomics MSI Requirements outlines risk factors that must be considered, where applicable, in the identification and assessment of the risk of musculoskeletal injury (MSI). The information below is provided to assist you with your investigation, contact UBC’s Ergonomics Team if you require additional assistance.

• Incident Investigations: Lifting  Tool
• Ergo MSI Investigation Tip Sheet (pdf)

Safe lifting

• Lifting Limits: how much is too much?
• Safe Lifting Resource Sheet

Risk factors (MSI)

There are several factors that impact the risk of developing a musculoskeletal injury (MSI). Risk factors are multiplicative; for example, awkward posture combined with force substantially increases strain on the body’s musculature system compared to either factor alone.

• Posture
• Force
• Repetition & Static Load
• Duration
• Environment
• Contact
• Stress
• Psychosocial

Posture

When considering the ergonomics of a workstation we look for a layout that facilitates a comfortable (neutral) working posture; workstations that require awkward postures not only increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury they also result in reduced efficiency. Not all awkward postures result in a high risk of musculoskeletal injury or reduced efficiency; whether changes need to be made will depend on how the risk factors interact.

Consider the following questions when looking for risk factors in your environment.

• Does the task promote working in an awkward posture?
• Does the layout of the work result in workers reaching away from their body or overhead?
• Is the bench or table height adequate or does it promote bending, twisting or crouching?
• How extreme is the awkward posture?
• How frequent is that posture repeated or is it held for a sustained period of time?
• Is any force applied while working in an awkward posture?

Risk factors are multiplicative: bending (awkward posture) combined with heavy lifting (force) places extreme stress on the spine.

Force

Your lifting powerzone is within mid-thigh to waist level. Heavy items should only be placed on the ground if they will be moved with a dolly and not lifted; if you will need lift a heavy item, it should be stored within your powerzone.

Determining if an item can be safely lifted depends on multiple factors; you can lift less weight overhead or from the ground as compared to at waist level; likewise, your strength capacity is less if the load is awkward or if there’s no hand hold to firmly grasp the object.

Consider the following questions when determining if an item can be safely lifted:

• How heavy is the object?
• Can you get in close?
• Is the object at waist level or overhead or at ground level?
• Is the object an awkward shape?
• Can you get a good grip on the object?
• How many times do you have to lift?
• Can a dolly be used rather than lifting the item?

About musculoskeletal injuries

Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSIs), also known as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), are injuries that affect muscles, tendons and ligaments, nerves, blood vessels or related soft tissue. These injuries can occur from overexertion, such as when lifting a heavy box, or from repeatedly using the same muscles over and over again as is the case with Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs). Examples of MSIs include Rotator Cuff tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and low back injuries involving ligaments, muscles or spinal discs.

MSIs make up approximately 30% of WorkSafe BC injury claims at UBC.

The Occupational Health & Safety Regulations require employers to identify and assess workplace risk factors in order to eliminate or if that is not practical, minimize, the risk of MSI to workers.

Office ergo videos: 

Ergo webinars and training specific to office environments

• Ergo Your UBC Office. (30 minutes)
• Remote work. Home office ergo. (30 minutes)
• Digital Eye Strain. (45 minutes)

Accessibility webinars

• See accessibility related webinars from the Centre for Workplace Accessibility. 

Ergo orientations: DEPT specific

DEPT specific ergo orientations are available.  Each course contains five videos and each video is 5 to 10 minutes. After completing the quiz, you will receive a certificate of completion. 

• SHCS Building service worker ergo orientation  (1hr total. 5 videos, each video is 5 to 10 minutes, quiz at the end)
• SHCS Building service worker warm-up to work (10 minutes, exercise video). Set 1 poster.  Set 2 poster.
• SHCS Child care ergo orientation (1hr total. 5 videos, each video is 5 to 10 minutes, quiz at the end)
• SHCS Residence Front Desk ergo orientation (1hr total. 5 videos, each video is 5 to 10 minutes, quiz at the end)
• SHCS Food Services ergo orientation (1hr total. 5 videos, each video is 5 to 10 minutes, quiz at the end)
• UBC Botanical gardens ergo orientation (1hr total. 5 videos, each video is 5 to 10 minutes, quiz at the end)
• UBC Farm ergo orientation (1hr total. 5 videos, each video is 5 to 10 minutes, quiz at the end)
• UBC Animal Care. Ergo Orientation. Safe lifting & large animals (20 to 30 minutes. 3 videos, 4 to 7 mintes plus additional resources)

Shiftwork and fatigue

This joint presentation with UBC's Occupation and Preventive Health team will provide you with tips and strategies to support your health when working shiftwork. 

• Shiftwork & fatigue (30 minutes, joint presentation with OPH)

Movement Breaks

• Ergo Your Posture.  (15 minutes recording) or sign-up for invitation to live weekly sessions.
• UBC Rec Move U Crew. Book the Move U Crew to lead a live movement break for your team.
• UBC Animal Care. Strengthening & Stretching with Allan McGavin Physio (15 minutes. 3 videos, each 4 to 6 minutes, demonstrating strengthening & stretching exercises, geared at animal care workers but open to all workers).
• SHCS Warm-up Phase II video (10 minutes)
• Fitting in Movement. (45 minutes)

Customized workshops

Please contact ergonomics.info@ubc.ca to discuss options to arrange a customized or DEPT specific ergonomic workshop. 

UBC’s Stay at Work/Return to Work offers employees the support they need while managing a medical impairment or disability, and provides advice for supervisors who are working with an ill or injured faculty or staff member.

If you are an employee requesting a sit-stand desk for medical reasons

Please contact your Return to Work & Accommodations Advisor (RTWAA). Your RTWAA will assist you in collecting the necessary medical information, as a note from your healthcare provider recommending a sit-stand desk is generally not sufficient on its own. Your RTWAA will also work with you and your department to determine reasonable solutions to accommodate your medical limitations and restrictions.

If you are a supervisor who has an employee requesting a sit-stand desk for medical reasons

Please contact the Return to Work& Accommodations Advisor (RTWAA) that supports your department.  The RTWAA will guide you through the process and connect you to available resources.

What to expect

An individual height adjustable workstation is only one option to consider. Your department may consider other options such as incorporating movement into the job design (e.g. rotating tasks), and/or allowing individuals to take standing breaks at set intervals, and/or providing the staff or faculty member with access to a shared height-adjustable workstation.

A workplace accommodation does not necessarily result in the originally requested option. Once information about limitations and restrictions is shared, an open dialogue can begin to explore options and ideas that offer reasonable solutions. This communication should involve creativity, flexibility and may require compromise by both parties.

If you require assistance in determining which height adjustable workstation to purchase, please refer to the Ergo Purchasing guide. 

Funding

Purchasing furniture and equipment, including sit-stand desks, is a department-level responsibility.

Join the Ergo Your Posture virtual sessions for a weekly movement break.

Join Athletics & Rec for a live Zoom 15-minute gentle movement break, Wednesdays at 10am.

Sessions run every Wednesday at 10am for 15 minutes. The movement break exercises were developed in conjunction with Allan McGavin Physio. Participants can keep their cameras off and adjust the movements according to their abilities. 

Dates

• Winter term 2 dates: January 14th, 2026 to April 8th, 2026 (excluding February 18, reading week)

Register for virtual sessions

Register your participation and you will receive a Zoom link by email to attend the live Zoom sessions.

Register now!

Resources

• Download our poster and take part in the exercises at your convenience.
• Watch a recorded session (15 minutes) anytime.
• Book the Move U Crew (UBC Athletics & Rec) to lead a stretch break with your team. 

As we show you the exercises, participate as best you can, but keep the exercises within a comfortable range. Follow-up with your Healthcare Provider if you're not sure what is right for you. 

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

Faculty, instructors and teaching assistants (TAs) can spend hours marking and lecturing over the course of a semester. The static positions and awkward postures associated with these tasks can result in musculoskeletal injury risks (e.g. upper back, shoulder and neck tension when marking; or foot, knee and back discomfort when standing to teach).

The following recommendations for marking and lecturing can help minimize discomfort and improve productivity. The UBC Ergonomics Program is continuing to work with learning spaces and faculty to develop additional recommendations; we will provide more information as it becomes available.

Marking

As a professor, instructor or teaching assistant, you can spend hours in awkward postures while marking. Taking micro-breaks and setting up your workstation to support neutral working postures  can reduce the risk of discomfort and injury.

Ideal positioning

Image

Tips:

• Use an office chair that has a backrest and adjustable seat height and seat pan options. You should also find the chair comfortable.
• Adjust the chair height so that the paperwork is approximately elbow level. Place a footrest under your feet if they are not fully supported by the floor.
• Sit all the way back in the chair and allow the backrest to support your back.
• Shoulders should be relaxed and elbows close to the body while marking.
• Position yourself close to the desk to avoid leaning forward and reaching.
• A sloped document riser is recommended to reduce neck and thoracic flexion.

• Incorporate 1-2 minutes of stretching or micro-breaks every hour to provide position change and visual rest.

  Improper positioning

  Image

  

Risks:

• Neck flexion (looking down at paperwork) increases strain on the neck and shoulder musculature
• Shoulder flexion (reaching forward) increases load on neck and shoulder musculature
• Upper-back flexion (leaning forward) increases strain on shoulder and back musculature

Workstation layout

Image

Tips:

• While marking, organize your paperwork in a sequential manner and make it easy to reach.
• Reduce clutter and avoid placing distracting objects around the marking station.

By establishing the following workstation reaching zones, you can reduce the occurrence of reaching and awkward postures:

• Primary zone: Frequent reaches to the keyboard/mouse and written work being marked should be kept within 36 cm/14.2″ of you.
• Secondary zone: Infrequent reaches of items such as telephone, drinking cup, eraser or notebook should be kept within 50 cm/19.7″ of you.
• Tertiary zone: Occasional reaches to seldom-used items such as textbooks or binders can be stored outside of the 50 cm range. If you need to reach for these items, try standing up to get as close as possible instead of bending forward from a seated position.

How you organize your workstation can contribute to improved productivity and mental wellbeing as much as your physical wellbeing. Arrange your workstation in a manner that works for you and allows you to separate marked and unmarked assignments.

Laptop work

If you are working for a sustained period, we recommend using an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. Please see the office ergo webpage for additional tips. 

Lecturing

Lecturing may require professors to stand for up to three hours at a time. There is widespread knowledge regarding the negative health effects of static sitting; however, there is also evidence that static standing can lead to undesirable consequences such as low-back and knee pain, and varicose veins. Good standing posture is important to prevent discomfort, but it alone is not enough. You should also incorporate positional change, such as intermittent walking or sitting throughout the lecture.

Image

Tips:

• Move and make positional changes before discomfort sets in, or aim to adjust your position at least every hour.
• An anti-fatigue mat can be helpful if you experience lower-limb and back pain.
• Consider using a stool to sit intermittently while lecturing.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Walk periodically instead of standing in one place.
• Encourage students to take a stretch breaks every 50 minutes to give both you and the students a chance to make a positional change.

Breaks, pacing and positional Change

Look for opportunities to incorporate positional change in your workday and make an effort to take a micro-break (30 seconds to 2 minutes) at least every hour, preferably every 30 minutes.

The body’s soft tissues require rest in order to recuperate from the effects of the static postures we exhibit. Prolonged standing can lead to negative effects such as low-back, knee and lower leg discomfort, and varicose veins.

Consider changing between sitting and standing while lecturing , or incorporate walking if sitting is not practical. Use hourly breaks as opportunities for positional change by sitting to answer students’ questions or lead a classroom stretch session.

Be aware of your body’s warning signs of discomfort. Ideally, you should stop and take a break before discomfort sets in. Micro-breaks will allow your body’s tissue tolerance to recover near baseline and allow you to maintain productivity over longer periods of time spent working.