Safe Science Society

If you work a lot in front of the computer it's important to be aware of and prevent pain in arms, neck and schoulders (CANS, also know as RSI or KANS in Dutch). Here you can do a risk assessment to see if you have a high risk of acquiring CANS.

Work variation

1. My daily routing is

a mix of easy and difficult tasks

only easy or difficult tasks

2. During my computer work I mainly use

the mouse

both the mousing and keyboard

3. I feel supported by my peers

limited

a lot

Working hours

1. I work at a computer screen for more than 5 hours a day?

yes no

2. I use a laptop, phone or tablet computer without separate keyboard/ mouse for over two hours a day?

yes no

3. I take a ten minute break after each two hours of computer work?

yes no

4. I alternate work on the screen at least every 2 hours with other work?

yes no

Workload

1. I have to work very hard every week to finish my work on time?

Always

2. I have unfinished work at the end of the week

Never

Always

3. The amount of work or tight deadlines affect the quality of my work

Never

regularly

4. I experience influence on the planning of my work

To a great extend

only limited

5. I'm being told that my work is 'not properly' or 'insufficient'

Never

Very often

6. I have the opportunity to relax after work?

Sufficient

Only limited

7. I consider myself a perfectionist?

Not at all

To a great extend

Work posture

1. I sit still in one position for over an hour?

Never

Daily

2. My shoulders are tense at work?

Never

Always

3. I keep my wrists more or less straight when typing and working with the mouse?

Always

Never

4. I take at least half an hour of exercise (cycling, walking, swimming, sports, etc.)?

Every day

Never

Workplace

1. I can sit right in front of my screen at a comfortable distance?

yes no

2. The top edge of my screen is at or slightly below eye level?

yes no

3. I can adjust the armrests of my chair so that my forearms are well supported?

yes no

4. The armrests of my chair are so short that they do not get in the way when I sit at the desk?

yes no

5. I have sufficient free leg and foot space under my desk?

yes no

6. My desk is/can be adjusted to my height?

yes no

7. My chair is/can be adjusted to my height?

yes no

8. The climate (draft, temperature, light) at my workspace is as desired?

yes no

CANS Risk Assessment

Work variation

Working hours

Workload

Work posture

Workplace