Preface
This is the fourth edition of CSA Z412, Office ergonomics — An application standard for workplace ergonomics. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2017, 2000, and 1989.
The present edition reflects updates to new technology, work practices, home offices, and alignment to CSA Z1004.
The objective of this Standard is to apply ergonomics to enhance health, safety, and well-being and to optimize system performance in order to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses, or to reduce the severity of harm related to occupational activities in offices, home offices, and alternative workspaces where office work is undertaken.
CSA Group acknowledges the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the financial support of the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Law — Occupational Safety and Health (CAALL-OSH), including provincial and territorial governments, as well as the Government of Canada. CSA Group is solely responsible for the content of this Standard, and CSA Group and the funding bodies disclaim any liability in connection with the use of the information contained herein.
This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Office Ergonomics, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee.
This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.
Scope
1.1 Inclusions
This Standard specifies requirements for the application of ergonomics in offices. It applies to all office workers in office workspaces in new and existing buildings and home offices. It also includes requirements and guidance for alternative workspaces (e.g., vehicles, other remote workspaces).
1.2 Exclusions
This Standard does not apply to medical management programs or to practices that could be considered part of a medical management program, such as therapeutic or clinical interventions.
This Standard does not contain information pertaining to the design of software or information technology devices and displays.
This Standard does not contain requirements pertaining to electromagnetic forces.
This Standard is not a product compliance standard and therefore does not include product dimensions or address the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of products.
This Standard does not contain information on acoustics related to the construction of building shells.
Notes:
1) Design and presentation of software and design of information technology devices can play a large role in promoting efficient and healthy office work. ISO 9241, Parts 11 to 16, 110, 143, 303, and 400, can provide guidance in this area.
2) Furniture dimensions can be found in ANSI/BIFMA X10.1.
3) Requirements for the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of furniture products can be found in ANSI/BIFMA X5.1, X5.5, X5.6, X5.9, and X5.11.
1.3 Purpose
This Standard is intended for those who are involved in health, safety, ergonomics, and the design/build and operations of workspaces where office-related work is performed, including
a) the organization’s representatives;
b) office workers and their representatives;
c) architects, designers, facility planners, building service providers, and purchasing personnel involved in the design of new office work systems, the renovation of existing office work systems, or the procurement of new furniture, accessories, and equipment;
d) professional groups (ergonomists, industrial hygienists, engineers, and related specialists); and
e) designers and manufacturers of products.
This Standard may be used as a reference by health and safety agencies and regulatory agencies.
1.4 Terminology
In this Standard, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.
Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.
Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.
Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.