Checklist: Designing and Evaluating Employee Workspaces  

This checklist can help you accommodate individuals with disabilities and provide efficient and productive work environments for all your employees.  

Mobility

• Are components hung from the desk, work surface or panels to provide for clear toe space and improved mobility? 
• Does the entry to the office or workstation have a 32" minimum clear width? 
• Are touch latches on all cabinet doors? 
• Are there surface-mounted drawer pulls/handles on all filing cabinets? 
• Are the electrical and telephone controls and outlets accessible at work-surface level? 
• Are all edges on work surfaces rounded? 
• Are all work surfaces contoured to eliminate square corners and allow for clear pull-up areas?

Wheelchair users  

• Are overhead components mounted at a maximum of 48" above the finished floor for a forward-reach approach? 
• Are overhead components mounted at a maximum of 54" above the finished floor for a side-reach approach? 
• Is there a 60 turning radius? 
• Is there a clear chair space under the desk or work surface of 30" wide by 19" deep by 27" high? 
• Are freestanding tables on pedestal bases? 
• Are power and other outlets at the work-surface level?

Vision

• Is the intensity of the task light adjustable? 
• Are there contrasting edge colors on work surfaces? 
• Are all edges on surfaces rounded? 
• Are all work surfaces contoured to eliminate square corners? 
• Are all drawers on full-extension slides? 
• Is there a clear visible entry to the office or workstation? 
• Are the electrical and telephone controls and outlets accessible at the desk level? 
• Are all work surfaces of medium color in a matte finish? 
• Are all controls, buttons and lettering in contrasting colors?

Hearing

• Are all panels within the workstation acoustic? 
•  Do wall surfaces in surrounding areas have sound-absorbing material? 
• Is there a vision panel (that is, safety glass) at or near the entry to the office or station? 
• If not, are low panels located at the entry to the station? 
• Are visible or vibration alarms located in or near the office or workstation?

Fatigue

• Are all edges on surfaces rounded? 
• Are all work surfaces contoured to eliminate square corners and allow for clear pull-up areas? 
• Are all drawers on full-extension slides? 
• Are the electricals accessible at the work-surface level? 
• Are freestanding tables on legs (not pedestal bases)? 
• Are all panels that terminate at an opening returned around the work surfaces or components for stability? 
• Are grab bars or mobile furniture provided within the station or office for resting or leaning?

General

• Is the workstation or office located on an accessible route? 
• Do all doors or workstation openings have a minimum of 32" clear width? 
• Are all components secured properly? 
• Is the office chair fully adjustable? 
• Are all keyboards and mouse pads mounted on an adjustable, articulating tray? 
• Do all electronic controls have easy-to-read dials and lettering? 
• Are all buttons, controls and lettering in contrasting colors?

Reprinted with permission. © CCH