18 December 2025

Safety and Health: Honoring Our 16-Year Commitment

Dear Clients, Partners and Friends,

As I reflect on the 16-year journey in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) consultancy by Chim's Ergonomics and Safety Limited (Chim's ESL), I recognize that this journey is now more critical than ever due to the recent tragic incident in Tai Po. Therefore, Chim's ESL will pause our 16th anniversary celebration in 2025.

15 December 2025

Renowned Ergonomist Dr. Justine Chim Publishes Groundbreaking Strategies for Workplace Well-being in the Safety Bulletin of The Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Association (Nov/Dec 2025)

Dr. Justine Chim has published a comprehensive article, "Optimising Workplace Health: Strategies in Ergonomics and Well-being," featured in the latest edition of the Safety Bulletin. The publication provides organizations with a critical roadmap to mitigate rising workplace injuries and foster a health-conscious environment for both traditional office workers and the growing remote workforce.

According to recent OSH Statistics from the Labour Department, manual handling remains a critical concern, contributing to 17% of occupational injuries in 2024 (4,942 reported cases). Furthermore, the shift towards digital work has created an epidemic of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), with 75% of office workers and 63% of remote workers experiencing discomfort in the neck, lower back, and shoulders due to prolonged computer use.

In her article, Dr. Chim outlines how organizations can holistically address these challenges by focusing on three essential dimensions of employee well-being: physical, psychological, and social. To effectively combat the strain of prolonged Display Screen Equipment (DSE) usage, she highlights her proprietary FITS model, a strategic framework designed to enhance comfort, performance, and legislative compliance.

The integration of ergonomics not only aligns with OSH standards but also significantly enhances employee well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. It is crucial to embed these strategies into the OSH management system to create an environment that prioritises comfort and safety.

Dr. Chim emphasizes that establishing a healthy workplace is a collaborative effort. It requires a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach involving active participation from employees, resource allocation from management and HR, risk assessment by ergonomists, environmental controls by facilities management, and seamless integration by OSH professionals.

About Dr. Justine Chim

Dr. Justine Chim is the Director and Principal Consultant of Chim’s Ergonomics and Safety Limited. She is Asia’s first and only internationally Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) under the Australian certification system and a Registered Safety Officer (RSO). Passionate about workplace health, occupational ergonomics, and employee well-being, Dr. Chim also serves as an advisor (Ergonomics) for the International WELL Building Institute, collaborating with global experts to create healthier, safer built environments.
 

17 October 2025

Dr. Justine Chim Delivers Keynote Address on Ergonomics and Employee Well-Being at The Society of Accredited Safety Auditors AGM 2025

Dr. Justine Chim, Principal Consultant and Certified Trainer at Chim’s Ergonomics and Safety Limited, delivered a keynote address titled "Ergonomics Strategies for Occupational Health and Employee Well-being" at the Annual General Meeting and Dinner 2025 of The Society of Accredited Safety Auditors.

Speaking to an audience of safety professionals, auditors, and industry leaders, Dr. Chim highlighted the vital role ergonomics plays in modern Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) auditing and management. Drawing on international standards such as BS 45002-1:2018, Dr. Chim emphasized that employee well-being extends beyond basic physical safety to encompass three interconnected dimensions:

Physical Well-Being: Managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue, sleep quality, and physical discomfort.

Psychological Well-Being: Supporting emotional health, stress management, noise reduction, and employee self-actualization.

Social Well-Being: Fostering positive interpersonal relationships, inclusive workplace practices, and perceived organizational support networks.

Dr. Chim detailed how ergonomic strategies must be integrated into standard OSH frameworks across three key regulatory applications in Hong Kong:

1. Manual Handling Operations (Cap 509A Part VII): Controlling risks related to lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying loads.

2. Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Ergonomics: Implementing protective measures for prolonged computer users under the OSH (Display Screen Equipment) Regulation.

3. Workplace Design & Built Environment (Cap 509): Fulfilling general employer duties to ensure environmental parameters—such as acoustics, lighting, thermal comfort, and spatial layout—mitigate physical and psychological stressors.

Ergonomics is not merely about posture—it is a foundational pillar of OSH management that directly impacts employee satisfaction, physical health, and organizational productivity," said Dr. Chim. "Safety auditors play a crucial role in evaluating whether workplaces provide a safe, holistic environment where workers can truly thrive."

The event concluded with an engaging discussion among accredited safety auditors on advancing ergonomics assessments within organizational auditing frameworks.
 

About Dr. Justine Chim

Dr. Justine Chim (PhD, MErgo, GradDip OHS MGT, RSO, CPE) is the Director and Principal Consultant of Chim’s Ergonomics and Safety Limited. She is Asia’s first and only internationally Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) under the Australian certification system and an advisor for the International WELL Building Institute. With extensive experience across corporate consultancy, training, and workplace design, Dr. Chim works globally to optimize employee well-being and safety compliance.

13 October 2025

At a safety seminar organized by the Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Association and, IVE Engineering The Vocational Training Council, Dr. Justine Chim—Director and Principal Consultant of Chim’s Ergonomics and Safety Limited, delivered a presentation titled "Optimising Workplace Health: Strategies in Ergonomics and Well-being". 

Bringing over 15 years of consultancy experience across 150 corporations in eight countries, Dr. Chim shared key insights and practical frameworks for modern OSH management. 

Dr. Chim defined ergonomics as a human-centred discipline focused on optimising interactions between humans and system components to reduce costs, enhance productivity, and improve overall employee well-being. Drawing from BS 45002-1:2018, she outlined employee well-being across three distinct dimensions:

1) Physical Well-being**: Addressing work-related musculoskeletal issues, fatigue, sleep quality, and discomfort management.

2) Psychological Well-being**: Supporting emotional health, stress management, and self-actualisation to foster productivity.

3) Social Well-being**: Cultivating strong interpersonal relationships through inclusive practices and supportive workplace networks.

In Hong Kong, occupational health and safety (OSH) ergonomics focuses on three statutory applications: 

1. Manual Handling Operations (Cap 509A Part VII): Manual handling is the second-highest accident category in Hong Kong. Labour Department statistics show it accounted for 17% of occupational injuries in 2024 (4,942 reported cases), with high prevalence in Human Health Services (25%), Wholesale (25%), Social Work Services (23%), and Construction (18%).

2. Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Ergonomics: Governed by the DSE Regulation since July 2003, these standards address high computer usage risks. Approximately 95% of office workers spend over six hours daily computing, with 75% reporting musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck, lower back, or shoulders. Remote workers face similar challenges, with 83% in prolonged computer use and 26% seeking medical consultations.

3. Workplace Design (Cap 509): Employers must manage environmental risks, including lighting glare, acoustics—where open-plan office noise generates ten times more complaints than private offices—and poor ventilation linked to Sick Building Syndrome.

To tackle computer-related strain, Dr. Chim highlighted her proprietary invented FITS model:

F – Furniture evaluation and selection: Reviewing task requirements and conducting trial fittings to support proper posture.

I – Individual workstation assessments: Customising chair height, monitor placement, and mouse/keyboard setup for each worker.

T – Training and education: Teaching employees practical ergonomic principles and applications.

S – Stretching exercises: Encouraging regular movement breaks to relieve muscle tension and eye strain.

Successful ergonomic integration requires multi-stakeholder collaboration. Employees provide feedback and self-assessments; Management and HR allocate resources, lead policy development, and facilitate training; Ergonomists perform risk evaluations and workplace design; OSH Professionals integrate ergonomics into core OSH systems; and Facilities Management handles workspace layout and environmental controls. As hybrid work grows, organizations are encouraged to extend programs homebound through work-from-home policies and environmental checklists to ensure a healthy, high-performing workforce.

 

1 October 2025
 

Free Seminar: 6Ws Ergonomics Strategies for Occupational Health and Employee Well-being 

I am delighted to announce that I will be speaking at an upcoming seminar organised by The Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Association and the IVE Engineering, The VTC. This event will focus on ergonomics strategies for employee health and well-being in the workplace.

In today’s dynamic environment, prioritising ergonomics is essential for fostering a culture of productivity and well-being. Join us as we dive into practical strategies for creating healthier workplaces through effective ergonomics.

We'll explore real-life case studies and discuss key OSH regulations related to manual handling and the use of display screen equipment (i.e., office ergonomics) in Hong Kong. Using the 6Ws approach (What, Why, Who, When, Where, and How), we'll uncover solutions that can enhance your organisation’s OSH management system.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights that can transform your workplace! Let’s work together to create environments that support our greatest asset—our people.

Date: 13 October 2025 (Monday), 7:15 PM to 8:45 PM

Venue: LT02, IVE (Morrison Hill), 6 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Language: Cantonese with English PPT

Charge: Free of charge

Looking forward to seeing you there!
 

1 October 2025

New Research Alert! 

I am excited to share my recently published paper investigating the musculoskeletal health conditions of office workers in Hong Kong. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of occupational health trends over the past decade, revealing some alarming findings.

Key highlights include:

95% of office workers spend over six hours on computing tasks daily, with 75% reporting musculoskeletal symptoms since 2015.

The neck, lower back, and shoulders emerged as the most commonly affected areas.

For homeworkers, 83% reported working on computers for six hours or more, with 63% experiencing similar symptoms.

Notably, 74% of office workers reported shoulder discomfort, while 51.4% of homeworkers cited neck issues, likely due to the prevalence of laptop use.

These findings underscore the urgent need for improved ergonomic practices in both traditional and remote work settings. Furthermore, 18% of office workers and 26% of homeworkers experiencing discomfort sought medical consultation.

As we continue to adapt to changing work environments, let’s prioritize musculoskeletal health and advocate for better workplace ergonomics.

I invite you to read the full paper for a deeper understanding of these critical issues. Your thoughts and feedback are welcome!

Reference

Chim, J.M.Y. (2025). A Decade Update on the Musculoskeletal Health of Office Employees in Hong Kong. In: Jin, S., Kim, J.H., Kong, YK., Park, J., Yun, M.H. (eds) Proceedings of the 22nd Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, Volume 3. IEA 2024. Springer Series in Design and Innovation, vol 41. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-9330-6_7

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-96-9330-6_7#citeas

16 September 2025

New Research Alert! 

New Study Highlights Impact of Home Environments on Remote Worker Well-Being in Hong Kong

HONG KONG — A new study by researcher Dr. Justine MY Chim provides crucial insights into how working-from-home (WFH) conditions directly affect the physical and mental health of remote employees in Hong Kong.

Surveying 222 homeworkers during the fifth wave of COVID-19, the study evaluated the impact of home workstations and overall environmental comfort. The findings reveal a key distinction: while satisfaction with a home workstation positively correlates with physical well-being, overall environmental comfort is essential for boosting both physical and psychological well-being.

Home Workstation Satisfaction: High satisfaction with the immediate workstation setup (such as desk quality, chair support, and equipment placement) was positively correlated with physical well-being. However, workstation satisfaction alone showed no statistically significant correlation with psychological well-being.

​Home Environmental Comfort: Overall environmental comfort (surrounding factors such as ambient noise, lighting, temperature, ventilation, and room atmosphere) was positively correlated with both physical and psychological well-being. This suggests that physical ergonomics primarily safeguard body health, whereas ambient environmental quality is required to protect mental health.

To improve remote work conditions, the study provides actionable guidelines:

 * For Organizations: Implement formal WFH policies and professional ergonomic programs, supply ergonomic furniture, and provide workstation guides alongside environmental comfort checklists.

 * For Homeworkers: Set up ergonomically suitable workstations, cultivate a comfortable environment, and maintain healthy routines such as taking regular breaks.

 * For Designers: Interior and product designers should develop flexible, space-efficient solutions that enhance work-life balance in shared living environments.

By addressing both physical ergonomics and overall environmental comfort, organizations and individuals can foster healthier, more sustainable remote work practices.

18 December 2024
 

Chim’s Ergonomics and Safety Limited Celebrates 15 Years of Pioneering Workplace Health and Ergonomics Excellence

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Clients and Partners

Over the past 15 years, Chim’s Ergonomics and Safety Limited has partnered with more than 150 local and global corporations across eight countries—ranging from healthcare, finance, and legal sectors to construction, statutory bodies, and educational institutions.

Reaching this 15-year milestone is a testament to the trust, partnership, and shared commitment of our valued clients and collaborators, said Dr. Justine Chim, Founder and Principal Consultant. "We extend our deepest gratitude to every organization, HR leader, safety officer, and employee who has entrusted us with their workplace health and well-being. Your support has fueled our mission to create safer, healthier, and more productive environments across Asia and beyond.

A Legacy Built on Expertise and Innovation

Founded on the unique integration of Human Resources + Ergonomics + Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), Chim’s Ergonomics and Safety Limited has reshaped how organizations approach employee well-being. Led by Dr. Justine Chim—Asia’s first internationally Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) under the HFESA (Australia) certification system and a Registered Safety Officer (RSO)—the company has developed industry-standard frameworks.

Looking Ahead: Our Vision for Continuing Professional Services
 

As modern workplaces evolve with hybrid work models, digital transformation, and shifting environmental standards, Chim’s Ergonomics and Safety Limited remains dedicated to advancing its professional services:

> Evolving Beyond Traditional Offices: Expanding ergonomics programs tailored to hybrid, work-from-home, and agile environments to safeguard remote workforces against musculoskeletal strain.

> Holistic Well-Being Integration:Aligning physical ergonomics with psychological and social health parameters, guided by international standards. 

> Proactive Risk Management: Equipping industries with evidence-based strategies for high-risk manual handling, workplace acoustic and thermal design, and statutory OSH compliance. 

> Empowering the Next Generation:** Continuing specialized training, workshops, and educational initiatives for HR professionals, safety auditors, and management teams.

As we look to the next 15 years and beyond, Chim’s Ergonomics and Safety Limited remains steadfast in its mission to protect workforces, empower organizations, and lead the future of workplace health and ergonomic excellence.

Dr. Justine Chim, CPE and RSO
 

18 Decemer 2023

Celebrating 14 Years of Excellence, Happy Anniversary to Chim's Ergonomics and Safety Limited

As we mark the 14th anniversary of our company, we're filled with an immense sense of pride and gratitude. Here's to celebrating not just our past achievements but also the exciting future that lies ahead. Happy 14th Anniversary!

20 February 2023

Journal Article: Prediction of Work from Home and Musculoskeletal Discomfort: An Investigation of Ergonomic Factors in Work Arrangements and Home Workstation Setups Using the COVID-19 Experience

Our Principal Consultant, Ms. Justine Chim, published an article to share the research on the work from home and musculoskeletal discomfort for office employees in Hong Kong. 

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for office workers to experience work from home (WFH). The aims of this study are to investigate the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and the work conditions of homeworkers during WFH as well as to evaluate the association and predicted risk of ergonomic factors and MSD. A total of 232 homeworkers completed questionnaires. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the association and prediction of work arrangements and home workstation setups and musculoskeletal outcomes.

The result showed that 61.2% of homeworkers reported MSD while WFH. Because of the small living spaces in Hong Kong, 51% and 24.6% of homeworkers worked in living/dining areas and bedrooms, respectively, potentially affecting their work and personal life. Additionally, homeworkers adopted a flexible work style, but prolonged computer use while WFH. Homeworkers who used a chair without a backrest or a sofa could predict a significantly higher risk of MSD. The use of a laptop monitor posed about a 2 to 3 times higher risk of suffering from neck, upper back, and lower back discomfort than the use of a desktop monitor.

These results provide valuable information to help regulators, employers, homeworkers, and designers create better WFH guidelines, work arrangements, and home settings.

Reference:

Chim, J. M. Y., & Chen, T. L. (2023). Prediction of Work from Home and Musculoskeletal Discomfort: An Investigation of Ergonomic Factors in Work Arrangements and Home Workstation Setups Using the COVID-19 Experience. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(4), 3050. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043050

Download the full article at: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/4/3050

18 December 2022

Happy Birthday to Chim's Ergonomics and Safety Limited

We have gone through 13th years of consulting services to serve over 100 corporations locally and globally. We created significant history with the company for creating a safer and healthy workplace. We are looking forward to another ten years of working with our clients. Stay in touch with us at 852-3625 2024.

18 December 2021

Happy Birthday to Chim's Ergonomics and Safety Limited

We all made a lot of achievement in the last 12th months. It is the time of celeberation of our 12th anniversary and we are looking forward to create a better workplace environment with our clients.

Mixed mode of services are available now. Call us for onsite, virutal and online services. World without boundary, Our Services without boundary.

Let's go!
 

 

22 November 2021

Journal Article: Implementation of an Office Ergonomics Program to Promote Musculoskeletal Health: A Case Study in Hong Kong

Our Principal Consultant, Ms. Justine Chim, published an article to share the case study on the Implementation of FITS Model Office Ergonomics program in Hong Kong for a corporation with 2000 office staff.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS

An office ergonomics program was implemented at a multinational company in Hong Kong. The FITS Model office ergonomics program included four components: (1) F: Furniture Evaluation and Selection, wherein the ergonomist conducted a walkthrough review of furniture and environmental settings; (2) I: Individual Workstation Assessment, in which the office ergonomics guideline and educational video were developed. An interactive individual ergonomics workstation assessment included a health survey, and the assessor provided immediate recommendations for changes to workstation setup; (3) T: Training and Education; and (4) S: Stretching Exercises and Rest Breaks, which entailed classroom training to promote office ergonomics principles and demonstrate office stretching exercises.

A case study is described, included the steps to implement the program and highlights of the feedback from the project team gathered during mid-term and final evaluations. Lessons learned regarding program management and the limitations of the project intervention offer useful information for practitioners and companies.

Reference: Chim, J.M.Y., & Chen, T. (2021). Implementation of an Office Ergonomics Program to Promote Musculoskeletal Health: A Case Study in Hong Kong. IISE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors, 1–13. 
 

14 June 2021

IEA 2021 Paper: 6Ws in the Ergonomics Review of Macro and Micro Workplace Design (Published by Chim, J. M.Y., & Chen, T. (2021, June)) 

The application of ergonomics in the occupational setting concerns the understanding the fitting of workers and the components of a work system which include work task, workstation setting, workspace and work environment. Ergonomics considerations in the workplace design bring the benefits to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, promote health and safety, create a worker-friendly workplace and enrich the employees’ wellbeing. The paper aims to summarize the systematic process to conduct an ergonomics review of workplace design proposals. Ergonomist applies theory, principles, data and methods to evaluate and review in the ergonomics review process.

The ergonomics review discussed in this paper has been used in newly designed control room, call center and offices. This paper will answer the following questions: (1) What are the objectives of ergonomics review of workplace design? (2) Why is ergonomics review of workplace design important? (3) Who should be involved in the ergonomics review of workplace design? (4) When should an ergonomics review of workplace design be conducted? (5) Where should be included in the ergonomics review of workplace design? (6) How should the ergonomics review of workplace design be conducted? Upon completion of the ergonomics review, the consolidated result and recommendations for improvement as well as the final decision of the design proposal should be well-documented for project reference in the next stage of the design process.

Reference: Chim, J. M.Y., & Chen, T. (2021, June). 6Ws in the Ergonomics Review of Macro and Micro Workplace Design. In Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (pp. 209-216). Springer, Cham. 

https://www.springerprofessional.de/en/6ws-in-the-ergonomics-review-of-macro-and-micro-workplace-design/19132442
 

14 June 2021

IEA 2021 Paper : Occupational Disease Compensation and Update on the Musculoskeletal Health of Office Employees in Hong Kong (Published by Chim, J. M.Y., & Chen, T. (2021, June))

Statistics indicate that 96% of office employees in Hong Kong spent at least six hours a day on computer work in the years 2018 and 2019. A total of 78% of of-fice employees reported musculoskeletal discomfort and among all cases, Shoul-der, Neck and Lower Back were the three highest reported body regions to have discomfort in past research from 2011 till 2020. 

In terms of the musculoskeletal health of computer-based users during COVID-19 in 2020, 80% of respondents self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort during the pandemic season of COVID-19. A high percentage of respondents who suf-fered from musculoskeletal health issues did not seek medical treatment.  In addi-tion, about one-third of the respondents had a basic workstation setup with the use of a laptop, tablet or phone only for work/study from home. 54% of the sur-vey respondents perceived no suitable work/study space at home, but only 10% of the survey respondents were dissatisfied with their workstation setup at home.

Reference: Chim, J. M.Y., & Chen, T. (2021, June). Occupational Disease Compensation and Update on the Musculoskeletal Health of Office Employees in Hong Kong. In Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (pp. 703-709). Springer, Cham.

https://www.springerprofessional.de/en/occupational-disease-compensation-and-update-on-the-musculoskele/19145358