The effects of an office ergonomics training and chair intervention on worker knowledge, behavior and musculoskeletal risk

A large-scale field intervention study was undertaken to examine the effects of office ergonomics training coupled with a highly adjustable chair on office workers’ knowledge and musculoskeletal risks. Office workers were assigned to one of three study groups: a group receiving the training and adjustable chair (n=96), a training-only group (n=63), and a control group (n=57). The office ergonomics training program was created using an instructional systems design model. A pre/post-training knowledge test was administered to all those who attended the training. Body postures and workstation set-ups were observed before and after the intervention. Perceived control over the physical work environment was higher for both intervention groups as compared to workers in the control group. A significant increase in overall ergonomic knowledge was observed for the intervention groups. Both intervention groups exhibited higher level behavioral translation and had lower musculoskeletal risk than the control group.     

The musculoskeletal system complaints of office workers at a vehicle production factory

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors contributing to musculoskeletal system complaints (MSC) in office workers of a vehicle production factory and absenteeism due to these complaints. A total of 86.2% (n = 333) of the workers completed the survey. Of the workers, 73 (21.9%) were women, and 260 (78.1%) were men, and the mean age was 36.9 ± 8.75 years. The majority of the personnel had more than one symptom with a prevalence of 80.8%. The most frequently observed discomfort was tension and pain in the back muscles (58.6%) and in the neck muscles (58.3%), followed by low back pain (41%) and shoulder pain (30.3%). Pain in the shoulders, neck, and the back and pain and numbness in the fingers were statistically significantly more prevalent in employees who spent more than 5 hours per day performing desk work. Furthermore, all of the complaints, excluding pain in the elbows and knees, were statistically significantly more common in the women. When each complaint and the effects of contributing risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, pain in the shoulders, neck, and back; pain that spread to the arms; and pain in the fingers were correlated with longer work hours and the female gender (p < 0.05). The number of employees who had used sick leave within the past year due to MSCs was 11.7%. In conclusion, duration of work hours, frequency of breaks, and gender were determined as the most important risk factors in computer users regarding MSCs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Flexible workspace design and ergonomics training: impacts on the psychosocial work environment, musculoskeletal health, and work effectiveness among knowledge workers

A macroergonomics intervention consisting of flexible workspace design and ergonomics training was conducted to examine the effects on psychosocial work environment, musculoskeletal health, and work effectiveness in a computer-based office setting. Knowledge workers were assigned to one of four conditions: flexible workspace (n=121), ergonomics training (n=92), flexible workspace+ergonomics training (n=31), and a no-intervention control (n=45). Outcome measures were collected 2 months prior to the intervention and 3 and 6 months post-intervention. Overall, the study results indicated positive, significant effects on the outcome variables for the two intervention groups compared to the control group, including work-related musculoskeletal discomfort, job control, environmental satisfaction, sense of community, ergonomic climate, communication and collaboration, and business process efficiency (time and costs). However, attrition of workers in the ergonomics training condition precluded an evaluation of the effects of this intervention. This study suggests that a macroergonomics intervention is effective among knowledge workers in office settings.     

Study of the effectiveness of a participatory ergonomics intervention in reducing worker pain severity through physical exposure pathways

A participatory ergonomics programme was implemented in an automotive parts manufacturing factory. An ergonomics change team was formed composed of members from management and the organized labour union. It was hypothesized that the physical change projects implemented as part of this process would result in decreased worker exposures to peak and cumulative physical demands and reduced worker perceptions of physical effort and pain severity. A quasi-experimental design was employed, utilizing a sister plant in the corporation as a referent group. A longitudinal questionnaire approach was used to document pre-post changes in worker perceptions. In general, the physical change projects were rated as improvements by workers and were successful at reducing peak and/or cumulative mechanical exposures. However, there were few systematic changes in perceived effort or pain severity levels. Explanations include the confounding effects of differential production rate and staffing changes at the intervention and referent plants and/or insufficient overall intervention intensity due to a relatively short intervention period, plant and team ambivalence towards the process and the low overall impact on exposure of the particular changes implemented.     

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among grocery workers

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affect all sectors of the working population, and grocery workers have especially high rates. Although the incidence of WMSDs among any worker population can be estimated from workers' compensation claims, musculoskeletal symptom surveys can be used as a proxy estimate of WMSDs. The purposes of this cross-sectional study were to describe the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in grocery store employees from many different departments, and to determine the association between exposure to physical risk factors and presence of symptoms. Study participants (N = 254) were grocery store workers from five different stores in a medium sized grocery chain. Participants completed a self-administered survey consisting of demographic information and job history; the modified Nordic Questionnaire (MNQ); and physical component (PCS) and mental component (MCS) summary measures of the SF-36v2^®. Rodgers Muscle Fatigue Analysis (Rodgers) was used to assess exposure to physical risk factors in the most difficult tasks in certain store departments. Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was estimated for each body region and for various subgroups, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of presence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Approximately 78% of grocery store workers reported work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one body region, with most workers complaining of low back and feet symptoms. The high prevalence of foot symptoms has not been previously reported for this population. Approximately 11% of employees missed work because of symptoms and 25% sought medical care for symptoms. There were no differences among Rodgers rating groups for proportions reporting symptoms. SF-36v2^® scores were inconsequential predictors for musculoskeletal symptoms. Gender and age were both significant predictors of symptoms, and age predicted healthcare utilization. These findings are relevant to the grocery industry in order to target WMSD preventive interventions to specific body regions for high-risk activities within a grocery store position.     

Perceived demands and musculoskeletal symptoms among employees of an Iranian petrochemical industry

As a part of a comprehensive ergonomics program, this study was conducted among employees of an Iranian petrochemical industry to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and to examine the relationship between perceived demands and reported symptoms. In this cross-sectional study, 928 randomly selected employees, corresponding to nearly 40% of all employees participated. Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire and Job Content Questionnaire were used as collecting data tools. The results showed that 73% of the study population had experienced some form of symptoms from the musculoskeletal system during the last 12 months. Knees and lower back symptoms were the most prevalent problem among the employees studied. The results revealed that perceived physical demands were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms (OR ranged from 1.45 to 2.33). Among the perceived physical demands, awkward working postures were most frequently associated with reported musculoskeletal symptoms. Association was also found between perceived psychological demands and reported symptoms. Conflicting demands, waiting on work from other people or departments, interruption that other make, working very fast and time pressure were psychological factors retained in the regression models with OR ≥ 1.49. Based on the findings, it could be concluded that any interventional program for preventing or reducing musculoskeletal symptoms among the petrochemical employees studied had to focus on reducing physical demands, particularly awkward working postures as well as psychological aspect of working environment.

Relevance to industry

In petrochemical industry where employees are involved in both static and dynamic activities, determination of musculoskeletal symptoms contributing factors can be considered as a basis for planning and implementing interventional ergonomics program for preventing musculoskeletal symptoms and improving working conditions.     

Effectiveness of a participatory ergonomics intervention in improving communication and psychosocial exposures

A participatory ergonomics programme was implemented in an automotive parts manufacturing factory in which an ergonomics change team was formed, composed of members from management, the organized labour union and the research team. It was hypothesized that the participatory nature of this change process would result in enhanced worker perceptions of workplace communication dynamics, decision latitude and influence, which in conjunction with anticipated mechanical exposure reductions would lead to reduced worker pain severity. Utilizing a sister plant in the corporation as a referent group, a quasi-experimental design was employed with a longitudinal, repeat questionnaire approach to document pre-post intervention changes. Nine participatory activities (psychosocial interventions) were implemented as part of the process. Communication dynamics regarding ergonomics were significantly enhanced at the intervention plant compared to the referent plant. However, there were no significantly different changes in worker perceptions of decision latitude or influence between the two plants, nor did pain severity change. Possible explanations for these results include limited intervention intensity, context and co-intervention differences between the two plants, high plant turnover reducing the statistical power of the study and lack of sensitivity and specificity in the psychosocial measures used. Further research should include the development of psychosocial tools more specific to participatory ergonomic interventions and the assessment of the extent of change in psychosocial factors that might be associated with improvements in pain.     

Neck pain prevalence and associated occupational factors in Portuguese office workers

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of neck pain and to identify associated occupational factors in Portuguese office workers.BackgroundThere is still necessary to quantify the association of the use of new technologies with neck pain in office workers.MethodsSix hundred-and-one office workers completed online questionnaires with questions related to anthropometric parameters, work-related variables, workstation setup, and musculoskeletal pain from the Portuguese version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of neck pain was 56.1%. An average of 35.6% of the office workers with neck pain reported pain in more than three body segments. The significantly risk factors were “age between 50 and 65” [OR: 1.92 (1.26–2.91) P = 0.002], “working without break for 2 h” [OR: 1.82 (1.00–3.31) P = 0.05], “more than 3 h” [OR: 2.41 (1.35–4.10) P = 0.003], screen localization not centered” [OR: 2.01 (1.01–4.00) P = 0.045], and “use of computer mouse more than 50% of the worktime” [OR: 2.05 (1.14–3.71) P = 0.017].ConclusionThere was a high prevalence of neck pain and a considerable number of painful body segments in office workers. Age, working without break, screen localization and the use of computer mouse where the significant risk factors associated with the development of neck pain.Relevance to industryA high prevalence of neck pain and number of areas with pain in office workers require a detailed pain mechanism assessment. There were associated occupational risk factors for the development of neck pain. Call for concerted actions to explore optimal and efficient management plans.     

A replicated field intervention study evaluating the impact of a highly adjustable chair and office ergonomics training on visual symptoms

Objective

Examine the effects of two office ergonomics interventions in reducing visual symptoms at a private sector worksite.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study design evaluated the effects of a highly adjustable chair with office ergonomics training intervention (CWT group) and the training only (TO group) compared with no intervention (CO group). Data collection occurred 2 and 1 month(s) pre-intervention and 2, 6 and 12 months post-intervention. During each data collection period, a work environment and health questionnaire (covariates) and daily health diary (outcomes) were completed. Multilevel statistical models tested hypotheses.

Results

Both the training only intervention (p < 0.001) and the chair with training intervention (p = 0.01) reduced visual symptoms after 12 months.

Conclusion

The office ergonomics training alone and coupled with a highly adjustable chair reduced visual symptoms. In replicating results from a public sector worksite at a private sector worksite the external validity of the interventions is strengthened, thus broadening its generalizability.     

Study protocol and baseline results for a quasi-randomized control trial: An investigation on the effects of ergonomic interventions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders,quality of work-life and productivity in knowledge-based companies

IntroductionWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the major causes of lost workdays, increased costs, and occupational diseases in all countries. The prevalence of WMSDs among the workers in small and medium-sized enterprises in Iran was reported as 73%. This paper aimed to describe the design of an interventional study to investigate the effects of ergonomic interventions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, quality of work-life, and productivity among office workers of knowledge-based companies and introduce the results obtained from the baseline survey.Methods/designIt was a quasi-randomized control trial study on 313 participants with four parallel groups including ergonomic training intervention; management training and work changes intervention; ergonomic training, management training and work changes intervention; and non-interventional control group. The primary outcome was WMSDs, and the secondary outcomes were occupational stress factors, quality of work-life, and productivity. All primary and secondary outcomes were measured before the interventions, one, three, and six months after the interventions.ResultsAt this phase of study only baseline results were reported. 328 participants, with a mean age of 31.97 years (SD = 5.39), completed the baseline survey and entered the study. The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was found in neck (52.13%), right shoulder (41.16%) and right forearm (37.2%), respectively.ConclusionErgonomic interventions were conducted based on baseline data of the participants at individual and management levels. The focus of training program interventions was to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in upper limbs; in management training and work changes program, the focus was to increase social support.Trial registrationIRCT registration number: IRCT20181204041840N1 (date of registration: 2019-02-05).     

A field intervention examining the impact of an office ergonomics training and a highly adjustable chair on visual symptoms in a public sector organization

Objective

Examine the effect of a multi-component office ergonomics intervention on visual symptom reductions.

Methods

Office workers were assigned to either a group receiving a highly adjustable chair with office ergonomics training (CWT), a training-only group (TO) or a control group (C). A work environment and health questionnaire was administered 2 and 1 month(s) pre-intervention and 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. Multi-level statistical models tested hypotheses.

Results

The CWT intervention lowered daily visual symptoms (p < 0.01) post-intervention. The TO group did not significantly differ from the control group. The CWT group differed significantly from the TO group (p = 0.01) post-intervention.

Conclusion

Workers who received a highly adjustable chair and office ergonomics training had reduced visual symptoms and the effect was maintained through twelve months post-intervention. The lack of a training-only group effect supports implementing training in conjunction with the highly adjustable chair to reduce visual symptoms.     

The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among British Columbia sonographers

A survey (n = 211, 92% response rate) was carried out to determine baseline prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and identify related biomechanical, psychosocial, work organization and demographic factors among the population of sonographers in British Columbia, Canada. Ninety-one percent of respondents reported musculoskeletal pain or discomfort that they associated with the work tasks of scanning. Almost half reported frequent and severe symptoms. The neck, shoulder, and upper back were the main symptomatic body sites. A very small minority were absent from work due to the symptoms, with more than two thirds of respondents reporting working in pain. Bivariate analyses found significant associations between scanning time, static postures, psychosocial factors, and degree of musculoskeletal symptoms.     

The investigation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among female workers in a hazelnut factory: Prevalence,working posture,work-related and psychosocial factors

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational health problems in the industrialized world. The identification of WMSDs specific to occupation is essential to plan and implement preventative programs. This study investigated the prevalence of WMSDs and determined the factors related to the severity of the most common disorders among female workers in a hazelnut factory.MethodsA total of 114 female workers were examined in this cross-sectional study using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and an author-developed questionnaire (for socio-demographic characteristics and psychosocial factors). Working posture, craniovertebral angle, thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), and lumbar lordosis angle were evaluated based on a photogrammetry method using the ImageJ program.ResultsThe prevalence of WMSDs in at least one body part during the last 12 months was 92.1%. The highest prevalence of WMSDs was in the lower back (61.4%), neck (57.9%), shoulder (53.6%), and upper back (45.6%). The least affected part was the elbow. Lower back, shoulder, and neck disorders were the most common causes of activity limitation. The severity of lower back pain was associated with stress in the workplace and work-related factors. The neck pain severity was related to craniovertebral angle and work-related factors. The shoulder pain severity increased with TKA and employment duration. TKA was related to upper back pain severity.ConclusionsWMSDs are common among female workers in a hazelnut factory. Reorganizing of working posture, work-related factors, and stress at work may be beneficial to decrease the prevalence of WMSDs and pain severity.Relevance to Industry; The female workers in the hazelnut factory are vulnerable to the work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the spinal region. The employers should endeavor to improve the health of the workers by the adjustment of the working posture and environmental factors.     

Office ergonomics training and a sit-stand workstation: Effects on musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and performance of office workers

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among office workers with intensive computer use is widespread and the prevalence of symptoms is growing. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of an office ergonomics training combined with a sit-stand workstation on musculoskeletal and visual discomfort, behaviors and performance. Participants performed a lab-based customer service job for 8?h per day, over 15 days and were assigned to: Ergonomics Trained (n?=?11) or Minimally Trained (n?=?11). The training consisted of: a 1.5-h interactive instruction, a sit/stand practice period, and ergonomic reminders. Ergonomics Trained participants experienced minimal musculoskeletal and visual discomfort across the 15 days, varied their postures, with significantly higher performance compared to the Minimally Trained group who had a significantly higher number of symptoms, suggesting that training plays a critical role. The ability to mitigate symptoms, change behaviors and enhance performance through training combined with a sit-stand workstation has implications for preventing discomforts in office workers.     

Physical risks of work-related musculoskeletal complaints among quarry workers in East of Iran

Quarry workers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal complaints. The aim of this study was to evaluate the working postures and prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among quarry workers. In this cross-sectional study 78 male quarry workers were assessed using the method of Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and musculoskeletal complaints data were obtained by the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQs). Results of the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in body parts of stonemasonry workers was higher found than in the stonecutting workers. The highest prevalence rate of musculoskeletal problems in both stonemasonry and stonecutting workers was 65.7% and 54.8% respectively related to waist. The stonemasons with 62% had high level of risk and stone cutting workers with 47.6% had moderate risk level. Significant correlation was found among age, work experience, BMI, and prevalence of musculoskeletal problems. There was also a significant relationship between the wrist and lower back pain with the risk level of REBA score. The study results showed that musculoskeletal problems of workers had high prevalence and accordingly most of the work conditions and postures needed to be improved, so prioritizing the necessity of corrective actions and intervention are to be gained.     

Impact of a joint labor-management ergonomics program on upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms among garment workers

This study evaluated the effect of an ergonomics intervention program on the prevalence and intensity of symptoms of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders among 36 garment workers performing an operation called spooling. Adjustable chairs were introduced and workers were trained in their use. Symptom surveys were administered prior to and 6 months after introduction of adjustable chairs. Quantitative pre- and post-intervention measurement of joint position was performed utilizing videotapes among a subgroup of nineteen. Eighty nine percent of the cohort reported pain in either the neck or at least one upper extremity anatomic site prior to the adjustable chair intervention. Among subjects reporting pain at baseline, there were significantly decreased pain levels in 10 of 11 anatomic sites after the intervention. Among all subjects, the proportion reporting pain decreased for each anatomic site following the intervention, with statistically significant decreases in 3 sites. However, there were only modest declines in awkward posture among the videotaped subgroup. This study suggests that introduction of an ergonomics program focused on education and introduction of an adjustable chair may diminish musculoskeletal symptomatology in apparel manufacturing workers.     

DASH questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms in industry workers: a validity and reliability study

Purpose

The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire is a self-administered region-specific outcome instrument developed as a measure of self-rated upper-extremity disability and symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and the construct validity of the DASH questionnaire by establishing its correlation to the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) in industry workers. Also we aimed to investigate whether the DASH can be used as a standardized questionnaire to evaluate the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in upper extremity in industrial settings and epidemiological studies.

Material and methods

The Turkish version's reliability and construct validity were evaluated in 240 industry workers with upper-extremity musculoskeletal complaints. Workers were asked to complete a packet that included the DASH and the SF-36. Test-retest reliability was assessed in all workers who filled in the DASH questionnaire 15 days later. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing the overall and work component DASH scores with SF-36 summary and subscales.

Results

The mean DASH score for the textile workers whose duties were confection, dyeing, sewing, quality control and packaging was calculated as 65, 55, 68, 54 and 67, respectively. As a result of this study, pain intensity in shoulder, wrist and hand was significantly associated with the DASH score (p<0.05). Internal consistency of the DASH was high (Cronbach alpha 0.91). Test-retest reliability was excellent for the overall DASH (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.92). Moderate correlations (p<0.05) were found between the overall and work component DASH and the SF-36 summary scales. Pearson correlation coefficients of the overall and work component DASH to the SF-36 subscales ranged from −0.33 to −0.82.

Conclusion

These results support that DASH is a reliable and valid instrument to measure functional disability and investigate the ergonomic risk factors in textile workers with upper-extremity musculoskeletal complaints.     

The prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among loggers in Poland

This paper presents an analysis of the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms (MSD) among loggers in Poland. As a diagnostic tool, a modified Nordic questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was completed by 353 professional loggers. The results showed the dominant MSD symptoms during the last twelve months to be those of the lower back (66.3%) and hands/wrists (left 50.1%, right 51.3%). A significant percentage of respondents also reported symptoms of the upper back (45.6%), shoulders (38.2% for each shoulder), and knees (left 36.0%, right 39.4%). Statistically significant relationships were found between the age of the subjects, the work experience, and the number of body regions in which MSD symptoms were reported during the last twelve months. These results show that education and recommendations to use safe working postures, techniques and organization of work with a chainsaw should still be improved.Relevance to industryThis paper analyzes the prevalence of MSD symptoms among Polish loggers and provides a basis for the implementation of preventative measures.     

A case study of Taiwanese custom-beverage workers for their musculoskeletal disorders symptoms and wrist movements during shaking task

This study administered the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to a convenience sample of 106 workers at custom-beverage vendors in Taiwan (who prepare drinks through manual shaking) to explore their work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and identify risk factors for these disorders symptoms. Wrist posture for twenty workers were also measured for three shaking methods using an electrogoniometer. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in the past year among the respondents was 88.6%. Most of them reported discomfort in their hands/wrists (67.9%), followed by the lower back/waist (44.3%), knees (39.6%), and shoulders (38.7%). Hands/wrists and low back/waist discomforts varied significantly by the worker's gender and the number of working days per week, and hands/wrists discomfort also by the shaking method. Knee discomfort was affected by age and whether rest periods at work were scheduled, whereas shoulder discomfort by work experience, number of working days per week, and number of drink orders prepared per day. Measurements in wrist postures exhibited that repetitive activity for each wrist was as high as 4 time/s for a cup preparation (10 s). Among shaking methods, curve swing can constrain the shakers' wrists in a relatively neutral position and a smaller range of movement than others, regardless of the sex.Relevance to industryBecause of the nature of shaking-based beverage preparation work, the respondents have a higher prevalence of discomfort in the hands/wrists, lower back/waist, knees, and legs/ankles than their counterparts in other industries. These findings are expected to inform the prevention and alleviation of musculoskeletal discomfort in custom-beverage workers.     

Associations between individual and workplace risk factors for self-reported neck pain and disability among female office workers

A cross-sectional survey of female office workers (n=333) was undertaken to determine the level of neck pain and disability (Neck Disability Index-NDI) and to explore the relationship between individual and workplace risk factors with the NDI score and the presence of pain. Workers reported nil (32%), mild (53%), moderate (14%) and severe (1%) neck pain. There were more risk factors associated with the NDI score than the presence of neck pain. The presence of neck pain was associated with a history of neck trauma (OR: 4.8), using a graduated lens (OR: 4.6), and negative affectivity (OR: 2.7) in the multiple regression model. Factors associated with higher NDI score were using the computer mouse for more than 6h per day, higher negative affectivity, older age and an uncomfortable workstation. These results suggest that measuring the level of neck pain and disability rather than just the presence of neck pain provides more specific directives for the prevention and management of this disorder.