Linda Delp1, Pin-Chieh Wang. 1. University of California Los Angeles Labor Occupational Safety and Health Program (UCLA-LOSH), Los Angeles, CA 90095-1478, USA. ldelp@ucla.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) persist among clerical workers despite ergonomic advances. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among 2,310 clerical workers investigated MSD cases, defined as musculoskeletal discomfort and seeking treatment for that discomfort in the past 12 months. A modified Poisson regression model was adopted to assess the association between work and individual factors and the risk of MSDs. RESULTS: Over half of respondents reported musculoskeletal discomfort. The prevalence of MSD cases was: 37.2% neck/shoulders, 21.7% upper extremities, 18% lower extremities, and 34.3% back region. Elevated risk of MSDs was associated with less workstation adjustability; work schedule, gender, age, and BMI were also significant. Positive trends were observed between computer use and MSDs for the neck/shoulder region and the effect was amplified among those reporting insufficient workstation adjustability and lacking computer ergonomics training. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate the need to limit continuous computer use and to improve the human-machine interface through adjustable workstations and worker training to enhance use of adjustable features.
BACKGROUND:Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) persist among clerical workers despite ergonomic advances. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among 2,310 clerical workers investigated MSD cases, defined as musculoskeletal discomfort and seeking treatment for that discomfort in the past 12 months. A modified Poisson regression model was adopted to assess the association between work and individual factors and the risk of MSDs. RESULTS: Over half of respondents reported musculoskeletal discomfort. The prevalence of MSD cases was: 37.2% neck/shoulders, 21.7% upper extremities, 18% lower extremities, and 34.3% back region. Elevated risk of MSDs was associated with less workstation adjustability; work schedule, gender, age, and BMI were also significant. Positive trends were observed between computer use and MSDs for the neck/shoulder region and the effect was amplified among those reporting insufficient workstation adjustability and lacking computer ergonomics training. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate the need to limit continuous computer use and to improve the human-machine interface through adjustable workstations and worker training to enhance use of adjustable features.
Authors: María Soria-Oliver; Jorge S López; Fermín Torrano; Guillermo García-González; Ángel Lara Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-08-30 Impact factor: 3.390