Office ergonomics programs serve as a powerful means of enhancing organizational effectiveness through improving workers’ health and well-being. When a successful office ergonomic program is implemented, the result is an increased ability for the workers to perform his/her job in a healthful, safe manner. Incorporating a "work systems design" approach to developing these intervention programs can demonstrate positive results in minimizing negative health effects including a reduction in lost workdays, work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), and injury rates. We present two case studies describing office ergonomics interventions that were implemented and evaluated. These ergonomic interventions included; training, workspace redesign, and workstation evaluations. Effects of these office ergonomic intervention programs on work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), discomforts, computer ergonomics awareness and knowledge, lost workdays, and performance are given. Overall positive effects of the office ergonomic intervention programs were demonstrated; a significant reduction in work related musculoskeletal disorders, lost work days, and reported discomforts. In one case study, self-reported psychological stress decreased for workers who received the office ergonomic interventions of highly adjustable workstations, and ergonomics training. It appears that when a work system approach is applied, positive and significant effects occur; a decrease in negative health effects, psychological stress, and WMSDs. Workers’ overall quality of working life is enhanced, influencing individual and group performance. Office ergonomics interventions based on this approach, including workstation design, workstation evaluations, and training can be successful intervention strategies at both the individual and organizational level in preventing WMSDs, related computer job stress and enhancing organizational effectiveness.
Learning Objectives: To identify the key successful elements of office ergonomics intervention programs. To be able to evaluate the effectiveness of office ergonomics intervention programs
Keywords: Ergonomics, Occupational Health Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.