Work

The Proactive Approach—Is It Worthwhile? A Prospective Controlled Ergonomic Intervention Study in Office Workers

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Does proactive ergonomics program enhance office worker health and productivity? METHOD: The investigation was conducted in connection with the move of 1500 office staff to a building with improved ergonomics. It was focused on associations between workstation features, working postures, musculoskeletal pain symptoms, and eye strain before and 18 months after implementation of a proactive ergonomic program. The outcomes were compared between the intervention and a similar reference group. RESULTS: Associations between improvement of postures and less musculoskeletal pain and eye strain were confirmed. A cross association between several features and postures and improved symptoms was noted, along with improved productivity. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that a proactive program adhering to the OSHA recommendations needs to include an individual workstation assessment to be effective in reducing symptoms and increasing productivity.

Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3181bae19d

Authors: Jasminka Goldoni Laestadius, Jian Ye, Xiaodong Cai, Sandra Ross, Lennart Dimberg, Meg Klekner

Institutions: International Monetary Fund, World Bank

Language: English

Topic: Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funder: World Bank Group