Evaluation of the effect of ergonomic educational intervention on working condition correction and reduction of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers

Ghasemi N; Halvani G; Falah H; Najafipour A; Ghasemi M

doi:10.18502/tkj.v16i1.15125

Ghasemi N Department of Ergonomy, School of Public Health, Yazd University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Halvani G Department Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Yazd University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Falah H Department of Ergonomy, School of Public Health, Yazd University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Najafipour A Department of Medical, School of Medical, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ghasemi M Department of Nursing, School of Medical, Azad University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iranalth

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v16i1.15125

Keywords: Ergonomics training, work posture correction, musculoskeletal disorders, office workers

Abstract

Introduction: The growing trend of office workers and the use of computers in these workstations has caused an increase in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among them. Most of the studies have emphasized the need for interventions to improve the ergonomics of office workstations. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of ergonomic training intervention on improving working conditions and reducing musculoskeletal disorders in office workers.

Materials and Methods: The present research is a descriptive-analytical and correlational study. The statistical population of the study is all the employees of the administrative staff of Shuttle Company, according to the criteria for entering and exiting the study, 130 people participated in this study. After the initial evaluation of the work situation, the ergonomic training intervention program was presented to the employees of the company to reduce the musculoskeletal injury factors for two months. The physical condition was evaluated before and after the training. Data collection tools included the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Evaluation Questionnaire (NMQ) and the ROSA posture evaluation method. The data was analyzed by SPSS software; descriptive statistics and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The results of the study showed that the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders in different age groups is not significant in most body organs and only this relationship has been confirmed in the neck and upper back area. However, the relationship between skeletal and muscular disorders and employees' work history is not significant in most body parts, and only this relationship has been confirmed in the neck and upper back area. Finally, the ergonomic training of the studied subjects has had a significant impact on their calculated risk level (using the ROSA method).

Conclusion: Although most companies have equipment with the necessary ergonomics, employees do not know how to use them correctly. Due to the lack of knowledge of some managers and employees about the importance of ergonomics, it is better to provide these people with the necessary training in this field in addition to creating a work environment by the principles of ergonomics.