The Proactive Approach--Is it Worthwhile? A Prospective Controlled Ergonomic Intervention Study in Office Workers

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.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Laestadius, J. G., Ye, J., Cai, X., Ross, S., Dimberg, L., Klekner, M.
Format:	Journal Article biblioteca
Language:	EN
Published:	2009
Subjects:	Adult, Asthenopia, Case-Control Studies, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Human Engineering, Humans, Inservice Training, Male, Middle Aged, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Occupational Diseases, Occupational Health, Posture, Sick Leave, Workplace,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/10986/5103
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!