Evaluation of Computer Workstation Ergonomics and its Effect on the Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Ergonomics, positioning and posture of body and design of workstations in offices are considered key research areas in recent times. There is a wide gap in practice and theory of ergonomics. The goal of this study is to evaluate the musculoskeletal health of the employees with relevance to ergonomics and workstation design in practical environment of software houses. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 96 computer users of software houses in Lahore, a metropolitan city of province Punjab, Pakistan. Inclusion criteria of the study were male and female software house employees, aged between 24–31 years, who use computer workstation for at least 03 hours a day and had at least 06 months working experience. Data on prevalence of employees’ musculoskeletal disorders was collected through a specially designed questionnaire adapted from Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Computer workstations were evaluated by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) computer workstation eTool. Our studies show that the lifetimes’ prevalence of WMSDs in Females is highest in the neck (72.7%), followed by lower back (50%) and in Male, the lifetimes’ prevalence of WMSDs was highest in neck (59.5%), followed by shoulder (54.1%), lower back (43.2%). The neck, shoulder upper back, and lower back are the most affected area.By using logistic regression it was analyzed that the significant ergonomic risk factors for WMSDs in neck region was poor design in Workstation (OR=0.951, 95% CI: 0.929-0.974, Overall Chi-Square: 38.22), followed by design flaws in seating (OR=0.952, 95% CI: 0.927-0.978, Overall Chi-Square: 38.22).