Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Administration entails a high level of computerization with multiple risk factors (including psychosocial
and of ergonomic nature), affecting worker health and well-being. An ergonomics researcher supported
by a senior ergonomist and guided by a domain specific checklist assessed physical ergonomics of an
organization, including 96 administrative workers in the assessment. Unstructured observations and
interviews to the workers were also done. Socio-demographic, musculoskeletal health and psychosocial
job data was collected from a composite questionnaire including the versions validated for the Portuguese
population of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Copenhagen Psychosocial
Questionnaire (COPSOQ). This paper demonstrates an approach to jointly monitor multiple factors to
support controlling work system efficiency, safeguarding health. Even though postural issues, especially
static posture, have previously been identified as risk factors contributing to the onset of musculoskeletal
disorders (MSD), the results of correlation analysis did not unveil a salient association between
musculoskeletal complaints and ergonomic mismatches. The analysis did unveil statistically significant
associations between exposure to psychosocial job factors and ergonomic risk factors. The pairs of
variables actually associated were different according to gender confirming the need for future studies
aiming the gendered study of MSD causality.
Relevance to industry: Computerized offices expose workers to multiple risk factors (including of psychosocial
and ergonomic nature), and possibly influence their health and well-being. The paper demonstrates
an approach to jointly monitor multiple factors to support controlling work system efficiency
and negative outcomes.
Description
Keywords
Musculoskeletal symptoms Computerized work Gender specificity