Abstract
A method was developed for completing office ergonomic assessments using the Internet specifically designed for non-complex situations, and particularly as a proactive measure. However, it is as effective reactively, if the musculoskeletal disorder symptoms are not too complex. The system was tested in a major energy services firm as well as across a group of people interested in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the office. The online recommendations are similar to those developed by an onsite assessment. People were satisfied with the results. The benefits of the approach were seen in time to complete the assessment being cut by 57% and the total cost reduced by 73%. In nearly 20% of the online assessments, an onsite assessment was recommended due to complex or severe MSD symptoms. Even accounting for the additional cost of the onsite assessments, this method resulted in a cost reduction of approximately 50% and 37% reduction in time to complete the assessments.
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