An Ergonomic Evaluation and Redesign of Office Workstations to Decrease Reported Musculoskeletal Discomfort Using an Internet-Based Office Erognomics Program

Abstract

An ergonomic evaluation of 100 office spaces at a Midwest chemical manufacturing plant in the United States was conducted from May through October 2001. An internet-based office ergonomics program was used to find discrepancies between the recommended and actual measurements taken of employee workstations at the time of the assessments; to make appropriate adjustments; to purchase ergonomic equipment and furniture (when simple adjustments could not be made); and to administer musculoskeletal discomfort surveys. Thirty-three employees were selected for follow-up assessments at least one week after all adjustments were made, using the same procedure as the first assessments. These workers were chosen based on severity of reported discomfort ratings, greatest need for workstation changes (i.e., actual versus recommended workstation measurements), and amount of new furniture received or equipment installed. of these 33 participants 28 were able to complete the post assessment. A comparison of the two assessments showed that more than 54% of the employees reported reduced musculoskeletal discomfort after adjustments were made and ergonomic furniture was added to their workstation.