1. Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in office work: A case study
- Author
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Lima, Tânia M., Coelho, Denis A., and uBibliorum
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Engineering ,Physical ergonomics ,Risk Assessment ,Musculoskeletal disorders ,Occupational safety and health ,Nursing ,Humans ,Office Automation ,Operations management ,Musculoskeletal Diseases ,business.industry ,Office work ,Technician ,Rehabilitation ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Human factors and ergonomics ,Middle Aged ,Assessment of ergonomic hazards ,Checklist ,Biomechanical Phenomena ,Occupational Diseases ,Work (electrical) ,Information and Communications Technology ,Office automation ,Female ,business ,Risk assessment - Abstract
Twelve recently built office work stations, where jobs imply continued use of information and communication technologies, were analyzed for ergonomic risk factors. Based on a literature review of ergonomic recommendations for computer and general office work, a checklist was devised for assistance in identifying inadequate ergonomic situations, a process that was informed by pain complaints information. RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) was selected to estimate the risk of MSDs, considering the criteria of applicability and appropriateness to the case studied. This method was applied by an occupational health and safety technician to the most critical job observed in the workplace. Criticality was estimated through observations aided by the systematic use of a checklist tailored to the specific office scenario. Recommendations for change were provided for implementation in all workplaces in the office, in order to improve work conditions, and guide the setup of a MSD prevention training program.
- Published
- 2011