Enhancing Workplace Health: The Impact of Ergonomics Training and Office Intervention
The increasing prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among computer workers has sparked concerns, given the widespread use of computers in the USA. This short read blog explores one scientific study that explored the effectiveness of workplace training interventions aimed at reducing musculoskeletal discomfort among workers of office settings.
Background:
Computer work presents specific ergonomic risk factors for WMSDs which prompts researchers to investigate the role of ergonomics training and workstation design in preventing injuries. Past studies have highlighted the need for both engineering controls such as workstation redesign as well as administrative controls such as training programs, to mitigate musculoskeletal risks.
Objective:
The study aimed at assessing the impact of an office ergonomics workplace and training interventions on the workers' knowledge and self-reported musculoskeletal pain and discomfort.
Two hypotheses were tested:
(1) self-reported pain would decrease with workspace flexibility, and
(2) the combination of workspace flexibility and ergonomic training would lead to the greatest reduction in musculoskeletal discomfort.
Materials and Methods:
The study involved 1,135 participants of a large corporate office building, with a flexible office space designed with a 750-employee capacity. The quasi-experimental design included a control group, a group receiving only new workspaces, and a third group receiving both new workspaces with ergonomic training. Data was collected both before and after the interventions.
Workplace Intervention:
The workplace intervention was aimed to enhance worker effectiveness, providing ergonomic designed workspaces with significantly more adjustable furniture. The new design fostered openness with some natural lighting as well as auditory and visual privacy. Adjustable office task chairs and moveable partitions were introduced to create a more ideal ergonomic work environment.
Ergonomics Training Intervention:
The administrative control or training program was developed by using an instructional model with specific objectives. These included instruction on how to recognize musculoskeletal disorders, understand key ergonomic principles, and how to properly adjust a customizable workstation. The training focused on active adult learning models and incorporated various media for delivery.
Results:
The participants reported that the office ergonomics training was beneficial and showed significant increase in understanding related to ideal or neutral body postures, ergonomic design features and how to use them, and corporate resources to self-help. The group receiving both the training and the improved workspaces exhibited the most significant decrease in overall discomfort. This supports the hypothesis that training complements ergonomic changes for maximum benefit.
Discussion and Conclusions:
The study suggests that a combination of both ergonomic training with workplace design changes will show a significant reduction in MSD related discomfort in office workers. While providing ergonomic furniture alone is still beneficial, coupling it with training will enhance the overall benefits and further drive down WRMSDs. The results emphasize the importance of proactive workplace interventions and training programs to foster a safer work environment ultimately improving employee health and retention.