The Changing Face of Office Ergonomics

ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal pain has been an important issue over the decades among office workers. Whether caused or just aggravated from poor posture, or inappropriately adjusted workstations, the issue continues to be a challenge to staff, employers and ergonomists. In this brief overview of some important aspects of these problems, the authors give hands-on suggestions on how to organize, monitor and address some of the aggravating factors.

It is our sincere hope that this article will provide arguments based on scientific evidence for our many field ergonomists who struggle to convince managers to buy ergonomically-adequate equipment, and to make sure the equipment is well adjusted for each individual worker. The role of the ergonomist is continuously changing with our technological advances, but to be effective this has to include direct worker participation and awareness.

Keywords:

Leadership, musculoskeletal disorders, occupational diseases/prevention and control, office ergonomics, pain/etiology, posture, psychological, risk factors, stress, work-related disorders, workspace design.