Evaluation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in office workers

Abstract

Background Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are conditions in which the work environment and performance of work contribute significantly to the condition; and/or the condition is made worse or persists longer due to work conditions. Objectives To evaluate the musculoskeletal problems, which may be encountered in various professional groups who spend most of their work hours on desk jobs and using computer. Methods 35 architects, 44 banker and 27 secretaries, with ages between 20 and 45 were included to the study. The participants' socio-demographical information, total year of employment, average number of daily work hours, time spent sitting at the desk, computer usage period and their pains during working and resting hours were investigated. Their risk degrees associated with their postures during work were evaluated through the Ovako Working-Posture Analysis System – (OWAS). Results The total year of employment was 9.22±3.02 in architects, 14.3±5.12, in bank employees and 7.18±2.43 in secretaries. Architects stated they spend 5.23±1.12 hours of a day at desk and 3.44±0.60 hours at the construction site; banker stated they spend 7.68±0.80 hours of a day performing desk jobs and secretaries stated they spend 9.52±2.14 hours performing desk jobs. Of the architects, 37% stated they have neck pains, 23% stated they have low back pains, and 39% stated they have wrist pains; of the banker, 44% stated they have neck pains, 52% stated they have low back pains and 38% stated they have wrist pains; and of the secretaries, 27% stated they have neck pains, 48% stated they have low back pains and 36% stated they have wrist pains. It was determined that while 58% of the architects have risky postures which have to be controlled at regular intervals, 43% of the banker and 52% of the secretaries have risky postures which have to be immediately treated. Conclusions Our study revealed that musculoskeletal problems are frequently encountered in various professional groups using computer, due to bad working postures and non-ergonomic working environments. We believe that studies in our country on musculoskeletal system disorders and on ergonomics are insufficient and that these disorders negatively affect employees and the economy by restricting the physical and psychosocial functions. By courtesy of ergonomics trainings which shall be initiated at early periods and which would prevent the problems which may occur in employees performing desk jobs, would provide significant contributions to the field of protective rehabilitation.