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The proactive approach--is it worthwhile? A prospective controlled ergonomic intervention study in office workers
Jasminka Goldoni Laestadius1, Jian Ye, Xiaodong Cai
1The World Bank, Joint Bank/Fund Health Services Department, Washington, DC 20433, USA.
Objective:
Does proactive ergonomics program enhance office worker health and productivity?
Method:
The investigation was conducted in connection with the move of 1500 office staff to a building with improved ergonomics. It was focused on associations between workstation features, working postures, musculoskeletal pain symptoms, and eye strain before and 18 months after implementation of a proactive ergonomic program. The outcomes were compared between the intervention and a similar reference group.
Results:
Associations between improvement of postures and less musculoskeletal pain and eye strain were confirmed. A cross association between several features and postures and improved symptoms was noted, along with improved productivity.
Conclusion:
The study suggests that a proactive program adhering to the OSHA recommendations needs to include an individual workstation assessment to be effective in reducing symptoms and increasing productivity.
