Ergonomic risk assessment and factors associated with work related musculoskeletal disorders among supporting staffs of naresuan university

Abstract

          The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the ergonomic risk and (2) to determine factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders among supporting staffs using computer of Naresuan University. Data were collected from 74 staffs. Collected data were divided into 2 parts: 1) The data performed using interview form regarding personal characteristics, computer using, and musculoskeletal disorders. 2) The ergonomic risk was assessed using Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA). Then Eta and Pearson Correlation were used to analyze the relationship between various factors and musculoskeletal disorders.
          The results showed that the most staffs were female (83.8%) with an average age of 38.41±6.23 years old. There were 91.9% of staffs that working hours was 6 hours per day or higher. Their average working experience was 16.41±5.29 years. There were 90.5% of staffs that high level of ergonomic risk. Additionally, the top three weighted scores of musculoskeletal disorders were right shoulder (11.68±23.55), neck (10.19±20.23), and left shoulder (8.93±19.02), respectively. While Computer type was a significantly associated with the average weighted scores of right shoulder and left shoulder discomfort (p-value = 0.003 and p-value < 0.001, respectively). There was a significantly positive relationship between the distance from the screen and the average weighted scores of right shoulder discomfort at low level (p-value = 0.008).
          The results indicated that the staffs should use a desktop computer to substitute notebook computer. Moreover, the working stations should be appropriately provided to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders.