A Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Visual Display Terminal Workers

N.A Samsuddin,Dian Darina Indah Daruis

doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/aef.10.300

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of workstation ergonomic intervention in reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in Visual Display Terminal (VDT) workers. The study was carried out at one of a Multinational Company in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Sixty Heavy VDT workers were selected randomly as case study respondents. Questionnaires were given to 60 respondents to investigate their awareness in ergonomic intervention, job-related factors that contributing to musculoskeletal disorders, as well as MSD severity and symptoms among them. Then, 30 workers who are heavy VDT users were selected to receive the education and ergonomics interventions, whereas another 30 receive the education and ergonomic intervention, whereas another 30 workers were assigned as a control group. The two groups were then crossedover after sixth week, and follow-up questionnaire s we given to all of them once again. The results for both questionnaires, before and after the ergonomics intervention, were then analyzed for this case study. The interventions include ergonomics leaflets, ergonomic posters, online ergonomic education and ergonomic working posture guidance. The outcomes suggested that a participation in an ergonomics program, even though in a short duration and minimally disruptive to the normal workplace routine, can still contribute to a rapid effect on improving work posture. Although improper posture is associated to be the main risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, multigroup and long-term randomized trial are required to establish the effectiveness or workstation ergonomic intervention in reducing musculoskeletal disorders in VDT workers. In conclusion, there is significant evidence that individualized ergonomic interventions may contribute to improve work-related posture and reduce MSD injuries for VDT workers.

Highlights

This research purpose is to study musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) symptom among visual display terminal (VDT) workers, as MSD injuries are commonly reported among VDT workers
Even though an elevated risk of low back pain (LBP) associated with prolonged sitting does not necessarily indicate to a higher prevalence in VDT workers in comparison to the other occupational groups, the hypothesis that prolonged sitting is contributing to a higher risk of LBP in comparison to workplace conditions that allow more postural variation cannot be excluded [1]
Current Trends in Ergonomics contributing to musculoskeletal disorders, as well as MSD severity and symptoms among them

Summary

Introduction

This research purpose is to study musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) symptom among visual display terminal (VDT) workers, as MSD injuries are commonly reported among VDT workers. One of the main topic in improving work-related posture and general health of VDT workers is workstation ergonomic intervention. The common characteristics that contribute to the onset of MSD are repetitive movements, sustained postures, and incorrect work postures. Sitting in incorrect, fixed positions for a long time increases the biomechanical stress on the back, neck, shoulders, and upper limbs. Incorrect sitting posture could play an important role in determining both an increase of stress within the disc and a sustained stretch of passive lumbar structure in combination with poor back muscle activity. The activity to sustain non-neutral postures during computer use, such as neck rotation and shoulder abduction. Are defined as risk factors leading to the onset of symptoms in the neck and shoulder area. Even though an elevated risk of low back pain (LBP) associated with prolonged sitting does not necessarily indicate to a higher prevalence in VDT workers in comparison to the other occupational groups, the hypothesis that prolonged sitting is contributing to a higher risk of LBP in comparison to workplace conditions that allow more postural variation cannot be excluded [1]

Methods

Results

Conclusion