Adjustable Sit-Stand Workstations in the Office

Abstract

This study describes the approach taken and the results measured thus far from the introduction of sit-stand workstations in an office environment. Adjustable workstations have been developed and introduced in an office within United Parcel Service (UPS). A sit-stand workstation consists of the following components: modular panel walls, an adjustable front work surface, an adjustable rear work surface, and an adjustable chair. An employee can sit or stand while working and perform the adjustments to the workstation with fingertip ease and control. The job requirements of all of the employees using the new workstations are sedentary in which there is constant use of the computer to perform a variety of tasks. A training program was also introduced to review basic principles of human factors and ergonomics and to provide instruction in how to properly use the new workstations, chairs, and other accessories. Prior to the installation of the workstations, various benchmark data were collected including: production levels, absenteeism, and injuries and illnesses. A survey of body part discomfort identified areas that were of concern. Following the installation of the workstations, the same data have been and will continue to be collected to measure the effectiveness of the ergonomic interventions. Body part discomfort decreased by an average of 62 percent. Production in two departments that were monitored demonstrated improvement, however at this time the study cycle is too short to hypothesize long term results. The occurrence of injuries and illnesses decreased by more than half. Absenteeism did not show significant changes. These data will continue to be tracked to measure the results of the interventions.