Ergonomics and Neuromusculoskeletal Discomfort among Office Workers

Abstract

The progress and development in the 21st century has made technology to surround almost every aspect of our lives. The use of computers has made office works much easier but on the other hand it has also created an influx of new physical ailments in part of the workers. Because of this, the practice of office ergonomics has become an essential component of an organization to maintain the health of the workforce. This study aimed to determine the relationship between workplace ergonomics and occupational-related neuromusculoskeletal discomfort among office workers in Cagayan de Oro City. It utilized an observational analytic cross-sectional design. An actual interview and observation of workplace ergonomics and occupational-related neuromusculoskeletal discomfort among office workers. The indicators for workplace ergonomics are practiced among office workers on their individual workstation and implemented among office environment and organization. The office workers experienced occupationalrelated neuromusculoskeletal discomfort affecting the neck, shoulder, and the back characterized by aching/cramp, pain, and numbness/tingling type of discomfort, but was bearable in terms of intensity of discomfort, and majority of the respondents experienced the discomfort for 1 hour to 1 day which can be considered as quite of short duration. Among the workplace ergonomics indicators, workspace and organization has a significant bearing on the body area affected and type of discomfort respectively. Keywords - office ergonomics, office workers, occupational-related neuromusculoskeletal discomforts, individual workstation