Investigation on Ergonomics Awareness among Video Display Unit Users - A Case Study among Office Workers in UPNM

Abstract

Office ergonomics has been emphasized in many industries and organizations. Health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive syndrome injuries are commonly reported by office workers worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of awareness and understanding of ergonomics among a local institute of higher learning office workers who use computers every day in their work. Secondly is to identify suitable ergonomics intervention programs for the workers. Survey questionnaires were developed as online survey and the link was emailed to all staff. However, questionnaire in hardcopies were also prepared and manually distributed to all the different departments in UPNM such as the Registrar, Bursary, HEPA, Library, Publisher, as well as Centres and Faculties. The number respondents were 50 out of 120 staffs and 62% of the respondents were female. Questionnaires were divided into sections to get information on the demographic background, to evaluate the level of awareness regarding ergonomics, to determine ergonomics trainings or exposures experienced, to investigate any problems related to health problems or discomfort and workstations as well as physiological and psychological complaints. The hyphothesis that the Universitys workers have very little knowledge regarding office ergonomics and yet some of them have already experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders was found to be true. The result shows that the current level of ergonomics awareness in UPNM could be considered as at the beginner level. Fifty six presents of the respondents in the first instance relate ergonomics to health, back pain and work-related injuries separately. More than 50% reported moderate pain and soreness at various parts of their body. Therefore, the next step of ergonomics intervention that could be introduced is to educate them through educational tools and expert talks.