Affiliations: Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology,
Department of Design Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden | Division of Ergonomics, School of Technology and
Health, Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, Huddinge, Sweden
Note: [] Corresponding author: H. Hemphälä, Division of
Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Department of Design Sciences, Lund
University, P.O. Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden. E-mail:
hillevi.hemphala@design.lth.se
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The static posture of postal workers when sorting mail
can lead to musculoskeletal discomfort. Research has shown a connection between
eyestrain and upper-body musculoskeletal discomfort in general, including
postal workers. A previous study of postal workers found that most of those
with eye strain were in need of a new correction in their existing spectacles.
OBJECTIVE: Evaluate intervention effects on eyestrain and
musculoskeletal discomfort with new spectacles for postal workers. METHODS: Postal workers subjectively reported eyestrain,
musculoskeletal discomfort and their opinions of the visual environment via
questionnaires pre- and post-intervention. After an eye examination the postal
workers were divided into two groups: those who needed new spectacles and those
who did not. RESULTS: Those who needed new spectacles showed a higher prevalence
of eyestrain and musculoskeletal discomfort pre-intervention.
Post-intervention, the postal workers rated their vision better and the average
eyestrain and musculoskeletal discomfort decreased for both groups. These
workers also experienced a decrease in discomfort on the left (static) side of
the neck while sorting mail. CONCLUSION: An intervention providing the optimal correction reduces
eyestrain and decreases musculoskeletal discomfort, especially from the neck.
