Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ergonomics and
Human Performance Laboratory, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong,
China | Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and
Special Education, College of Education, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Chetwyn C.H. Chan, Department of
Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom,
Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. Tel.: +852 2766 6727; Fax: +852 2330 8656; E-mail:
Chetwyn.Chan@polyu.edu.hk
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Efforts have been paid to lower the health risks
associated with use of computers at the workplace. Computerized risk assessment
systems are available in the market for adoption by companies. OBJECTIVES: The Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment and
Management System was designed for conducting risk assessment and providing
intelligent-driven solutions for DSE-related occupational health problems. This
report summarizes two consecutive research work conducted on evaluating its
effect in reducing body discomfort and mental fatigue, and enhancing sedentary
workers' occupational health. METHODS: Convenience sampling was adopted to recruit participants
(111 participants for Study 1 and 75 participants for Study 2 who were randomly
assigned to an immediate or a delayed intervention group. The intervention was
using DSE RAM System to perform a risk assessment followed by an immediate
modification of participant's workstation based on the recommendations
generated by the System. Face to face interview was conducted and participants
completed three sets of questionnaires right before the assessment and two
weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: The results of Study 1 revealed that the DSE RAM System was
effective for alleviating the discomfort and fatigue levels by rectifying the
workstation-worker match. These mismatches were identified to be the heights of
monitor, keyboard and chair with the workers. The results of Study 2 indicate
that the System was specific for promoting participants to take more frequent
rest breaks (OR: 3.65) and pay more attention to occupational safety and health
information (OR: 3.90). In particular, the take frequent rest breaks behavior
was found to predict decrease in discomfort in the eyes and mental fatigue
(lack of energy). Nevertheless, there was no strong evidence on the use of the
System can lead to immediate attitudinal changes towards occupational health
and safety. CONCLUSION: The findings support the notion that workers'
participation and integration of ergonomics into the management are important
for successful implementation of occupational health programs. Together with
educational and skill training sessions on occupational health at the
workplace, the DSE RAM System offers a venue for implementing participatory
ergonomics at the workplace.
