A comprehensive work injury prevention program with clerical and office workers: Phase I

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Martin, Susan A. | Irvine, Julie L. | Fluharty, Karah | Gatty, Carolyn M.

Affiliations: Chatham College, Woodland Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA. TeL.: +1 412 365 1695; Fax: +1 412 365 1213; E-mail: gatty@chatham.edu

Note: [] Corresponding author

Abstract: The risk for the development of musculoskeletal disorders and associated conditions in clerical and office workers is well documented. The majority of work injury prevention programs for this population were single-faceted (education, workstation redesign, or task modification) and yielded both positive and negative findings. This pilot study was conducted with 16 full-time clerical and office workers at a small private college. In a randomized control trial, the intervention group received four hours of individualized training through a multi-faceted injury prevention program. Between group differences in musculoskeletal symptom frequency and intensity and perceived stress and energy levels existed, although were statistically insignificant. There was a statistically significant decrease in Lower Back ache/pain from pre to post measures for the intervention group.

Keywords: ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, job modification

Journal: Work, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 185-196, 2003