Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, Indiana
University, Indianapolis, IN, USA | Department of Environmental Health, Eastern Kentucky
University, Richmond, KY, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Thomas F. Fisher, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA,
Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Indiana University,
Coleman 311, 1140 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. Tel.: +1 317
278 6070; Fax: +1 317 274 2150; E-mail: tffisher@iupui.edu
Abstract: A research team with backgrounds in occupational therapy,
rehabilitation, policy and rulemaking, and prevention programs affecting
occupational health and safety designed, validated, and analyzed an ergonomics
survey of university staff and faculty. The purpose of the study was to
validate identified risk factors from the literature contributing to
work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) in an office setting within a
university setting. The study was also designed to determine differences
between faculty and staff in the university setting and their exposure to
physical risk factors to WRMDs. The results suggest faculty have their keyboard
in awkward positions more frequently than staff, and staff had more experience
with mechanical stress than faculty. The researchers recommend parameters for
the design of a university ergonomics program based on employee and education,
management commitment, medical case management, problem job identification, and
development of solutions.
