Affiliations: Department of Occupational Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi
University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran | Department of Internal Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi
University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran | Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd,
Iran
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Amir Houshang Mehrparvar, Department
of Occupational Medicine, Shahid Rahnamoun Hospital, Farrokhi Avenue, Yazd,
Iran. Tel.: +98 351 6229192; Fax: +98 351 6229194; E-mail:
ah.mehrparvar@gmail.com
Abstract: Objective: Substantial evidence shows an association between
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and certain work-related physical factors. One
of the jobs with known ergonomic hazards is working with video display
terminals (VDTs). Redesign, ergonomic improvements, and education have
generally been recommended as solutions for the prevention of musculoskeletal
disorders. We designed this study to assess the effects of ergonomic training
on the working postures of VDT users. Methods: In an intervention study, we assessed the impact of
ergonomic training on the ergonomic hazards and work postures in employees
working with VDTs. Participants and their workstations were assessed by Rapid
Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method before and after training. Participants: 70 employees of an office, working with a VDT more
than four hours per day entered the study. Results: The greatest compliance with OSHA workstation
recommendations was seen with the monitor (21.4% of cases) and the least
compliance with the one was the chair (10.0%). Mean RULA score before and after intervention were 5.90, and 5.07,
respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: It can be concluded from this study that training
office ergonomics to the VDT users, even without changing work place components
can significantly improve VDT users' behavior and ability to properly fit a
workstation to him/herself.
Keywords: Office ergonomics, RULA, MSDs, ergonomic training
