Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA | Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University,
Boston, MA, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Nancy A. Baker, 5012 Forbes Tower,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. Tel.: +1 412 383 6607;
Fax: +1 412 383 6613; E-mail: nab36@pitt.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Self-report checklists are used to assess computer
workstation set up, typically by workers not trained in ergonomic
assessment or checklist interpretation.Though many checklists exist, few have been
evaluated for reliability and validity. OBJECTIVE: This study examined reliability and validity of the
Computer Workstation Checklist (CWC) to identify mismatches between workers'
self-reported workstation problems. METHODS: The CWC was completed at baseline and at 1 month to
establish reliability. Validity was determined with CWC baseline data compared
to an onsite workstation evaluation conducted by an expert in computer
workstation assessment. RESULTS: Reliability ranged from fair to near perfect
(prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa, 0.38–0.93); items with the
strongest agreement were related to the input device, monitor, computer table,
and document holder. The CWC had greater specificity (11 of 16 items) than
sensitivity (3 of 16 items). The positive predictive value was greater than the
negative predictive value for all questions. CONCLUSION: The CWC has strong reliability. Sensitivity and
specificity suggested workers often indicated no problems with workstation setup
when problems existed. The evidence suggests that while the CWC may not be valid
when used alone, it may be a suitable adjunct to an ergonomic assessment
completed by professionals.
