Correlation of ergonomic risk factors with RULA in IT professionals from India

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are common in computer professionals worldwide. Studies have shown that there is an association between the working posture and the development of musculoskeletal disorders. The IT professionals are exposed to different awkward posture while working. Therefore, it is expected that workers may develop different kinds of musculoskeletal discomfort/pain. This study aimed at to find out the relationship between the musculoskeletal discomfort and the postural score. RULA was used for postural analysis. Results of the postural analysis revealed that 30% of the participant’s posture need to “modify soon” and 15% need to modify “immediately”. 78% of the participants were using computer for more than 8 hours in a day. The major workstation risk factors were reported as improper keyboard height and mouse tray height (32%), improper monitor height (27%) and improper chair height (12%). Results also revealed a significant association between the regional body pain and the RULA score. Musculoskeletal pain was significantly associated with workstation keyboard/mouse surface (r=0.55) and duration of computer use (r=0.64). Intervention programme was recommended for the participant to modify the workstation and the working posture.