Investigation of the multi-component ergonomics intervention effects on improving musculoskeletal outcomes and speech communication: A case study in open-plan offices
Affiliations: [a] Department of Ergonomics, Faculty of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| [b] Research Centre for Health Sciences, Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| [c] Department of Occupational Health and Ergonomics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| [d] Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| [e] Modelling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Centre, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Soheyla Ahmadi Charkhabi, Department of Ergonomics, Faculty of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. E-mail: ahmadicharkhabi@yahoo.com. ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0199-322x
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Office workers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) due to improper workstations. Open-plan bank office employees must communicate with bank clerks properly and perform financial activity precisely, but noise is a factor that disrupts their communication. Therefore, MSS and annoying noise are two of the main problems in open-plan offices. OBJECTIVE:This study evaluated the effects of a multi-component intervention involving individual (employee ergonomics training) and physical (improvements in workstation design and work environment) ergonomic factors on musculoskeletal outcomes and speech communication in open-plan environments. METHODS:A preliminary survey was carried out to investigate the overall ergonomics problems, the tasks and time analysis, workstations setup, the prevalence of MSS (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), physical discomfort (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), and posture (assessed by Rapid Upper Limb Assessment [RULA] method), environmental status (measurement of noise), and speech intelligibility (assessed by Speech Interference Level [SIL] method based on ISO 9921). The multi-component interventions were performed afterward based on the data collected. A baseline assessment and a 9-month follow-up assessment were conducted. RESULTS:The results showed a significant decrease in the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints (shoulders, elbows, and low back), physical discomfort, and awkward working postures after the intervention. A considerable improvement was also found in speech intelligibility post-intervention. The post-intervention questionnaire survey also indicated that employees generally favored the redesigned workstations. CONCLUSION:The results support the effectiveness of implementing multi-component interventions in open-plan bank offices to improve musculoskeletal complaints and speech communication.
