HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE: POSTURE, ERGONOMICS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to map the epidemiological profile of chronic musculoskeletal disorders and the ergonomic risks of body posture in the office environment. Methods: Data were collected using an electronic form composed of sociodemographic questions and adapted versions of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Rapid Office Strain Assessment questionnaires. Results: The average age of the 73 participants in the extension project was 25.3 years and most of them had higher education. Of these, 86.3% had experienced pain, numbness, or tingling in the past 12 months and of these, 90.5% had more than one body part affected by symptoms. Of the thirteen body postures evaluated (sitting, leaning, knee position, feet, elbows, forearms and head), all were identified as ergonomically inadequate, especially those related to the chair used. Conclusion: There is an evident need for immediate health care actions for this population, since the office environments were not ergonomically adequate and the workers were already ill. Ergonomic intervention actions and health education are essential to guide the risks of this environment and propose behavioral changes to reduce/prevent musculoskeletal disorders. One limitation of the study may be that the sample was affected by the effect of healthy workers, i.e., those who were already affected by chronic musculoskeletal disorders were interested in participating in the project.