Web-based office ergonomics intervention on work-related complaints: a field study

Abstract

The aim of this study was a proof of concept to examine the effects of a web-based office ergonomics intervention on subjects' individual workplace adjustments. An intervention study was conducted with 24 office workers lasting 6 weeks with three consecutive phases (before, 1 and 5 weeks after the intervention). Employees used a purpose-made website for adjusting their computer workplaces without any personal support of ergonomics experts. Workplace measurements were taken directly on site and by analysing photos taken of the employee. Self-reported complaints were assessed by filling in a questionnaire. It was found that 96% of the employees changed their workplaces on their own and retained them mostly unchanged after the intervention. Furthermore, self-reported musculoskeletal complaints and headache symptoms decreased significantly after the intervention. These findings suggest an improvement of workplace conditions so that cost-effective ergonomic web-based interventions appear promising in further research and application.

Abstract

Practitioner Summary: A field study was conducted using for the first time a website as an intervention tool in offices. Employees used it independently without personal expert training. Results indicated that employees could improve their computer workplace situation after using the website.

Keywords::

• computer workplace
• eyestrain
• musculoskeletal complaints
• training
• e-learning

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Carola Reiffen Ute Lobisch, and Patrick Weidling for their help in the field, Nathaniel Stott and Guido Wessel for realising the website, and the company Novus GmbH & Co. KG (Lingen, Germany) with their employees for participating and providing the office facilities. The study was part of the DFG-project JA 747/5-1.