Ergonomics can combat increase in work-related strain

With increasing computer use, the causes of work-related strain have changed. Tiredness, sleeping difficulties, and neck and shoulder complaints are common symptoms today. Adjusting workstation ergonomics, with the advice of an expert, can help to alleviate such strain and increase work productivity.

According to Statistics Finland’s Quality of Work Life Surveys, the number of employees using a computer in their work increased significantly from 1984 to 2003 (from 17% to 75%, see Figure 1). Although technology should increase work efficiency, it does not appear to reduce the strains of work. The causes of work-related strain have merely changed as offices become increasingly computerised. Typical causes of strain among knowledge workers include information overload, mental and visual demands, irregular working hours, and muscle strain and tension. As a result, tiredness, sleeping difficulties, and neck and shoulder complaints are common among employees in this sector. Promotion of health and safety at work should focus on preventing these types of strain.

Benefits of appropriate ergonomics

According to studies, recommended ergonomics reduce neck, shoulder and arm complaints that are common in computer work, as well as increasing work productivity. This is evidenced in a systematic review by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health of international scientific journal studies, on the effectiveness of ergonomics. The changes described in these studies mainly relate to workstation adjustments, technical keyboard and mouse solutions, and to taking regular work breaks. Although variations in methodology make comparisons difficult, several of the studies produced very similar results in relation to workstations and technical solutions. Thus, the research underlines the health risks posed by computer work - risks that could be alleviated if more consideration was given to workstation ergonomics.

Reducing strain

Because of their design, the keyboard and mouse cannot be used with the wrist and hand in a natural, resting position. This inevitably leads to physiologically unnatural positions and to increased pressure in the wrist canal. Long-term use may lead to complaints like tendon sheath inflammation. By adjusting the keyboard and mouse, as well as the workstation and chair, the position of the upper body and wrists can be brought closer to their natural balance, thus reducing the strain on the shoulder region and upper body.

A Norwegian study compared a standard mouse with a special ‘grip mouse’, similar to the joystick used for computer games. When using the latter type of mouse, the wrist is in a natural, centralised position and the clicking is done with the thumb. Some 67 persons suffering from neck and shoulder complaints participated in the study, and testers of the grip mouse were drawn randomly from the group. After six months, those using the new mouse had fewer symptoms of strain.

Adjustments and changes focus on individual needs, so a change in ergonomics that is subjectively perceived as good can lead to a reduction in symptoms. However, short information briefings are not sufficient to implement changes in ergonomics; lasting changes demand either repeated training sessions or adjustments made with the hands-on advice of professional experts in workplace ergonomic solutions.

A study conducted in Finland compared three different information procedures. One group only received an information leaflet about ergonomics; another group received an hour’s instruction on how to make adjustments to their workstation; in the third group, the ergonomics of the workstations were adjusted jointly with an expert. The researchers found that workstation ergonomics improved significantly for the group that had been assisted by the expert, whereas no difference could be seen between the other two groups.

Conclusion

Office work today is physically lighter and does not require great muscular power, but even minor long-lasting muscular tension appears to be harmful. Research underlines the health risks posed by computer work, and finds that these risks are alleviated if more consideration is given to workstation ergonomics. However, short information briefings on the issue are insufficient; expert advice involving ergonomic adjustments is necessary to implement change.

References

Lehto, A.M. and Sutela, H., Uhkia ja mahdollisuuksia. Työolotutkimusten tuloksia 1977-2003 [Threats and opportunities. Findings of Finnish Quality of Work Life Surveys 1977-2003) , (in Finnish, forthcoming in English), Statistics Finland, 2004 .

Ihminen tietotyössä, Työ ja ihminen 3/2004, [Knowledge workers: the work and the people 3/2004] Työterveyslaitos, 2004 (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 2004).