Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31306/s.65.2.2
Risk of physical overload due to working on a computer in persons with disorders of the musculoskeletal system
Ivana Markota
; Dom zdravlja Šibenik, Šibenik, Hrvatska
Roko Žaja
; Škola narodnog zdravlja Andrija Štampar, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Renata Ecimović Nemarnik
; Dom zdravlja Zagreb Zapad, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Hana Brborović
; Škola narodnog zdravlja Andrija Štampar, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders among office workers are common and affect their workability. The legislation of the Republic of Croatia regulates office workers’ health surveillance due to prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and overload reduction. The aim of this research was to examine the risk of physical overload due to performing repetitive movements on the computer by using a standardized method for risk assessment. The participants (N=25) were interviewed during a periodic health check-up at the occupational and sports medicine clinic, and the level of risk of physical overload was calculated by using a questionnaire about repetitive movements. All participants had their musculoskeletal complaints aggravated after the work shift, and were diagnosed according to the medical history, interview and physical status. Nine participants worked on the computer with an increased level of risk, and sixteen with a high level of risk of physical overload. The head and neck (N=24), back (N=22), elbows (N=22) and fingers (N=25) were in non-ergonomic positions in the majority of participants. Twenty participants were on sick leave due to musculoskeletal problems in the past year. The most common diagnoses among the participants were: back pain (N=14) and carpal tunnel syndrome (N=4). Office workers who have musculoskeletal problems are at risk of physical overload and require health surveillance. Ergonomic adaptation of the workplace is necessary to reduce the risk of physical overload in office workers. This research is ongoing and the conclusions of this paper will be verified and supplemented by analysing future data.
Keywords
back pain, ergonomics, carpal tunnel syndrome, questionnaire, working conditions
Hrčak ID:
305260
URI
Publication date:
3.7.2023.
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