Review on pen-and-paper-based observational methods for assessing ergonomic risk factors of computer work

Assessment of computer workstations for compliance with ergonomic guidelines: A field study

BACKGROUND

Computer workstation use is a risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Governmental guidelines have been developed as a resource for workstation set-up to minimize this risk. The degree of worksite compliance with guidelines has not been examined.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine workstations using the VDT Workstation Checklist to determine compliance, and potential modifications.

METHODS

Subjects were recruited from a variety of work settings in Erie, PA. Workstations were assessed with the worker present, using the VDT Workstation Checklist. Adjustments and recommendations were made as appropriate.

RESULTS

Of the 60 workstations examined, 48%did not receive a passing score. All but one were correctable to an acceptable level with minimal low-cost modifications. The recommendation for wrist rests (43%), changes in monitor height (30%) or position (27%) and reposition of the keyboard (13.3%) and mouse (13.3%) were the most frequent modifications. Ten (16.7%) workstations did not require modification.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of workstations reviewed were not in compliance with current guidelines, however almost all (98%) could be brought into compliance with simple modifications. Office workers need guidance in setting up workspace and adjusting ergonomic equipment to provide comfortable and safe work settings and minimize musculoskeletal symptoms.

Inter-Rater Reliability of Ergonomic Work Demands for Childcare Workers Using the Observation Instrument TRACK

The aim of this study is to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of a newly developed instrument-TRACK (observaTion woRk demAnds Childcare worK) for observations of ergonomic work demands in childcare work. Two trained raters conducted thirty hours of concurrent observation of fifteen childcare workers in three different day nurseries. Inter-rater reliability of ergonomic work demands was evaluated using Gwet's Agreement Coefficient (AC₁) and interpreted by the Landis and Koch benchmark scale. Twenty ergonomic work demand items were evaluated. Inter-rater reliability was 'almost perfect' for nine items (AC₁ 0.81-1.00), 'substantial' for four items (AC₁ 0.61-0.80), 'moderate' for four items (AC₁ 0.41-0.60), 'fair' for two items (AC₁ 0.21-0.40), and 'slight' (AC₁ 0.00-0.20) for one item. No items had 'poor' (AC₁ < 0.00) agreement. The instrument is reliable for assessing ergonomic work demands in childcare in real-life settings.