The effects of ergonomics training on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of teleworkers.
OBJECTIVE
The rapid growth of teleworking has raised several social and legal issues regarding an employer's responsibility for the safety of an employee's home office. In this paper, researchers discuss the need for safety training for teleworkers and the effectiveness of a home office ergonomics training program.


METHODS
Study participants (N = 50) were randomly assigned into a treatment or control group. The treatment group completed the ergonomics training and a pre- and posttest. The control group completed the pre- and posttests without training.


RESULTS
The study demonstrated the need for teleworker ergonomics training. More than 85% of participants had not received teleworker training before, and 44% had experienced pain or discomfort while teleworking. Participants who completed the training significantly improved their scores on knowledge, attitude, and practices subtests. In a follow-up survey, participants indicated that they had made ergonomic changes to their offices based on the training. Several participants indicated that the pain or discomfort that they had been experiencing was eliminated or reduced as a result of the training.
Harrington Software Associates, Inc., 7431 Wilson Road, Warrenton, VA 20186, USA. Susan@hsainc.com
Susan S
SS
Harrington
Bonnie L
BL
Walker
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D006804:Ergonomics; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012984:Software