title: The effects of an office ergonomics training and chair intervention on worker knowledge, behavior and musculoskeletal risk.
abstract: A large-scale field intervention study was undertaken to examine the effects of office ergonomics training coupled with a highly adjustable chair on office workers' knowledge and musculoskeletal risks. Office workers were assigned to one of three study groups: a group receiving the training and adjustable chair (n=96), a training-only group (n=63), and a control group (n=57). The office ergonomics training program was created using an instructional systems design model. A pre/post-training knowledge test was administered to all those who attended the training. Body postures and workstation set-ups were observed before and after the intervention. Perceived control over the physical work environment was higher for both intervention groups as compared to workers in the control group. A significant increase in overall ergonomic knowledge was observed for the intervention groups. Both intervention groups exhibited higher level behavioral translation and had lower musculoskeletal risk than the control group.
authors.affiliation: Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA 01748, USA. michelle.robertson@libertymutual.com
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: Benjamin C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Amick
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: DeRango
authors.forename: Ted
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rooney
authors.forename: Lianna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bazzani
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Harrist
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009141:Musculoskeletal System; D016272:Occupational Health; D011187:Posture; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D017132:Workplace