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Ergonomics & Human factors 2018 Archives of Medicine
ISSN: 1989-5216 Page 43
July 26-27, 2018
Rome, Italy
1 st Edition of International Conference on
Ergonomics &
Human Factors
Musculoskeletal strain (MSS) is one of the mayor health
problems in office workers (OW), while in EU these affecting
millions of workers and cost companies a billion euros every
year. Working long time in sitting position in unergonomic
work postures causes MSS and working ability loss. The aim
of the present study is to evaluate musculoskeletal strain in
office workers association with working ability, and ergonomic
workplace environment conditions. All participants worked in
Estonian Government Buildings whole workday with computer in
sitting position. Participants filled modified Nordic questionnaire,
which evaluates MSS in last 30 days in eight different body
regions. Work ability was assessed by standardized questionnaire
(Finnish Institute of Occupational Health), where calculated work
ability index (WAI). Results showed that MSS in last 30 days was
localized primarily in low back (69%), in neck (67%), in shoulders
(56%), and in upper back (51%). Women perceived more MSS in
upper back (p=0.032), in shoulders (p=0.027), and in neck (0.002)
compared with men. OW-s average work ability according to WAI
was “good” (result±SD: 38±5). Lowest work ability index was
noted in age group 40-49 a (1%). OW-s, who weren’t satisfied with
their workplace ergonomics, perceived more MSS (p<0.05) (in
wrist, in upper back, in shoulders, and in low back In conclusion
office workers in Estonia perceived more musculoskeletal strain
in low back, in neck, in shoulder, in upper back, and in wrist.
Unergonomic workplace causes often MSS in OW. Work ability
loss is noted in individual office workers, starting at the age of
40. To avoid and prevent musculoskeletal strain it is obligatory to
evaluate workplace ergonomics, use ergonomic equipment, and
take rest breaks during workday.
Recent Publications
1. Sirge Triinu, Ereline Jaan, Kums Tatjana, Gapeyeva
Helena, Pääsuke Mati (2017). Motor function
characteristics in supermarket cashiers with and
without low back pain. NES Joy at Work. Ed. Anna-Lisa
Osvalder, Mikael Blomé and Hajnalka Bodnar (Eds.).
Lund University: Lund University, 148.
2. Sirge Triinu (2017) Our bodies are designed to move.
Personnel Praktik. 64:36-37.
3. Sirge Triinu (2016) et al. Prevalence and localization
of musculoskeletal strain in female office workers.
Publications of the University Eastern Finland. Report
and Studies in Health Sciences 22. 2016, 276 p.,
160−163.
4. Sirge Triinu (2016). Kuidas muuta kuvariga töökoht
ergonoomiliseks? (How to design ergonomic office
workplace?). Personali Praktik, 57, 34−36.
5. Sirge T (2014) Musculoskeletal symptoms, and
perceived fatigue and work characteristics in
supermarket cashiers. Agronomy Research.
12(3):915-924.
Biography
T Sirge has completed (2010) her studies in Estonian University of Life Sci-
ences, the only place in Estonia, where you can study ergonomics. She is
currently completing her Doctoral studies at University of Tartu, in move-
ment and sport sciences. She is an active Member in ErgoEst (Ergonom-
ics Association in Estonia), Founder of Ergoway OÜ (leading occupational
health, safety, and ergonomics company). She has published many articles
about ergonomics, musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational health.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal strain in office workers
association with working ability and ergonomics
T Sirge, J Ereline, T Kums, H Gapeyeva and M Pääsuke
University of Tartu, Estonia
T Sirge et al., Arch Med 2018, Volume 10
DOI: 10.21767/1989-5216-C1-002