Ergonomic aspects and health hazards on computer workstations' operators at Zagazig University : an occupational risk management approach

Abstract EN

Background : extent of computer usage in public and private sectors had been greatly increased in recent decades carrying the risk of several health hazards.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of self-assessment of physical discomforts among computer operators at Zagazig University, and to conduct an interventional ergonomic health education program and measuring the extent of success of this program.

Subjects and Methods : A study was conducted on 118 computer operators in different 12 computer workstations at Zagazig University.

A cross sectional study using standardized questionnaire, and interventional study included application of ergonomic health education intervention program were implemented.

Evaluation was done six months after conduction of the intervention to measure the degree of success of the program.

Results : Analysis of (lie collected data reveals that eye tiredness is the most common symptom which represents 70.3 %.

Headache also has a high percentage which represents 61 %, the least prevalent symptom is lacrimation which represents 24.6 %.

The significant risk factors for eye problems are screen glare, working duration more than 6 years in computer field and daily working hours in front of computer more than 5 hours.

Musculoskeletal problems eye problems, working duration more than 6 years in ; computer field and daily working hours in front of computer more than 5 hours are the significant predictors for work fatigue.

The most prevalent musculoskeletal symptom among studied computer operators is neck pain (49.2 %) followed by lower back pain (48.3 %).

Awkward posture, prolonged sitting, working duration more than 6 years in computer field and daily working hours in front of computer more than 5 hours are the significant risk factors for having musculoskeletal symptoms.

The ergonomic health education intervention program has a significant effect on raising computer operators' knowledge about computer health hazards and also has a significant effect on operators' practices towards modification and adaptation of their workstations regarding monitor and keyboard position.

Conclusion and recommendations: Although video display terminal work carries the risk of several health hazards, just application of simple ergonomic health education intervention program through meetings to address questions and concerns and then give the health education message about health hazards, risk factors and the right manner of safe practice can lead to significant positive impact on knowledge, practices and health status of workers.

So, we recommend periodic training, proper ergonomic basis, adequate room area and Establishment of ergonomic website directed to computer operators at Zagazig University Workstations.