Combining Workstation Design and Performance Management to Increase Ergonomically Correct Computer Typing Postures

ABSTRACT The effects of workstation changes and a performance management (PM) package on seven typing postures were examined for seven office workers. Workstation adjustments were implemented first. Two participants increased five safe postures by 50% or more. The effects of a PM package on postures that did not improve by 50% were then examined using a multiple baseline design across participants. The PM package included information, feedback, and praise. Composite percent safe scores for postures targeted in the PM package increased for all seven participants, with increases ranging from 54% to 80%. Results suggest that it is beneficial to combine ergonomic design and performance management in office ergonomic programs.

[1]  R. P. Wells,et al.  Interventions for musculoskeletal disorders in computer-intense office work: A framework for evaluation , 2002 .

[2]  L M Schleifer,et al.  Work Posture, Workstation Design, and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in a VDT Data Entry Task , 1991, Human factors.

[3]  T. Waters.  Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders for Youth Working on Farms , 2007 .

[4]  Steven J. Shute,et al.  Effects of Adjustable Furniture on VDT Users , 1984, Human factors.

[5]  C S Pan,et al.  The impact of keyboard design on comfort and productivity in a text-entry task. , 1997, Applied ergonomics.

[6]  Alicia M. Alvero,et al.  The effects of conducting behavioral observations on the behavior of the observer. , 2004, Journal of applied behavior analysis.

[7]  F. Gerr,et al.  Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users: lesson learned from the role of posture and keyboard use. , 2004, Journal of electromyography and kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology.

[8]  R. A. Green,et al.  Factors related to working posture and its assessment among keyboard operators. , 1991, Applied ergonomics.

[9]  C G Drury,et al.  Posture, Postural Discomfort, and Performance , 1985, Human factors.

[10]  BEHAVIOR-BASED SAFETY Does BBS Work ? BEHAVIOR-BASED SAFETY & INJURY REDUCTION : A SURVEY OF THE EVIDENCE , 2001 .

[11]  Etienne Grandjean.  Fitting the task to the man , 1969 .

[12]  Alyce M. Dickinson,et al.  CRITICAL REVIEW AND DISCUSSION Behavioral Safety Research in Manufacturing Settings: A Review of the Literature , 2000 .

[13]  John Chappelow,et al.  The psychology of safety , 1988 .

[14]  Jacob Cohen,et al.  A power primer. , 1992, Psychological bulletin.

[15]  Barbara A. Plog,et al.  Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene , 1996 .

[16]  R. Scott,et al.  Computer terminal work and the benefit of microbreaks. , 2001, Applied ergonomics.

[17]  B Nilsson,et al.  The influence of VDT work on musculoskeletal disorders. , 1995, Ergonomics.

[18]  J P Psihogios,et al.  A field evaluation of monitor placement effects in VDT users. , 2001, Applied ergonomics.

[19]  F Gerr,et al.  Upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms among female office workers: associations with video display terminal use and occupational psychosocial stressors. , 1996, American journal of industrial medicine.

[20]  Fred A. Moss.  Basic principles of behavior. , 1929 .

[21]  J. Austin,et al.  Institutionalization and Response Maintenance in Organizational Behavior Management , 2006 .

[22]  B. Sulzer-Azaroff,et al.  Acquisition and maintenance of health-care routines as a function of feedback density. , 1990, Journal of applied behavior analysis.

[23]  Jack L Michael,et al.  Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis , 1993 .

[24]  Daniel E. McCrobie,et al.  Effects of keyboard tray geometry on upper body posture and comfort. , 1999, Ergonomics.

[25]  Terry E. McSween,et al.  The values-based safety process : improving your safety culture with a behavioral approach , 1995 .

[26]  Benefits for Environmental Decisions,et al.  Commission On Behavioral and Social Sciences And Education , 1990 .

[27]  B. Bernard,et al.  Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace factors: a critical review of epidemiologic evidence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and low back , 1997 .

[28]  Barbara Silverstein,et al.  Workplace Changes Associated with a Reduction in Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Office Workers , 1998, Hum. Factors.

[29]  Steven E. Butt,et al.  Objectively Determining Comfortable Lumbar Support in Task Seating , 2006 .

[30]  Sherry R. Perdue.  Addressing Ergonomic Hazards Through Behavioral Observation and Feedback , 1999 .

[31]  Beth Sulzer-Azaroff,et al.  Cumulative Trauma Disorders: Behavioral Injury Prevention at Work , 1996 .