Office Workstations

Source

CTD News, 1995, Consumers Power Intervenes before CTDs Hit, Ergonomics that Work, CTD News.

Task Prior to Abatement (Description)

Workers had to perform regular office work using computers.

Task Prior to Abatement (Method Which Identified Hazard)

Reporting high levels of physical discomfort associated with employee’s workstations.

Ergonomic Risk Factor (Posture)

Awkward posture was required to perform the tasks.

Visual discomfort involving glare.

Ergonomic Solution (Administrative Controls)

1. A pilot ergonomics program was initiated.
2. Each new employee receives an ergonomic information packet including different exercises to relieve stress and proper posture to perform the tasks.
3. Training programs were initiated.

Ergonomic Solution (Engineering Controls)

• New ergonomic chairs with wrist rests were provided.
• Footrests were provided.
• Workstations were moved to minimize glare without shutting out daylight.
• Blinds and window coatings were installed to further reduce glare in some windows.

Ergonomic Solution (Benefits)

Workers are more comfortable on their jobs and they spend more time at their workstations.

Ergonomic Solution (Method Which Verified Effectiveness)

• 60 percent reduction of high physical discomfort among customer-service department.
• Increasing overall comfort level from 18 percent before the program to 66 percent after implementing the program.
• 50 percent decrease in employees reporting high levels of fatigue.

Comments

Consumer Power Ergonomics Program showed that responding to CTDs in the workplace could be very economical.