A Study of the Physical, Organizational and Individual Risk Factors in Employees with Computer Work

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common in individuals with computer based work. The currently known risk factors for these disorders is in the literature derived to physical, organizational and individual factors. A recent survey of three working groups at a company in Stockholm explored that more than 50% of the employees had neck and shoulder problems. Aim: The study aims to create a better understanding for the current musculoskeletal problems at the company. Such an understanding is created by examining the physical, organizational and individual risk factors in the workplace and the result can provide a good basis for intervention proposals. Method: In order to answer the aim of the study the authors chosed to use both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection through interviews and questionnaire survey. The interview and questionnaire was designed to create both a specific and comprehensive picture of the physical, organizational and individual risk factors having a bearing effect on the existing MSD problem. Result: Seven categories were compiled from interviews, which largely deals with the fact that high demands can lead to behaviors that may pose a significant risk for the occurrence of MSD. Behaviours such as taking fewer breaks and having a hard time letting go of work during breaks and free time. In addition it was found that workers believe that the ventilation is a major cause of the problem. A widespread dissatisfaction with ventilation, temperature and noise were also seen in the responses from the survey. A correlation analysis showed that an exposure of multiple physical risk factors correlate with the prevalence of MSD among workers. Conclusion: The result of this study exemplifies how the interaction between organizational and individual factors may cause MSD in the neck and shoulder. However, it seems that the workers themselves often relate the MSD problem to physical risk factors in the working environment such as poor ventilation. A dissatisfaction with physical factors in the work environment seems to have a moderate correlation with the prevalence of MSD among the workers. Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, Neck, Shoulder, Computer work, VDU, Risk factors, Organizatio