Office ergonomics: Measurements for success

Abstract

The essential elements of a successful office ergonomics program are: Adjustable office chairs, keyboard trays, and work surfaces. Visible support of middle and upper management through written and verbal communications, policies, and modeling the ergonomics process. Active involvement of health and safety professionals. Well trained assessors. Employee training and empowerment to adjust their workstations. Furniture manufacturers' response to the availability of more affordable and adjustable furniture. Since 1995, more than 500 assessors have been trained in Oregon within the state agencies. The success of the office ergonomics program is measured through workers' compensation insurance data. Trending data are based on office occupation claims for body part of arm, upper arm, elbow, finger, forearm, hand, upper extremity, or wrist; injury type of bodily reaction or overexertion; and nature of injury for carpal tunnel, sprain, strain, or inflammation. To assure accurate information, claims from neck and back injuries are not included. The graphs depict the downward trend in claims costs and time loss days (see Figures 9 to 12). The decreasing frequency of claims is not as significant as the decrease in claims costs. Management support is gained at all levels as the objective measures of reducing the frequency and severity of upper extremity cumulative trauma and related workers' compensation claims demonstrate program success. Consensus guidelines for office chairs, work surfaces, and peripheral equipment have been completed (Oregon Department of Administrative Services, 1999). Currently, emphasis is placed on establishing effective processes within the agencies. The ergonomics program in Oregon, using the principles cited above, demonstrates how a systematic, strategic approach can be used to introduce a program based and evaluated on objective measurements and results.