Analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders on office workers at the industrial university of Santander

Abstract

Office work has caused pain presence and development of musculoskeletal diseases related to work and repetitive task all over the world. This study looked forward to identifying and analyzing the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among workers at the Industrial University of Santander, Colombia. The Nordic questionnaire with evaluation in neck, shoulders, low back, elbows and wrists/hands was used, since it is a very powerful tool to study the occupational factors, as well as to identifying their nature in order to generate proposals for changes that reduce musculoskeletal demands into work activities. This questionnaire was completed by 121 workers, including teachers and administrative employees, from October to November 2016. Results showed that the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the last 12 months and 7 days was in the neck and lower back. Additionally, they indicated that workstations in offices should be laid out following ergonomics standards, guidelines and recommendations.