Overview
Keywords: Office Ergonomics; Musculoskeletal Disorders; Ergonomics Tool
Timeline: 2008 - 2010
Researchers: Syed Naqvi (Principal Investigator, OHCOW), Desre Kramer (University of Waterloo), Ted Haines (McMaster University). Student researcher: Kevin Hurley (University of Waterloo)
Funder: Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD)
Project type: Seed Grant
Sector/Workplace type: Office Sector
Theme:
Theme
3
Risk
assessment
and
hazard
identification
Background/rationale
The Musculoskeletal Disorder Guideline, Resource Manual and Toolbox for Ontario (OHSCO 2008) were developed by the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario (OHSCO) in 2008. The Checklists, which are part of these guidelines, have not yet been tested for usability or reliability at actual work places.
Research question/objectives/methods
This project aims to address these aspects by testing the usability and reliability of MSD Hazard Identification Tool: Computer Workstation Checklist (Tool).
It is important to see if ergonomists (professionally trained) and Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members (untrained) are both able to attain the same/similar results from the tool. Additionally, feedback from all users will be provided as to indicate the usability of the Tool.
After five years, there will be a re-evaluation of the Guideline. This project is a pilot evaluation to help inform necessary parties of prospective future revisions to improve the Tool.
Key findings
It was determined that reliability and usability of this Tool can both be improved. Some potential areas for improvement included:
- Providing some specific training associated with the Tool
- Adding specific detailed pictures for each individual question
- Rewording all questions which involve “double negatives
- Describing workstation characteristics rather than postures for some questions
- Creating more short and specific questions which address one factor only
- Further simplification of some of the terminology used in the questions
- Making questions regarding wrist posture very simple, specific and with a very detailed picture explaining what is being observed
Implications for the prevention of MSDs
Results from this study, have the potential for a number of positive impacts as follows:
- Help the system partners improve the Tool and training programs around office ergonomics
- Help the MSD prevention guideline committee modify and improve the Tool
- Help provide a better and more usable Tool for JHSCs and workers in the future