Computer users’ health risks caused by the simultaneous infl uence of inadequate indoor climate and monotonous work
Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia.
Abstract:
This paper is aimed at improving the workplace ergonomics of computer workers (working as information-technologists or in offices and at the till of trade companies). The paper includes the assessment of the risk of monotonous work, but also the influence of indoor climate conditions on development of health damages at workplace (developing carpal channel syndrome). A questioning of workers was carried out (Kiva questionnaire) to clarify the opinion of workers about the work atmosphere at the workplace. The novelty of the study is that the work conditions (indoor climate, lighting, noise) are closely connected with the monotonousness of the work. Cold temperatures (<20°C in office), bad lighting (<300 lx at the till or <400 lx in the office) are supplementary factors for developing the musculoskeletal disorders. The results of analysis of repetitive work (ART tool) show that the intensity of work for workers totally engaged in info-technology is high, but in some way monotonous, therefore health problems like musculoskeletal disorders are very common. The rehabilitation possibilities are proposed. The questioning of the workers showed that the workers working with computers are focused on their own work tasks and do not require very much the relations with the co-workers.
Key words:
computer workers, indoor climate conditions, musculoskeletal disorders