Psychosocial risks analysis for employees in public administration

D. Pastare¹, Z. Roja¹, H. Kalkis¹²* and I. Roja³

¹University of Latvia, Ergonomics Research Centre, Raina blvd. 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
²University of Latvia, Faculty of Business, Management and Economics, Department of management, Aspazijas blvd. 5, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
³MFD Healthcare group, Vienibas gatve 109, LV-1000, Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@gmail.com

Abstract:

Nowadays psychosocial risks at work have a serious impact not only on the health of employees, but also on the economic performance of organisations, and this is the biggest challenge in working environment. In Latvia, employees in public administration comprise 11% of the total population. Hence the aim of this study was to analyse the causes of psychosocial risks and the differences in their prevalence among inspectorate officials employed in the State Administration compared to office staff employed by the State Administration. A modified Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire from the Danish National Research Centre for the Working Environment was used to assess psychosocial risks at work. One public administration organisation was selected for the study, which involved 111 staff (60 inspecting officers and 51 office staff). The analysis of the results of the psychosocial risk assessment shows that there are statistically significant differences in the assessment of four out of 11 psychosocial risks to the working environment. The most common psychosocial work environment risk factor among inspectors is the inadequate attitude of management, but the most common risk factor among office employees is the lack of impact on work. To reduce the spread of psychosocial risks more effectively, an individual approach is required for each worker.

Key words:

inspectors, Office workers, psychosocial risks, public administration, work environment

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Assessment of Parameters of Muscle Tone and Health Status among Office Workers

K. Oha¹, V. Viljasoo¹ and E. Merisalu²

¹ Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences,
64 Kreutzwaldi Str., EE51014 Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: kristel.oha@emu.ee; pteh@emu.ee
² Institute of Public Health, The University of Tartu,
19 Ravila Str., EE50411 Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: eda.merisalu@ut.ee

Abstract:

Our way of life has changed considerably because of increased computer usage. Usually people do not think about links between computer work, fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders.

The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains, assess the musculoskeletal status and general health condition and to analyze associations between these indices. The methods of the study were based on a questionnaire, myometry and dynamometry. The most common musculoskeletal pains among office workers were neck pain (51.5%) and lower back pain (41.7%). Pains in the hands/wrists (34.5%), knees (29.9%) and elbows (14.6%) were less reported. The measurements of m. trapezius showed that the values of the tone were higher in the afternoon. Also, the most values of m. erector spinae were higher in the afternoon. The measurements of the grip strength showed a decrease in strength during the day.

The study confirmed the results of many earlier studies that the most common pains among office workers are neck and lower back pains. Office work is a burden especially for the m. trapezius and also for the m. erector spinae.

Key words: