Prevalence of data operators’ musculoskeletal symptoms during the workday and workweek

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Abstract
The aim of this report, which is part of a study on the factors of mental load in office work, was to determine whether 30 data operators’ musculoskeletal symptoms varied during the workday and workweek. An ergonomic survey was also carried out to find measures to improve the workstations and to motivate the operators to recognize problem areas. The results showed that all musculoskeletal symptoms increased during the workday, but symptoms in the neck and shoulders most of all. There were no differences in the prevalences of symptoms between the beginning and the end of the workweek. In response to the questions on mental-load factors, operators described their work as not mentally demanding but as very pressing at times. They felt they received insufficient feedback and that their work was not appreciated by the work organization. These results led to the following recommendations: job rotation; increased feedback;, more instruction on how to adjust the worksite. Excercises for relaxation and the improvement of muscle awareness were also recommended.

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