Affiliations: Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Kevin Berner, Boston University, 940
Commonwealth Avenue West, Boston, MA 02215, USA. Tel.: +1 617 353 3549; Fax:
617.353.7700; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The population of people using computers is increasing in home,
school and work environments [20,21]. Research suggests that more computer
usage may lead to increased incidence of upper extremity cumulative trauma
disorder (UECTD) and other work related musculoskeletal injuries [8]. Yet,
proper computer workstation ergonomics training is not readily available. This
pilot study attempts to better understand the gap between ergonomic
interventions and the initiation of work-practice change. The pilot study used self-report through an anonymous Internet
survey to explore university faculty and staff training in computer workstation
ergonomics, assess UECTD and other computer-use related symptoms, and learn
about the respondents' success implementing their knowledge of computer
workstation ergonomics. The 55 respondents ranged in age from 21 to 65, and
spent an average of 5.3 hours at the computer during a typical workday. Over
70% respondents experienced symptoms associated with excessive computer use.
Although 60% workstation ergonomics information, less than 10% implementing
their knowledge of computer workstation ergonomics in their tasks. This paper
looks at organizational and individual issues preventing the implementation of
computer workstation ergonomics in the workplace. The Transtheoretical Model
for Health Behavior Change [25,27] is used to further evaluate effectiveness of
ergonomic interventions. Recommendations for interventions and future
evaluations are presented.
Keywords: computing, UECTD, human factors, change, Visual Display Terminal (VDT)
