Ergonomic Evaluation of Workstation of University Administrative Staff in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Abstract

Background: Workstation ergonomic designs, if inappropriate, can lead to exposure to risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate workstation ergonomic risk factors of university administrative staff. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on administrative staff workers in the universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad from July 2021- June 2022. Nonprobability convenient sampling was employed to recruit a sample size of 351 university admin staff employees aged 20 to 60 years, both male and female, who work on computer for 6-8 hours. Data was collected through a self-structured demographic form and Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) tool. Data was entered and analyzed on SPSS v.21. The results were expressed as descriptive statistics and reported in averages. The qualitative variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. Results: The study comprised of 107 (30.5%) females and 244 (69.5%) males with a mean age of 34.80 ± 9.118 years. Results showed that the mean total ROSA score was 6.07 ±1.195. Categorizing the risk level, 242 (68.9%) fell in high risk and only 30 (8.5%) were classified in low-risk and those in the warning zone were 79 (22.5%). The highest at risk score was observed for keyboard and lowest for chair height of workstation. Total ROSA score was highest in administrative accounts department with a mean of 6.47±1.080. Conclusion: The university administrative staff were at considerably higher risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to poor ergonomic computer workstations. The highest score was observed for keyboard placement, followed by back support. Moreover, individuals working in the administrative accounts department were at the highest ergonomic risk.