ERGONOMICS ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE TO RISK OF MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN BANK EMPLOYEES

Objective: Work-related musculoskeletal problems are common in many occupations and these musculoskeletal problems can decrease an individual’s quality of life by affecting their daily living activities. The objective of this research was to evaluate the level of exposure to musculoskeletal symptoms risk among employees working in banks. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan from January 2018 to June 2018. 620 bank employees of both genders, with the age of 25-45 years were included in this study, and employees with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, amputee or prosthetic limb, and any trauma were excluded from this study. Rapid office strain assessment (ROSA) and quick exposure check (QEC) scales were used to assess the risk and prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 21. Results: According to the scoring of QEC scales 92.2% of participants fall in the acceptable ergonomics category, 6% fall into investigate further and 1.1% fall into investigate and change soon, with the highest symptoms among low back (17.7%). And the mean ROSA final score (5.51) indicates that most of the participants have a high risk of musculoskeletal symptoms. Conclusion: Regarding the scoring of ROSA and QEC scale musculoskeletal symptoms has a high prevalence among bank employees. Keywords: Ergonomics, Employee, Environment, Pain, Risk.