ERGONOMICS in the UB Workplace: Intervention Study Summary

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ERGONOMICS in the UB WorkplaceIntervention
Study Summary

• Sponsored by Health Science Chapter, UUP

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Summary of Study Methods

• Survey of HSC members to identify range and
  severity of symptoms across body regions.
• Recruit eight subjects with highest combined
  scores.
• CAT team visits each subject to assess
  workstation interface, seating and body
  positioning.
• Subjects visit CAT to try and select from a range
  of interface adaptations.
• Selected equipment installed and subject trained
  on use and related ergonomic strategies.
• Symptoms reported for six months
  post-intervention.

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Subject 1. Greatest improvement in eye, head and
general fatigue, with substantial improvement in
neck and shoulder symptoms.
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Subject 2. Substantial alleviation across all
reported symptoms, accompanied by onset of
general fatigue.
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Subject 3. Total elimination of most symptoms
with substantial reduction on remaining two.
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Subject 4. Minor to no improvement in some
symptom with exacerbation of others.
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Subject 5. Substantial reduction in most
symptoms, with eventual extinction of some.
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Subject 6. Substantial reduction of symptom
severity in every body system.
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CONCLUSIONS

• UB faculty and staff are working with a wide
  range of symptoms and a high level of severity.
• Many are intensively using newer computer
  workstations combined with older office furniture
  designed for using pencil and paper or
  typewriters.
• Proper seating, positioning and interface
  technologies can greatly reduce the number and
  severity of symptoms.
• Benefits include higher productivity, reduced
  accumulated trauma injuries, fewer absences and
  longer careers.
• Wellness in the workplace includes proper
  ergonomics.