SHO2009: INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HYGIENE

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), due to poor ergonomic conditions, are one of the greatest health safety risks facing workers today. Whilst being a health burden, the financial burden is also substantial, leading to staff shortages and higher staff turnover, increased absenteeism and training costs, loss of production and a decrease in the quality of work. The use of Visual Display Units (VDUs), which is becoming increasingly widespread, is linked with the prevalence of MSDs. This study investigates the effectiveness of an ergonomics intervention in raising awareness of MSDs in workers habitually using Visual Display Units (VDUs) as part of their daily work activity.Sixty Visual Display Unit workers with no previous VDU ergonomics training were provided with a comprehensive VDU ergonomics intervention training programme. The intervention included an explanation of the important principles of VDU ergonomics, a demonstration of correct sitting and typing postures, as well as a demonstration of recommended exercises. Workers were reassessed after six weeks to investigate the benefits of the intervention with respect to users knowledge and understanding of VDU ergonomic issues and their attitudes to training. Results post-intervention showed that while VDU users knowledge increased, their inclination to incorporate this knowledge into their daily work activity was less than satisfactory.