Ergonomics Awareness and Employee Performance: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Abstract:The study examined the effects of ergonomics on employee performance by ascertaining the level of ergonomics awareness in Nigerian organizations, identifying the factors hindering the use of ergonomic, and the best practices and methods adopted by various organizations across industries. Despite a knowledge of importance to a growing number of researchers in Nigeria, there is still a dearth in knowledge of ergonomics design and its implementation in Nigeria. This can be observed in the low level of its adoption. The study adopted an exploratory approach through the review of literature. It was seen that several factors have hindered the efficient implementation of ergonomics in Nigeria which ranges from awareness, insufficient relevant studies, personnel considerations, resources constraints, technological changes, communication and integration disconnection between employees and equipment designers. Also, some best practices and methods adopted by various organizations across industries were identified to include, but not limited to: integration of human element into work design, ergonomics maturity levels (reactive, preventive, proactive and advanced) and quality of workspace (office design, furniture and spatial arrangements, lightings and heating arrangements, noise level). It is, however, recommended that researchers in the field of ergonomics and practitioners in the industry should intensify efforts in carrying out relevant study, organizing conferences and seminars as well as media publicity on why ergonomics should be part of our daily activities. It is also recommended that organizations should orientate and train employees on ergonomics so that they will be aware of the benefits derivable from it and be able to fit into the organization's designs. Lastly, they should integrate employee/human element into ergonomics design process by getting detailed anthropomorphic data, which may bridge the communication disconnect between employees and ergonomic designers.

Development and validation of computer induced distress and factors influencing technostress among ICT users

“…For example, the present finding on non-provision of ergonomics comfortable computer workstation is in consonance with the findings of Asaolu and Itsekor (2014), (Momodu Bayo et al, 2014), (Jomoah, 2014) who found that the incidences of general complaints of computer users surround the poor or decrease in work station ergonomics provisions. In Nigeria, this can be in connection with recent findings by Olabode et al (2017) that several factors such as awareness, resources constraints, communication and integration disconnection between employees and equipment designers, technological changes and insufficient relevant studies inhibited the efficient implementations in Nigeria. On the other hand, in respect of the effect of age on computer induced distress, the present finding is in contrary to some recent finding by Jena and Mahanti (2014), and Mahalakshmi and AllySornam (2013) who reported significant effect of age on technostress.…”

“…In spite of this observation by past empirical studies, it is still a concern to researchers (Ismaila, 2010;Oladeinde, Ekejindu, Omoregie, & Aguh, 2015) in the growing field of ergonomic on the 49│ Development and validation of computer induced distress and factors influencing technostress among ICT users increase in work-related health problem among the ICT users especially in developing nations. Some studies in Nigeria (Funminiyi et al, 2014;Momodu Bayo et al, 2014;Olabode, Adesanya, & Bakare, 2017) have identified that the positioning and posture of computer users resulted in musculoskeletal disorders due to poor workstations design or inappropriate work environment. For instance , Johnson, Onigbinde, Onasanya, Emechete, and Gbela (2009) observed in Nigeria University community, that common complaint among computer users is back pain, neck, eyes and wrist pain.…”

Role of Ergonomic Factors Affecting Production of Leather Garment-Based SMEs of India: Implications for Social Sustainability

“…Not only in Brazil, but the prevalence of occupational illness is also increasing steeply in many developing countries where the knowledge and significance of ergonomics are meagre. This finding was endorsed by [22] Olabode et al (2017) in a study which indicated the absence of strict legislation and reforms as the reason for this. Such an indication suggests the need for potential intervention in industries based on the nature of occupational hazards [23].…”

Awareness of Ergonomic Working Conditions Among Employees

“…Other research has shown that even with great knowledge of ergonomics, employees often do not use their knowledge in practice (Modi, Kuswaha, Dave, 2013;Sirajudeen, Pillai, Vali, 2013). Authors dealing with these issues have noticed that companies lack the promotion of responsibility, awareness and safe behaviour among employees (Kamińska, Tokarski, 2012;Olabode, Adesanya, 2017;Paul, 2012;Romankow, 2015).…”