The FITS model office ergonomics program: A model for best practice

Abstract

BACKGROUD: An effective office ergonomics program can predict positive results in reducing musculoskeletal injury rates, enhancing productivity, and improving staff-wellbeing and job satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: Its objective is to provide a systematic solution to manage the potential risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users in an office setting. A FITS Model office ergonomics program is developed. METHODS: The FITS Model Office Ergonomics Program has been developed which draws on the legislative requirements for promoting the health and safety of workers using computers for extended periods as well as previous research findings. The Model is developed according to the practical industrial knowledge in ergonomics, occupational health and safety management, and human resources management in Hong Kong and overseas. RESULTS: This paper proposes a comprehensive office ergonomics program, the FITS Model, which considers (1) Furniture Evaluation and Selection; (2) Individual Workstation Assessment; (3) Training and Education; (4) Stretching Exercises and Rest Break as elements of an effective program. CONCLUSION: An experienced ergonomics practitioner should be included in the program design and implementation. Through the FITS Model Office Ergonomics Program, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users can be eliminated or minimized, and workplace health and safety and employees' wellness enhanced.

Prediction of Work from Home and Musculoskeletal Discomfort: An Investigation of Ergonomic Factors in Work Arrangements and Home Workstation Setups Using the COVID-19 Experience

“…Office ergonomics refers to the application of ergonomic principles in an office setting to promote the health and safety of computer users. It includes a focus on the selection and use of office furniture, the setup and evaluation of computer workstations, the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries due to prolonged computer use, training and education on healthy computer use, and occupational health management in the use of computers in the workplace [ 36 , 46 ]. Office ergonomics can be widely applied in the WFH setting for prolonged computer use.…”

“…Ergonomic furniture can reduce MSD or visual discomfort when sitting and working at a workstation. Furniture selection becomes fundamental for workstation setup and the adoption of healthy postures [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ].…”

Ergonomiczne strategie interwencyjne na stanowiskach pracy biurowej

“…W kontekście ograniczania występowania MSDs nie bez znaczenia są także strategie interwencyjne ukierunkowane na zmiany w środowisku pracy. Chim [12] zaproponował model ergonomicznych rozwiązań zastosowanych w przestrzeni biurowej, który wymaga uwzględnienia takich komponentów, jak: • ocena i modyfi kacja struktury przestrzennej stanowiska pracy, w tym ocena i dobór mebli; • szkolenie i edukacja;…”

Factors influencing employees' intention to apply ergonomics at workplaces: a cultural perspective

“…Accordingly, macroergonomics (Hendrick, 1995(Hendrick, , 2008 solutions and participatory ergonomics approaches seem to be prevailing in the ergonomics literature. On one hand, macroergonomics mainly consider adopting organisation-wide rules and policies to implement and impose ergonomics standards in working environments (Bolis and Sznelwar, 2016;Hoffmeister et al, 2015;Chim, 2014;Choi, 2012;Cohen, 2011). Yazdani et al (2015) argue through their review of the relevant academic literature that there is room for improvement to integrate MSD prevention into management systems.…”