Citation

Lewis RJ, Krawiec M, Confer E, Agopsowicz D, Crandall E. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 2002; 29(2): 95-99.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of an office ergonomics training program for video display terminal (VDT) users. Worker compensation costs and injury rates for the VDT-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were examined before and after implementation of training at two company locations. A greater number of claims were filed in the post- (n=18) versus pre-intervention period (n=12), but the average cost per claim was considerably reduced ($1553 in the post- versus $15,141 in the pre-intervention period). This reduced cost per claim is consistent with the program's emphasis on seeking early treatment for MSD-related symptoms. The average injury rate also was reduced in the post- (6.94 per 1000 employees) versus pre-intervention period (16.8 per 1000 employees). These results suggest that self-direct office ergonomic interventions may be effective in reducing the MSD-related worker compensation costs and injury rates.Relevance to industryOffice ergonomic training programs are used to prevent and control musculoskeletal disorders among the VDT users. Programs that provide employees with the necessary ergonomics knowledge and skills regarding proper workstation setup may be effective in reducing the injury rates and costs associated with those injuries.