"A survey of workstation layout and work postures among 156 computer operators was performed in 16 call centers (CCs) in Sweden, relating data to operators' comfort, symptoms and existing ISO-standards, EU-directives and National Work Environment Law.The quality of the furniture and equipments was generally good and mainly fulfilled the demands of the law, directives and standards. The main problem was how these were used-how they were positioned and adjusted to fit the individual operator and to allow good and flexible work postures. Awkward postures were, therefore, seen in shoulder joints and wrists. Lack of easy height adjustability of many desks was noted. This was associated with more seated postures and back pain. Desk and chair quality were associated with operators' satisfaction and work postures and thick keyboards with dissatisfaction and neck or back pain. Optimal adjustments were associated with operators' satisfaction and good work postures and in some aspects also with fewer symptoms. The conditions were more optimal at internal CCs as opposed to freestanding external (outsourced) enterprises."

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