Documents Louis, Olivier 2 results

"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."

"The aim of this study was to propose parameters to be taken into account for implementing a workstation rotation system, which reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The case study has shown that the benefit provided by workstation rotation has a positive impact on psychosocial factors, which partly explains why most operators are either not at all or only slightly stressed. Workstation rotation is found to be relatively ineffective in relation to MSD prevention, notably on account of the lack of variability and the intensity of the biomechanical demands. The assessment of a workstation rotation system intended to prevent MSDs must encompass all the dimensions of the work. To achieve this, it is necessary to describe the rotation system in detail, ascertain the characteristics of the population concerned, assess its experience of the work, and measure the degree of biomechanical demand of the workstations. A logic diagram is proposed which can assist in arriving at a better identification of the conditions of success of a workstation rotation system. It is based on four complementary dimensions: ergonomic study of the context, integration of scientific knowledge, mastery of the implementation of the rotation system and evaluation and follow-up of the results."