This master's thesis addresses the issue of musculoskeletal disorders among office
workers resulting from poorly designed work environments. An ergonomic assessment
can identify key tasks, irregularities, or shortcomings that affect safe and healthy work.
Based on the findings, measures to reduce these irregularities must also be determined.
In addition, using a questionnaire distributed among employees at the University of
Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, we examined the impact of
various factors (e.g. type of work equipment, hours spent sitting, hours spent working on
a computer, type of electronic device, active breaks, physical activity of employees, etc.)
on the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders. The ergonomic assessment of the
workplace was carried out in an open-plan office measuring approximately 20 m². As part
of the workplace assessment, we measured microclimatic conditions (thermal, lighting,
and auditory stress) and assessed working positions using the RULA method. Based on
the measurements, the workplace is adequate in terms of thermal stress, and the lighting
conditions are also adequate. For the criterion of risk of occupational hearing loss, the
measurements are below the permissible limit of 87 dB, but the permissible value for
undisturbed work is exceeded. The results of the work position assessment gave a value
of 3, indicating a moderate risk of musculoskeletal disorders, with the most stressed areas
of the body being the neck, shoulders, and wrists. The results of the survey, completed by
49 employees, showed a high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (86 % of
respondents reported pain or discomfort in a specific part of the body). The most common
areas of pain among respondents were the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Statistical
analysis confirmed that women are more prone to musculoskeletal disorders, especially
in the shoulder and neck areas. Although respondents confirmed the availability of
ergonomic equipment, the survey did not show a statistically significant correlation
between the adequacy of ergonomic work equipment and pain reduction. A statistical
correlation was confirmed between the combined use of portable and stationary
computers and the occurrence of pain in the upper back. A statistically significant
correlation was also confirmed between taking active breaks and a lower incidence of
pain. With this master's thesis, I wish to emphasize the importance of a comprehensive
approach to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, combining technical,
organizational, and educational measures.
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