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Investigating the Anthropometric Fit of Scientific-Research Laboratory Technicians with Their Workstations: A Case Study in Hamedan University of Medical Sciences
Zohreh Karami, Zahra Naserzadeh, Neda Mahdavi,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) induced by work are common in laboratory jobs. One of the most important reasons for disorders is the lack of personal fit with a workstation. This study aims to evaluate the body posture of experts in scientific-research labs and explore their anthropometric fitness with workstations on the campus of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences in 2022.
Methods: To investigate the MSD prevalence associated with the work, it was used the Nordic questionnaire and, for evaluating the posture, the Novel Ergonomic Postural Assessment (NERPA) technique. Then, to check the compatibility of laboratory personnel with the workstations, some interventions were proposed to improve them.
Results: According to the findings, the highest amount of prevalence of pain over the past year was in the neck area, 68.7%, and waist area, 59.37%, respectively. To assess the body posture using the NERPA technique, the middle level of corrective actions as well as more research was required. Also, the highest score of the risk, i.e. 40.62%, was allowed to the neck. In most activities, there was not any match between the dimensions of the personal body and the workstation.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the prevalence of MSD symptoms is high among the experts in research laboratories, and the risk levels of ergonomic assessment are in the middle. It seems that the lack of anthropometric matches with the workstation generally has led to adverse work posture and thus, the prevalence of MSD disorders. So, providing anthropometric matches between people who work in research laboratories and their workstations is essential to reducing these disorders.

Evaluation of Anthropometric Fit of Faculty Members with Office Workstation Characteristics
Zohreh Goudarzi, Sara Izadi, Abbas Seifollah Zade, Roghayyeh Hassanzadeh, Neda Mahdavi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the health challenges for faculty members, affecting their performance and work-related quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between these disorders and the ergonomic features of their workstations.
Methods: This research was conducted among 22 faculty members after obtaining informed consent and using a census method. The prevalence of disorders was assessed using the Cornell questionnaire, and the evaluation of the workstation was performed using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method. Then, 14 anthropometric dimensions (differentiated by gender) were measured, and 13 workstation characteristics were assessed. Finally, 11 criteria were used for anthropometric fitness evaluation. Moreover, data analysis was carried out using SPSS software (version 26).
Results: Approximately 46% of the participants had experienced pain and discomfort in one of the musculoskeletal areas, with the wrist, neck, shoulder, and lower back being the most affected areas, respectively. The ROSA results indicated that 22.73% of the participants' workstations required ergonomic improvements. The most significant mismatches were found in the criteria of 1) trunk length-chair backrest length, 2) thigh thickness in a seated position-distance between thighs and desk, and 3) shoulder width-chair seat width.
Conclusion: The signs of a connection between the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the lack of anthropometric compatibility/inadequate knowledge among faculty members in the field of ergonomics were observed. This issue underscores the importance of considering ergonomic/anthropometric characteristics of office desks and chairs during the procurement of office supplies and emphasizes the need to enhance ergonomics knowledge.

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