Ergonomic Workspace Design to Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Office activities were closely tied to document handling and computer interaction. Based on initial identification with the Nordic Body Map, MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders) complaints were identified in the shoulders, wrists, waist, buttocks, and back. This study aimed to offer recommendations for enhancing office workstations to minimize the risk of MSDs. The methods used are ROSA to identify employee work postures, product design to provide proposed work facilities, 5S for document organization, and a Radar Chart for evaluation. Initial identification shows the problems that exist in work facilities, workspace layout, and work environment factors. The initial identification of the workspace with Radar Chart also showed a poor score on 5 aspects of Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke with an average of 41.75. The proposed intervention is the improvement of ergonomic tables and chairs, structuring documents by applying 5S aspects, and improving the layout of the workspace. The proposed improvements were then evaluated again using the Office 5S Audit Checklist and Radar Chart so that after the ergonomics intervention, the Radar Chart value became 90.75 (excellent) and the 5S aspects (Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke) increased. The results of this improvement can be expected to overcome the risk of MSDS problems in the lower neck, buttocks, back, and waist and the resulting ergonomic, organized, and efficient workstations.