Offera: A method for evaluating office risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)

BackgroundOffice risk factors linked to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are frequently evaluated using ergonomic risk assessment tools.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the office risk factors linked to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) by developing an Office Ergonomic Risk Assessment (OFFERA) method.MethodsThe development and evaluation of OFFERA method, divided into two stages which include the development of OFFERA system components and psychometric properties of OFFERA method.ResultsIn the reliability testings, observers showed strong agreement both between different observers (K = 0.62-0.78) and when the same observer repeated their measurements (K = 0.81-0.96). In the validity testings, the relationship between the final score of OFFERA and the musculoskeletal symptoms is statistically significant for the wrists/hands, lower back, knees, and ankle/leg.ConclusionTests have demonstrated that the OFFERA approach can be easily used across many different types of office work.