ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS IN A COMPUTER LABORATORY WORKSTATION AT VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY – ISABEL

This study aimed to assess ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by students using computer laboratory workstations at Visayas State University – Isabel. A cross-sectional observational design was employed involving 155 College of Engineering and Technology (COET) students. Data were gathered using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA), alongside demographic profiling. Descriptive, correlation, and inferential analyses were performed using Spearman's correlation and t-tests. RULA scores indicated that female students faced a medium ergonomic risk score of 5 compared to male students' score of 4. ROSA assessments classified both sexes within the 'room for improvement' category. CMDQ results showed that the lower back 10.04%, upper back 9.44%, neck 9.41%, and left shoulder 8.33% were the most affected areas. Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationships between BMI and CMDQ scores (Spearman correlation = -0.010, p-value =.905), nor between RULA/ROSA scores and discomfort levels. A weak but statistically significant correlation was observed between BMI and discomfort levels, with no notable difference between genders in workstation risk exposure. Prolonged poor posture and suboptimal workstation ergonomics contribute to discomfort among students. The study recommends ergonomic awareness programs, workstation adjustments, and targeted exercises to mitigate musculoskeletal risks in academic computer laboratories.