Identification of Body Discomfort and Ergonomic Risk for Ergonomic Workstation Improvement among Fakulti Teknologi Kejuruteraan (FTK) Staff

Office ergonomics represents a systematic approach towards incorporating knowledge concerning the designing of office workstation settings with the aim of enhancing human health, safety, comfort, and efficiency. Prolonged static sitting and inappropriate workstation settings amongst academic and administrative staff members often result in the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs); nevertheless, there is a lack of understanding about the potential ergonomic risks and body discomforts experienced by FTK employees. This study aims at evaluating different types of body discomforts that have resulted due to improper posture amongst FTK staff members, measuring ergonomic risk levels in terms of existing workstations using Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA), and coming up with an ergonomic workstation improvement based on the outcomes. A crosssectional research design was used with 30 participants drawn from various departments within FTK at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The data collection process involved conducting a Google Form-based questionnaire with demographic information, symptom severity scale, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Posture assessment was carried out using ROSA worksheet together with duration scoring criteria. NMQ indicated the presence of a high incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms amongst the participants, especially the neck region (66.7%), shoulder regions (60.0%), and lower back regions (53.3%). The final risk score in the postural analysis based on the ROSA worksheet resulted between a low value of 5 to a high value of 6. This means that there is a high risk level, which implies that there are many risks posed by existing workplace designs to staff, necessitating immediate changes. Suitable ergonomic modifications for workstations have been recommended according to the standards of ISO 9241 and DOSH. Some key factors that need consideration are the use of highly adjustable chairs with good lumbar support and armrests, along with the appropriate placement of monitors without requiring any neck flexion.