Computer ergonomics related health problems of Library staff: a case study at the University of Colombo

Abstract

This paper discusses computer ergonomics related health problems caused by prolonged use of computers in the library staff of the University of Colombo. The heterogeneous population, 60 in total consisted of academic staff, administrative officers and paraprofessional staff including Senior Staff Assistants, Staff Assistants, Management Assistants and Library Information Assistants. A stratified random sampling technique was used to draw the sample (52). A questionnaire was administered to collect data. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and correlation test using SPSS version 23. It revealed that neck pain was the major (63.8%) musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by the respondents after prolonged period of computer usage followed by shoulder pain (59.6%) and pain in the wrist (53.2%). Pain in the eye (76.6%) was the most persistent visual discomfort experienced by the respondents followed by headaches (72.3%). Major stress-related problem was sleepiness (51.1%) while loss of concentration was identified as the prominent discomfort related to fatigue (27.7%). Prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts such as pain in the neck and lower arm showed a positive correlation with the height of computer table (r = 0.447, P=0.002 and r = 0.403, P=0.005 respectively), while shoulder pain indicated a weak negative correlation with wrist support (r = -0.317, P=0.03). Data on prevalence of lower arm pain depicted a weak positive correlation with height and distance of the keyboard (r = 0.384, P=0.008) and computer desk height (r = 0.403, P=0.005). As for visual discomfort symptoms developing double vision had a weak positive correlation with glare (r

Development of a food handling practices assessment tool based on the Sri Lanka food regulations

“…Although we have been able to adapt many new food safety measures to our system, we have not been as successful in our attempts at improving and implementing at the ground level. 20 In the first component of the study, a food assessment tool for the food establishments was developed and validated following a review of legal and international documents, key informant interviews, and FGDs similar to the methodology used by De Silva et.al., 13 The interviewer guide tool was pilot-tested in 10% of the population and it would be a limitation for the study. Considering the nature of the target population, a balance was reached between the desire to have a comprehensive, brief, and practical instrument, since a study done among canteens of schools in the Colombo municipal council area showed 100% non-availability of H 800 (food establishment assessment tool of Sri Lanka at present), which has been used as a food safety assessment tool and method of educating food handlers in the current context of the country.…”

“…Component 1: The development of FEAT was carried out to mark inspection scores for food establishments in accordance with Hygiene Regulation 1742/26 of Sri Lanka Food Regulations and several other reviewed international food safety protocols as a qualitative study. By reviewing the development of other checklists/instruments, 13,14 the development of the FEAT consisted of two steps, item selection, and item presentation.…”

“…The first key informant was selected by the principal investigator (PI) and subsequent informants were selected by a "snowballing" method. 13 The Former Deputy Director in charge of the Food Administration Unit of the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka was the first key informant. Interviews were conducted with participants including Deputy Director (Field services) in charge of the National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), one tutor nominated by the Principal of the School of Public Health Inspectors in NIHS, two technical experts at field level, and legal officer reputed record on food safety laws.…”

“…FGDs were conducted during the month of October 2018, using a pre-established methodology elaborated in detail in Annexure III. 13…”

Computer Ergonomics Dan Repetitive Strain Injury Pada Pegawai Universitas Selama Pandemi

“…Computer ergonomics adalah disiplin ilmu yang membahas cara-cara untuk mengoptimalkan tempat kerja komputer untuk mengurang risiko-risiko computer vision syndrome, nyeri leher dan punggung, carpal tunnel syndrome dan penyakit lain yang berkenaan dengan otot, spinal dan sendi. Tempat kerja komputer yang kurang baik desainnya dan kurangnya kesadaran pengguna komputer mengenai persyaratan ergonomis dapat mencetuskan masalah kesehatan yang berhubungan dengan penggunaan komputer (Silva, 2021). Lebih jauh lagi, banyak yang menghabiskan waktu berada di depan komputer atau laptop tanpa memikirkan efek pada tubuhnya yang sebenarnya dibuat stress dengan membuat pergelangan mereka terentang, punggung membungkuk, duduk tanpa penyangga kaki dan berusaha keras memandangi monitor yang diletakkan dengan kurang tepat.…”