Office Ergonomics: A Review of Pertinent Research and Recent Developments

Abstract

Office ergonomics provides an arbitrary framework for integrating a large body of research that is relevant to the design of office work environments to optimize the health, safety, comfort, and effectiveness of their human occupants. In this chapter, I organize this vast literature by focusing on important empirical and practical developments over the last decade. In particular, a systems perspective is maintained in order to more fully interpret the salient psychosocial (subjective) variables that mediate the influence of physical-environment characteristics on relevant human outcomes. I suggest that this approach is important for capturing current trends as well as moving the discipline forward. Included are reviews of research related to seating and other furniture considerations (e.g., the update of HFS 100 to HFES 100), pertinent information technologies (e.g., input devices and laptops), lighting, thermal comfort, and other general ambient conditions (e.g., private [cellular] offices vs. open-plan offices).

Bent necks and twisted wrists: Exploring the impact of touch-screen tablets on the posture of office workers

“…Even though office work, and computer use in particular, has been thoroughly researched (see Brand (2008) for a review of relevant research) and regulated (e.g. HSE, 2003;ISO, 2007), at present there are no health and safety regulations that directly apply to tablets.…”

Escaping the Cubicle

“…Research has shown that a "proper" ergonomic setup includes a minimum of a separate work desk with a flat surface, ergonomic chair, and suitable lighting. Such a setup can reduce problems such as muscle strain, lower back injuries and tendonitis, as well as decreasing muscle fatigue and enhancing productivity (Brand, 2008). Finally, we suggest that researchers should investigate how to utilize physical environment design for boundary setting for employees.…”

“…Aspects of the physical environment such as air quality, lighting, access to daylight, noise, views, and ergonomics have direct effects on employees. For example, poor air quality has been shown to reduce cognitive performance (MacNaughton et al, 2014), poor ergonomics can result in musculo-skeletal problems (Brand, 2008), and background noise in office settings has been shown to increase physiological stress (Evans & Johnson, 2000;Jahncke, Halin, Hygge, Green & Dimberg, 2011). The dimensions of the physical work environment, however, can also have indirect effects on employees.…”

Human factors engineering in aircraft maintenance: a review

“…Maintenance facility Allen (2012), Aulestia (2000), Brand (2008), Burnett (1998), Caldwell (2005), Conway et al (2007), EICO (2002), FAA (2000, Goggins et al (2008), Hancock (1982, Haynes (2007), Hendrick (1996), ICAO ( 2001),…”

“…Ergonomically designed facility, tools and equipment could increase productivity, decrease absenteeism, employee accident compensation and turnover (Hendrick, 2002;MacLeod, 2006;Haynes, 2007;Goggins et al, 2008). An ergonomically designed office physical environment can contribute to better health, safety, comfort and effectiveness of employees (Brand, 2008;OHCOW, 2008). Study carried out by 488 JQME 21,4 McVey and Bethune (1992) highlighted that ergonomically designed training rooms provide more learning experience than those meet simply the architectural standards.…”