Musculoskeletal Disorders among Computer Operators: a study in one of the governmental organizations in Kerman city, Iran

Work- related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine musculoskeletal disorders among computer operators in one of the governmental organizations in Kerman city.
In this cross- sectional study, all 77 individuals working in a governmental organization were studied. Rapid upper limb assessment method (RULA) and Nordic questionnaire were used respectively for risk evaluation and determining WMSDs prevalence rate. The work station of the selected individuals was examined by designing a checklist adopted from valid references. Data were analyzed by using t-test and one-way analysis of variance in SPSS16.
The operators mostly complained about pain in low back area, neck, shoulder and wrist. When using RULA method to analyze posture, 55.8% of individuals got 3, 27.3% got 4 and the rest of them obtained 5 and 6. There was no significant relationship between the achieved scores and operator's right handedness or left handedness. There was a significant relationship between musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and low back and RULA preventive measures priority level. 68.5% of the examined stations had an improper condition.
Improper work stations of computer operators in offices have caused undesired postures and musculoskeletal disorders. The necessity of training and performing interventions in this regard is felt.