Musculoskeletal symptoms in workers of a Telecom Company

• Published in: Work (Reading, Mass.) Vol. 41 Suppl 1; p. 5725
• Main Authors: Antunes, Evelise Dias, de Araújo, Célia Regina Alves, Abage, Zilda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 2012
• Subjects: Brazil; Computer Terminals; Ergonomics; Female; Humans; Male; Musculoskeletal Pain - etiology; Musculoskeletal Pain - prevention & control; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Occupational Diseases - prevention & control; Posture; Surveys and Questionnaires; Telecommunications
• ISSN: 1875-9270
• DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0931-5725

Millions of people work with computers every day. Human work provides a means of comfort and ease to perform the tasks, favoring incorrect postures. Among the employees of a telecom company, it appears that all make use of computer, remaining in a seated position leading in musculoskeletal symptoms.
This is a quantitative study, conducted in a telecom company in the city of Curitiba. Were interviewed 27 analysts who work in engineering department, who agreed to participate and receive guidelines regarding sitting posture. This study, consisted of a structured questionnaire and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire with musculoskeletal symptoms indicators. After answering the questionnaire, the subjects were guided through the folder on correct posture and positioning front the computer.
Of employees 74% were male, and 100% of the employees are the computer's user, remaining in the sitting posture during working day. Concerning the break time, 74% reported that they frequently do it. Been the average working day is 8 hours. Regarding the frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms, 70% of employees reported some symptoms during the last 12 months but only one came to be sick leave. It is necessary to an analysis of the work situation, evaluating and correcting inadequacies of securities and the risks inherent in function, making prevention.