Reducing MSDs in keyboard users

Office staff employed on shift work were hot-desking while doing prolonged repetitive keyboard work. Several staff had taken time off work with upper limb disorders
Carefully designed and integrated changes to workstations, work environments and working practices reduced the risks and cut sickness absences and staff turnover.

Copy-takers in a newspaper’s advertising department did repetitive keying-in work for prolonged periods, at desks shared with workers on other shifts. The workstations were not well designed and staff were working in constrained postures. A number of staff were diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders and there was a lot of sickness absence and high staff turnover.

The company used a consultant ergonomist to assess the work environment and suggest changes. It was possible to reorganise work schedules to reduce some of the pressures on staff. Managers were made responsible for ensuring that workers took breaks from continuous keyboard work, and a rest room was provided. New chairs were bought and desks were provided that were height adjustable, making it easier for shiftworkers using the same desk to get comfortable.

The changes succeeded in reducing sickness absences (there were no reported cases due to musculoskeletal disorders in the 3 years following the intervention) and staff turnover. As there were 170 copytakers the changes were expensive at £47,000 and the company did a detailed cost benefit analysis. This showed the benefits from avoiding sickness absence were worth over £23,000 a year. So despite the high cost of the changes, the payback period was under 28 months.

For a detailed economic analysis of this case study, see HSE Research Report RR 491