1. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION (CONT) (c) From Observation INTRODUCTION This research focused on full time employees of University of Glamorgan. The university was chosen for this study because the researcher noticed from observation that most members of staff do not adopt the right posture at their workstation and the positioning of some of the computer hardware is usually inappropriate. Further more by interacting with the staff, most of them indicated that they frequently suffer from neck and back pain. All these therefore prompted the researcher to carry out the study. Aim: To determine whether there is a relationship between computer workstation ergonomic awareness and the prevalence of computer related disorders among full-time employees at the University of Glamorgan. Objectives:  To establish the level of ergonomic awareness among the full-time staff who use computer habitually;  To determine the prevalence of computer related disorders among the full-time staff  To carry out anthropometric measurements at the workstations and to compare the values obtained with the standard values  To evaluate the effectiveness of the online DSE programme in creating ergonomics awareness and preventing computer related disorders  To evaluate the level of compliance of the university with the legislations dealing with work on DSE. METHODOLOGY Primary data were collected using three tools: structured questionnaire an observation checklist and measurement tool. Random sampling was used in the administration of the questionnaire. 140 respondents were targeted for the study and 106 respondents completed the questionnaires giving a response rate of 76%. Out of the 14 workstations that were targeted for observation and measurement through non-random sampling, 12 out of them voluntarily accepted to take part in the observation and measurement exercises giving a response rate of 86%. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION (CONT) (b) From Questionnaires (bi) Prevalence of Computer-Related Disorders among Full Time Staff (bii) Ergonomic Awareness among Full- Time Staff (biii) Provision of induction and training at the start of employment (biv) Effectiveness of DSE Training in Creating Ergonomic Awareness (bv) The Relationship between Ergonomic Awareness and Computer- Related Disorders Frequency of stretching and eye exercises during work * Users' knowledge on stretch exercises Cross tabulation Count Users' knowledge on stretch exercisesTotal Not sureInadequateAdequateExcellent Frequency of stretching and eye exercises during work During every break or micro pause 21137 Once a day24309 Once a week01102 Sometimes0144018 Never194110070 Total2361193106 Job Title of Respondent * Provision of induction and training at the start of employment? Cross tabulation Provision of induction and training at the start of employment? Total YesNo Job Title of Respondent Receptionist/Clerical staff8311 Administrator13417 Lecturer102030 Library staff15217 Support staff18927 Others303 Total6738105 Completion of DSE online training and assessment? * Users' knowledge on correct postures Cross tabulation Users' knowledge on correct posturesTotal Not sureInadequateAdequateExcellent Completion of DSE online training and assessment? Yes103447697 No44008 Total1438476105 Users' knowledge on stretch exercises * Completion of DSE online training and assessment? Cross tabulation Completion of DSE online training and assessment? Total YesNo Users' knowledge on stretch exercises Not sure21223 Inadequate55560 Adequate18119 Excellent303 Total978105 Users' knowledge on stretch exercises * Problems with the neck Cross tabulation Problems with the neckTotal NeverSometimesFrequentlyConstantly Users' knowledge on stretch exercises Not sure2127223 Inadequate83315561 Adequate5104019 Excellent10203 Total1655287106 Risk rating with respect to users’ work habits and Knowledge NOTES : For each of the criterion the overall rating is the rating with the highest occurrence. For example the overall rating of the first criteria is ‘High’ because risk rating ‘3’ occurs 5 times while risk rating ‘2’ and ‘1’ occur 4 and 2 times respectively. If for a criterion has two risks rating of equal occurrence, then we take the one with the higher risk rating as the overall rating. For example in criterion 6, risk rating ‘2’ and ‘3’ occur 4 times each so, risk rating ‘3’ takes precedence RISK RATING KEY: Individual rating: 1= Low; 2= Medium; 3=High Total risk rating: Low: 1-15; Medium: 16- 30, High 31-45. Y=Yes, N=No, N risk rating scale = the risk rating if the answer to a statement is N. No= Total number of participants observed N rating scale Overall risk rating Code Code colour CriteriaNoYNNA123 1.User’s head and neck are upright or in-line with the torso (not bent down/back) 121110245High3 2. Head, neck and trunk are facing forward (not twisted) 122100442Medium2 3. User’s trunk is perpendicular to the floor (may lean back into backrest but not forward) 12192135High3 4. User’s shoulders and upper arms are in- line with the torso (not elevated or stretched forward) 122100253Medium2 5. Upper arms and elbows are closed to the user’s body (not extended outward) 121110146High3 6. Forearms, wrists, and hands are straight and in-line (forearm about 90 degrees to the upper arm) 122100244High3 7. User’s wrists and hands are straight (not bent up/down or sideways toward the little finger) 122100244High3 8. User’s thighs are parallel to the floor and lower legs are perpendicular to the floor (thighs may be slightly elevated above knees) 12912100Low1 9. Users feet are flat on the floor or are supported by a stable footrest 121110100Low1 10. Adequate housekeeping, workstation organisation and setup 122100253Medium2 11. Mouse and keyboard located within easy reach 122100145High3 12. Top of the screen is at or below user’s eye level in order for the user to read without bending the neck or head back/down (between 15- 30 degrees) 12840112High3 13. Monitor distance allows the user to read the screen without leaning his head, neck or trunk forward/backward 121020200Low1 14. Monitor position is directly in front of the user so that he does not have to twist his head or neck 12840112High3 15. Glare (from windows, door, lights, etc) is not reflected on the user’s screen which can cause him to assume an awkward posture to clearly see information on his screen 12570232Medium2 Total Risk rating on users’ work habits and knowledgeHigh35 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION (a)From Measurements (ai) Workstation Dimensions for seated workstations (aii) Workstation Dimensions for Sit- Stand Workstations Workstations Dimensions in millimetres (mm) 12345678910Standard Parameters Seat height440-520420-540420-550 420- 490- 560 410-540430-520410-550 430-490- 560 420-560 430-480- 560 380-535 Seat depth430440450 490440430 420 380-470 Seat width480450490500480460500510500 400-500 Backrest height330340470650470450460480470460200-550 Knee clearance140160130140120 1001209015080-150 Table height740730720 740730 720730740660-1000 Viewing distance600700650730600630820710830660400-740 Workstations Dimensions in millimetres (mm) 12Standard Parameters Seat height630- 870620- 880600-1000 Seat depth420450380-470 Seat width460440400-500 Backrest height330350200-550 Table height830870600-1000 Viewing distance740700400-750 CONCLUSIONS Based on the information obtained from the research, there is strong evidence to suggest that a relationship exist between ergonomic awareness and the prevalence of computer related disorders among full time staff at the University of Glamorgan. The outcome of this study indicates a lack of health and safety culture among knowledgeable employees. Therefore further research is required to investigate the relationship between health and safety culture and the prevalence of computer related disorders among computer users in the institution. RECOMMENDATIONS  The monitor height of sit-stand workstations at the university libraries should be redesigned to be inclusive of male above the 50 th percentile stature in a standing posture. A suggested design is shown below.  A prototype seat fitted with alarm and sensor, which the researcher has designed, can go a long way in creating awareness and constant reminder on good working posture.  The installation of ergonomic reminder software on staff computers can be helpful in creating awareness and reminders on taking regular breaks, adopting proper posture and good ergonomic practice  The provision of hands free headset for users who use both computer and telephone simultaneously on a regular basis is crucial in the reduction of neck problems  Specially designed workstations to meet the individual needs of physically challenged employees should be considered as well.  Induction, general and specific practical ergonomic/ health and safety training and information should be provided to all DSE users to supplement the online DSE programme. LITERATURE REVIEW A study conducted by Mahmud et al., (2010) to evaluate the effects of office ergonomics training on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in university-based office workers indicated a reduction in WRMSDs among those who attended the training compared to those who received no training. Green & Briggs, (1989) proved that simply providing furniture and the right equipment without providing proper training on how to use them cannot prevent WRMSDs. Robertson & Huang, (2006) demonstrated that an adjustable and flexible work environment together with ergonomics training led to a tremendous decrease in computer-related disorders. The ergonomic training and awareness programs carried out by most companies are through face to face meetings, seminars and other forms of physical contacts. This study was therefore of paramount importance since very little research has been done on the effectiveness of online training in creating ergonomic awareness and preventing computer related disorders. A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ERGONOMIC AWARENESS AND THE PREVALENCE OF COMPUTER RELATED DISORDERS AMONG FULL-TIME STAFF AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GLAMORGAN Undertaken By: Gilfford N NdiwankehUnder the Guidance of: Dr. Dawn Story Faculty of Advanced Technology