The Study of Ergonomics Risk Level and Discomfort of Students While Sitting in Class: Case Study at Occupational Health and Safety Laboratory

The Study of Ergonomics Risk Level and Discomfort of Students While Sitting in Class: Case Study at Occupational Health and Safety Laboratory

연구 분야: Verification

학회: Congress of the International Ergonomics Association

A preliminary survey of students using laboratory facilities highlighted that the existing study desks and chairs were not properly designed for individual body sizes, leading to discomfort. This prompted a study to assess and improve the ergonomics of the furniture in occupational health and safety classrooms. An ergonomic risk assessment and body discomfort survey were conducted before and after modifying the furniture. Using the RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) method, the study initially found that most students experienced discomfort in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and lower back. Positions with leg rests allowing direct screen viewing generally had an ergonomic risk level of Risk 2, while positions without leg rests were at Risk 3. The assessment also revealed that the seat height (SH) and the Popliteal Height (PH) were entirely inappropriate for all users. Additionally, the seat depth (SD) and the distance between the Buttock Popliteal Length (BPL) were unsuitable for 65.79% of students, and the hip width while sitting (HW) and seat width (SW) were inappropriate for 50% of users. To address these issues, the chairs were redesigned with adjustable shock absorbers for height, softer seat cushions, and mesh fabric for better ventilation. After implementing these changes, students reported reduced discomfort, and the ergonomic risk levels decreased to Risk 2 for all positions. In summary, the study identified significant ergonomic issues with the current laboratory furniture, made targeted improvements, and successfully reduced the ergonomic risks and discomfort experienced by students.