Abstract

SOOKDEO, Barnes. From discomfort to safety: A guide to preventing non-accidental injuries in the office. JCMAN [online]. 2025, vol.22, n.1, pp.1-19. ISSN 1815-7440.  https://doi.org/10.35683/jcm23.067.298.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The technological advancements of the past decades have had a significant effect on almost all employees in their office workstations. Non-accidental injuries, especially with intensive computer use, are widespread. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this. Office employees are subjected to poor occupational practices in their workstations and do not consider ergonomic solutions to prevent office-related injuries. The primary objective was to evaluate the ergonomic status of selected offices with the aim of creating an awareness of the various ergonomic issues that cause non-accidental injuries and the prevention thereof. Literature indicated a paucity of basic ergonomic interventions in preventing office-related injuries. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A mixed-methods research approach was used to gather data, which enabled the researcher to come to conclusions and to make recommendations regarding the provision of ergonomic interventions for office employees. The data collection technique consisted of two approaches, namely direct observation of offices at Unisa and a web-based questionnaire survey. FINDINGS: The empirical findings showed that employees are at risk of office-related injuries due to workstations which have ergonomic risk factors, and the potential for injuries exists in the office. The results indicated a need for management interventions to make the employee workstations safer. Implementing ergonomic solutions can make employees more comfortable and increase productivity. RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE: It is recommended that employees utilise the guidelines to practice safe working procedures and ensure that their working space is converted into accident-free zones. MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: Management commitment, in terms of attitude, managing in a diversified workplace, and the allocation of resources, is essential to the process of ergonomic management in the office. Management should prioritise initiatives to enhance employee wellness, and the stated guidelines provide management with specific actions or strategies which could be taken based on the study results.

Keywords : Cumulative trauma disorders; ergonomics; hazards; musculoskeletal disorders; non-accidental injuries; repetitive strain injuries.

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