It is estimated that more than 60% of the United States population is overweight or obese, and if the current trajectory continues, 50% of the population will be obese by 2030. (1) There is no question that
being obese or overweight, is more costly than being of normal weight. The majority of the costs related to obesity have been measured for medical issues but little has been done to assess the effects of obesity on work performance. One study (2) has been recently released which compared the Body Mass Index (BMI) to work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational psychosocial stress in an office setting with ergonomic workstations.
The study, Effect of Body Mass Index on work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational stress of computer workers in a developed ergonomic setup, looked at the effect of BMI on musculoskeletal discomfort and work psychosocial stress. A total of 100 computer workers, aged between 25-35 years, were randomly selected for participation in the study. All participants had an educational qualification of a professional degree and above in engineering and computer science and work experience of more than one year. Each participants BMI was measured. The work related musculoskeletal discomfort and work psychosocial stress was assessed by using Cornell University’s musculoskeletal discomfort survey (CMDQ) and occupational stress index (OSI). The results of the two tools were then compared to the BMI of each participant. The results showed a significant association (compelling p value of <0.0001) was seen among high BMI participants with their high scores of musculoskeletal discomfort and work stress. The study concluded that there is a significant effect of BMI on increased work related on musculoskeletal discomfort and work psychosocial stress among computer users despite having an ergonomic workstation.
The “ergonomic workstation” details for the study were as follows: Each workstation had a fully adjustable chair (height, seat back tilt, seat pan depth, lumbar height and adjustable height armrests), keyboard tray, monitor height that was adjusted for eye/vision height and a fixed height desk of 30”. Each participant’s workstation was reviewed by using the OSHA Ergonomic Solutions: Computer Workstations eTool – Evaluation Checklist.
I found the findings very interesting in that despite having the workstation set up to fit the users, the ones with in the BMI in the overweight or greater category had high discomfort and stress levels. This study seems to show that sitting office workstation ergonomics alone is not enough to lower/prevent the risks of MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders). I would like to see future studies on the effects of BMI on work discomfort and stress with the use of sit-stand workstations to determine if the incorporation of standing into the work day would have any effect on these levels.
This study suggests that having ergonomic (adjustable) workstations is not enough to offset the effects of being overweight and obese on the human body. There appears to be a definite need to incorporate/combine wellness programs/activities with ergonomic efforts. This study should be considered by all CEOS, business managers, human resource, and health and safety departments as it points to the need for a holistic approach to workplace productivity, safety and health. Companies that purposely combine the efforts of operations, ergonomics and employee health will be able to achieve far greater employee health and performance than those who keep those departments/programs siloed.
References:
1) Dor, et al. A Heavy Burden: The Individual Costs of Being Overweight and Obese in the United States, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, 2010. http://sphhs.gwu.edu/departments/healthpolicy/dhp_publications/pub_uplo…
2) Sethi et al. Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Rehabilitation, Therapy & Technology 2011, 3:22 http://www.smarttjournal.com/content/3/1/22
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