The effectiveness of EIA ergonomics training module among office workers / Erna Faryza Mohd Poot

Office workers are commonly being affected by musculoskeletal pain and workplace stress and ergonomics training often is able to solve this problem, but there is still alack of implementation of combinations of best approaches in using ergonomics training. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of EIA ergonomics training (integration of 3 models; environmental control model, instructional design model, adult learning model) with conventional ergonomics training in order to evaluate the individual's level of environmental control, musculoskeletal pain and workplace stress among office workers. Sixty-eight office workers (n=68) participated in this study and were divided into two groups; a conventional group (n=34) and intervention group (n=34). Observation (ergonomics hazard risks) and self-report questionnaire techniques were used in this study to examine the effectiveness of ergonomics training after one week (post-intervention 1) and three months (postintervention2) after implementation. The results show EIA ergonomics training was more effective compared to conventional ergonomics training. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) results for intervention group's observation of individual environmental control checklist score, workplace stress score and prevalence of musculoskeletal pain for post-intervention land post-intervention 2. However, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the control group and the intervention group for the individual environmental control questionnaire score in post-intervention 1 and post-intervention 2. In conclusion, the new EIA ergonomics training combining three models is found to be effective. Occupational therapists, industrial training centres and companies are recommended to use this EIA for reducing workplace stress and prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among office workers.