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Research Article  |   January 2008
Effect of an Ergonomics Intervention on Workstations of Microscope Workers
Amy R. Darragh; Heather Harrison; Sabrina Kenny
Author Affiliations
  • Amy R. Darragh, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201; darraghr@uwm.edu
  • Heather Harrison, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Evergreen Rehabilitation, Tracy, CA
  • Sabrina Kenny, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, New York City Department of Education
Article Information
Work and Industry / Work and Industry
Research Article   |   January 2008
Effect of an Ergonomics Intervention on Workstations of Microscope Workers
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January/February 2008, Vol. 62, 61-69. doi:10.5014/ajot.62.1.61
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January/February 2008, Vol. 62, 61-69. doi:10.5014/ajot.62.1.61
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated the effect of an occupational therapy ergonomics intervention on the workstation design and body positioning of microscope workers at a fiber optics facility.

METHOD. The study was quasi-experimental. Fifty-one microscope workers were assigned to one of three groups: control, education only, and education training. Their workstation design and body positioning were assessed before and after intervention.

RESULTS. Workers who participated in a client-centered, participatory, and onsite ergonomics program demonstrated improved workstation design and improved body positioning compared with both a control group (p = .000) and an education-only group (p = .001). These results were supported through analysis of covariance and effect size calculations. Workers who received only educational handouts also demonstrated improved body positioning and workstation design when compared with the control group (p = .001).

CONCLUSION. Researchers concluded that participation, client-centered training, context, and feedback represented critical components of ergonomics training.