ASSESSMENT OF ERGONOMIC FACTORS AMONG NON ACADEMIC STAFF OF SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA

Abstract

Implementing ergonomics in workplace improves health and safety among staff, increase job satisfaction of workers, thereby leading to increase work quality services and morale, decrease workers compensation costs and decrease absenteeism and turnover among the workers. However, implementing ergonomic principles at work place has been low; hence this study assessed ergonomic related factors of workers within the School of Environmental Technology using physical measurement and personal observation of 10 non academic staff. The 3 factors identified for assessment were anthropometric measurement (using measuring tape), light intensity measurement (using Lux meter) and quick exposure check (using checklist). The results of the anthropometric measurement assessment showed that only Hip width was found to match with current furniture for most workers, while other parameters were found to be highly mismatched. The results of quick exposure showed, that most workers have experienced moderate exposure levels for back (static and moving), shoulder/arm, wrist/hand and neck. Based on the lighting level at workstation of workers, there was an indication of inadequate lighting level. It can be concluded that based on the 3 ergonomic factors assessed, implementation level was low. Additional improvement to workers workstation is required coupled with long term planning of new chairs that are customized for workers need, ability to rest or lumber support with additional head support and adjustable table. This will enable the user to adjust the height of the table to ensure that his hand is able to wrest nicely on the table.