WRMSDs and Vision Disorders in Office Workers Using Digital Devices

Abstract: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and health problems related to sustained visual load are becoming significant in today's world of rapid technological change where employees increasingly are using digital devices to perform various job tasks. These health problems are compounded by psychosocial risks at work. Psychosocial risks at work usually involve lack of time, freedom of choice in job tasks, lack of support from colleagues and supervisor. The aim of this study was to analyse the scientific literature on the causes of WRMSDs, visual disorders, and their interaction with psychosocial risks for office workers who work with digital devices.Methods and materials. A systematic literature analysis was conducted using databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, using such keywords: office workers, computer, vision disorders, musculoskeletal disorders. Studies published in the last 25 years were included, focusing on peer-reviewed articles that examined office workers using digital devices. The inclusion criteria were scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals in English only. Exclusion criteria: conference abstracts, presentations, summaries. Altogether 35 articles were selected, of which only 15 met the inclusion criteria.Results and DiscussionStudies have shown that office workers using digital devices are influenced by a variety of risk factors, including WRMSDs, but the most important are individual, organizational and psychosocial aspects (Wærsted et al., 2010). Research indicates that the frequency of WRMSDs among computer users ranges from 33.8% to 95.3%, and these health impairments mainly manifest in the following body parts: neck, shoulders, upper back, and low back (Abdullah & Abdullah, 2021; Azmi & Aziz, 2022). It has been proven that spinal spondylosis with radiculopathy, tendinitis, tendovaginitis, bursitis, periarthritis, etc. are associated with overload at work, strain on certain body parts, and forced working postures (Andersen et al, 2008; Argus & Paasuke, 2022). These health issues are further exacerbated by the sedentary nature of computer-based work (Azmi & Aziz, 2022). In addition to WRMSDs, office workers experience visual discomfort, particularly visual fatigue. Employees complain of dry and itchy eyes and increased sensitivity to light. One of the most common health problems in computer users is computer vision syndrome (Klamm & Tarnow, 2015; Ranasinghe et al., 2016). It has been shown that the computer vision syndrome symptoms can be associated with gender (more frequent in women), vary by ethnicity (highest in Hispanics, lowest in Asians), increase with longer screen time, and are strongly linked to dry eye disease (Portello et al., 2012). Office workers can be also exposed to psychosocial risks at work: high job demands, low support from colleagues and supervisor, lack of time, limited freedom of choice (Ariëns et al., 2001; Davis & Heaney, 2000; Bongers et al., 2002). Literature analysis reveals that it has been argued that a systematic approach to risk reduction is needed, addressing organizational, psychosocial and physical work factors (Woods, 2005). Other studies have shown that in order to achieve high performance in an organization, not only should employees be provided with a healthy working environment and safety at work (Pastare et al., 2020; Roja et al., 2017), but also management of occupational health and safety is highly relevant (Lundqvist et al., 2024).ConclusionsThe literature review showed that office workers working with digital devices are exposed to WRMSDs and visual strain due to individual, organisational and psychosocial workplace risks. Further research will be conducted to investigate in depth the vision disorders and muscle fatigue using objective measurements. Additionally, the study will explore strategies for managing occupational health and safety in an effective manner, including the interaction between job demands and the support provided to employees by organizational management.

Keywords: office, employees, computer, vision, musculoskeletal, disorders, psychosocial, risks

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006600

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