Μυοσκελετικά προβλήματα που σχετίζονται με την εργασία γραφείου

During the last few decades, important studies regarding work related musculoskeletal disorders have been published. The main incentive for this research interest is the significant decrease in productivity, the overwhelming costs of compensation to affected employees, the loss of work hours and the hospitalization and treatment costs. One of the most common workplaces today is the office, employing a vast number of employees. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the published knowledge on work related musculoskeletal disorders. It was conducted with a specific methodology and a thorough literature search was carried out. This search was realized with the use of key-words such as: musculoskeletal disorders, health, ergonomics, danger, risk, safety, office work related, risk assessment in office work, carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain, humeral periarthritis and tendon synovitis. Subsequently, the data were analyzed in relation to the hypotheses made in this study, which were verified. Specifically, our observations were: a) The prolonged wrong sitting position in front of the PC causes in increase in musculoskeletal disorders, b) The correct ergonomics in everyday activities during office work can cause less problems to employees, c) The personnel cut down causes in increase in musculoskeletal disorders, d) The male or female sex is an important factor in the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders because there is interaction between psychological stress and physical exercise. People with more stress and less physical exercise are in greater risk of suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. In conclusion, in order to decrease the incidence of office work related musculoskeletal disorders, corresponding preventive measures are proposed.