Musculoskeletal Disorders and Office Ergonomics

Office workers often complaint of aches, pain and strains from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). MSD are syndromes characterised by discomfort, impairment, disability, or persistent pains in joints, muscles, tendons or other soft tissues. They are the most common self-reported, work-related illness and accounted for 57% of all occupational injuries in the US. High incidence rates for MSDs have been reported for workers in a wide range of industries including office work, manufacturing, agriculture and numerous manual materials handling occupations. MSD have become a major concern because of the negative impact on the health and productivity of employees.

In a recent study conducted by the Singapore General Hospital on the prevalence of MSD among office workers in Singapore, it was found that 73% of the 324 respondents reported experiencing pain in at least one of the body parts. The body parts with the highest report of pain were neck (46%), shoulder (42%) and low back (42%). MSD is more common in female (79%) compared to male (64%).