Telework-related risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders

Bibliographic Data

ID22085522
AuthorsMarina Milaković (Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo), Helena Koren (Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo), Karmen Bradvica-Kelava, Karmen Bradvica–Kelava (Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo), Marija Bubaš (Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, corresponding author), Josipa Nakić (0000-0001-9398-4093, University of Zagreb), Pavle Jeličić (0000-0003-3200-1596, Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo), Lovro Bucić (Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo), Barbara Bekavac (Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo), Jelena Čvrljak (Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health), Magdalena Capak (Catholic University of Croatia)
Year2023
Volume11
Pages1155745-1155745
Publication date2023-07-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2023.1155745
PMID37465175
OpenAlexW4382981526
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited53

Telework has become considerably more common during the ongoing pandemic. Although working remotely may have numerous advantages, negative impacts on workers’ health and safety should also be considered. Telework is a major contributor to the development or aggravation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders where unsuited workstation ergonomics, sedentary behavior, as well as psychosocial and organizational factors play a role. This paper aims to identify telework-related risks and their impact on musculoskeletal health as well as provide recommendations that may be useful in constructing future preventive measures. A comprehensive literature search regarding the topic has been performed. Teleworkers experience musculoskeletal pain and discomfort mostly in low back area, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Poor ergonomic solutions when it comes to workstation design resulting in prolonged sitting in non-neutral positions contribute to the development and aggravation of musculoskeletal disorders in teleworkers. Working with inadequately placed screens and laptops and sitting in maladjusted seats without usual functionalities and ergonomic support is associated with musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. Extended working hours with fewer rest periods to meet increased work demands, social isolation, and lack of support from work colleagues and superiors as well as blurred work-home boundaries and omnipresence of work are commonly stated psychosocial and organizational factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Environmental factors such as poor lighting and glare, inadequate room temperature, and ventilation or noise, are frequently overlooked remote workstation risk factors. For a certain part of workers, telework will remain a common way of work in the post-pandemic period. Therefore, it is essential to identify telework-related risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and address them with timely preventive measures tailored to each remote workstation’s risks and individual workers’ needs

Alternative medicine · Business · Medical emergency · Musculoskeletal disorder · Neck pain · Occupational safety and health · Physical therapy · Poison control · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Shoulders · Signage · Sitting · Applied Psychology · Effects of Vibration on Health · Engineering · Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation · Psychology

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