The Productivity Consequences of Two Ergonomic Interventions

Authors

Kelly DeRango, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Benjamin C. Amick, The University of Texas Health Sciences CenterFollow
Michelle Robertson, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for SafetyFollow
Ted Rooney, Health and Work Outcomes
Anne Moore, School of Kinesiology and Health ScienceFollow
Lianna Bazzani, Health and Work Outcomes

Publication Date

5-1-2003

Series

Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 03-95

DOI

10.17848/wp03-95

Abstract

Pre- and post-intervention data on health outcomes, absenteeism, and productivity from a longitudinal, quasi-experimental design field study of office workers was used to evaluate the economic consequences of two ergonomic interventions. Researchers assigned individuals in the study to three groups: a group that received an ergonomically designed chair and office ergonomics training; a group that received office ergonomics training only; and a control group. The results show that while training alone has neither a statistically significant effect on health nor productivity, the chair-with-training intervention substantially reduced pain and improved productivity. Neither intervention affected sick leave hours.

Issue Date

May 2003

Sponsorship

Research was supported by grants to Dr. DeRango and Dr. Amick from Steelcase Corporation. Health and Work Outcomes collected the data with the support of funding from Steelcase Corporation. Dr. Robertson's participation was supported by the Liberty Mutual Safety Research Institute.

Subject Areas

UNEMPLOYMENT, DISABILITY, and INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAMS; Workers compensation and disability; Occupational health and safety