Computer ergonomic hazards in Malaysia: Does daily computer usage matter?

Abstract

While the ever-increasing usage of computers in workplace has enhanced the speed and efficiency of job tasks, its impact on employees’ health due to over-usage cannot be ignored. This study is conducted to investigate whether daily computer usage mediate the influence of workstation design and workplace environment towards computer ergonomic hazards among office staff in Klang Valley. A total of 340 office staff from four district areas were selected using online survey. One Sample t-test, Independent Sample t-test, and mediating testing using SPSS Process Macro Model 4 were used to analyse the data. The study reveals that respondents possess a high level of awareness of computer ergonomics hazards, but nearly all of the office staff surveyed do not pay attention to the practice of ergonomics. Consistent with Activity Theory, the result reveals that daily computer usage mediates the relationship between workstation design and computer ergonomic hazards whereby prolonged usage of computer (more than 10 hours per day) in improper posture and limited movements have created certain associated health problems. This study is significant to the office management in order to create awareness of computer ergonomics practice, establish ergonomic guidelines, and restructuring duties as well as increase variety in activities being performed for the sake to avoid the staff from prolong use of computers