FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
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AVIATION MEDICINE REPORTS

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-99/17

Title and Subtitle: The Influence of Ergonomic Interventions on Employee Stress and Physical Symptoms

Report Date: June 1999

Authors: Joseph, K.M., Thompson R.C., Bailey, L.L., Williams, C.A., Worley, J.A., and Schroeder, D.J.

Abstract: A recent report by the GAO (1997) indicates that private-sector employers spend as much as $20 billion annually for employee injuries and illnesses due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). While the etiologic mechanisms are poorly understood, there is increasing evidence that psychosocial risk factors related to the job and work environment play a role in the development of work-related MSDs. A longitudinal study was completed to determine the influence of six psychosocial factors and two cost-effective ergonomics interventions on physical discomfort and stress scores reported by employees within a Federal Aviation Administration organization. The results of the study revealed that stress scores decreased significantly across time. However, physical symptom scores did not change across time, nor were they affected by the ergonomic interventions. Two psychosocial factors provided significant and reliable adjustments to stress and physical discomfort scores.

Key Words: Ergonomics Interventions, Psychosocial Risk Factors, Stress, Physical Symptoms

No. of Pages: 9