Usefulness of Rule-based Solutions Generated by the DSE-RAM System for Solving Occupational Health Problems Associated with Computer Usage

摘要

Introduction: The Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessment and Management System (DSE-RAM) is designed to generate expert rule-based solutions for practitioners to solve problems associated with improper workstation design. This study was aimed to test the usefulness of the System for facilitating the risk assessment process. Methods: One hundred and eleven sedentary workers were randomly assigned to intervention group (n = 56) and delayed-intervention group (n = 55). The DSE-RAM guided risk assessments were conducted to the workers' workstations. The ergonomic solutions generated by the DSE-RAM were immediately implemented to the intervention group. All workers were assessed on their body discomfort, fatigue and satisfaction towards the workstation at the beginning and two weeks after. Results: When compared with the control group, workers in the intervention group showed significant decreases in both body discomfort (t(54) = 2. 51 - 5. 43, p < 0. 006) and fatigue (t(54) = 3. 47-5. 10, p ≤ 0. 001) two weeks after implementation of the modifications. Significant differences were found in the satisfaction ratings with monitor height (F = 11. 74, df = 1,49, p = 0. 001) when the perceived feasibility of the recommended solutions were controlled. Conclusion: The DSE-RAM System appears to be useful and effective. Further study should explore ways to facilitate workers to adopt active roles and also focus on the cost-effectiveness and utility of the System.