ABSTRACT
This study utilized a participatory ergonomics approach to examine the ergonomic hazards and to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms for librarians in the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library. A total of 39 employees from 9 different divisions in the Library participated in the study. The results of pre- and post-training ergonomics knowledge tests indicate significant improvement of librarians’ understanding of ergonomics principles, whereas the questionnaire responses for both 2-month-post- and 8-month-post- the ergonomics training compared against those before the training have shown positive improvements in the majority of musculoskeletal symptom presence and severity, computer workstation, manual material handling, and perceived control over the work environment. With the identification of ergonomic hazards through RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) observations as well as focus group discussions, the study findings accomplish the project’s overall objective of assisting librarians to improve ergonomics in the workplace. The results of this study provide foundation for future long-term study of participatory ergonomics to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and disorders for librarians and other service sector workers.
