Miss Shiva Mohammadjani Kumeleh, Mr Mohammad Amin Rashidi, Mr Azim Akbari,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics-In Press 2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Administrative employees are often at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged computer use. Additionally, frequent interactions with clients expose them to a high mental workload and job stress. This study aims to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, mental workload, general health, and job stress among administrative employees, to improve their working conditions.
Materials and Methods: The study is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted among the administrative employees of an engineering company in 2021, and finally 119 people participated in the study by census method. Demographic information questionnaires and ROSA, Cornell, NASA-TLX, GHQ, and HSE-UK job stress checklists were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: According to the posture assessment with the ROSA method, the average final ROSA score was 4.33±1.03. Examination of mental load with the NASA-TLX index showed that 78% have a high mental load. According to the GHQ questionnaire, the average final general health score is 24.4 ± 11.73. Also, based on the HSE-UK occupational stress questionnaire, more than 80% (103 people) of employees were under severe stress and 12% (15 people) were under critical stress. A significant relationship was observed between occupational stress, body mass index, and age (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Implementing intervention and control measures to improve musculoskeletal disorders, workload, general health, and job stress is essential.
Ali Sobhani Dargah, Mohsen Aliabadi, Rostam Golmohamadi, Maryam Farhadian, Mohamad Babamiri, Shiva Mohammadjani Kumeleh,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics-In Press 2025)
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of tonal noise and background speech on neurophysiological parameters and noise annoyance based on personality characteristics.
Methods: In this experimental study, 25 male students were exposed to four scenarios of tonal noise, irrelevant speech, and broadband noise as reference in a simulated laboratory environment. The LF/HF index and galvanic skin response were recorded before and during exposure to the noise. The level of noise annoyance was determined at the end of each test session using the noise annoyance questionnaire according to ISO 15666.
Results: Repeated measures ANOVA showed that the difference between the values of neurophysiological indices and noise annoyance in different noise exposure scenarios was significant (P<0.05). The effect of different tonal sound levels on galvanic skin response and noise annoyance was significant (P<0.05). Also, the effect of 65 dB tonal sound level and 55 dB speech sound level on the LF/HF index was reported to be significant (P<0.05). Also, the effect size of 1.919 in exposure to 65 dB tonal sound level had the highest value compared to other noise exposure scenarios for the noise annoyance variable.
Conclusion: Exposure to different levels of tonal noise and irrelevant speech leads to disruption of individuals' neurophysiological parameters and noise annoyance in individuals regarding some of their characteristics and personality traits.
