Use of adjustable chairs in teachers who telework and present osteomyoarticular discomfort at the Hispano America Educational Unit.

Abstract

Introduction. COVID-19 has changed reality, forcing the population to adopt new work scenarios, among which those concerning the teaching-learning modality stand out, making telework a necessity to adapt this way of work, which has increased osteomyoarticular discomfort (AOM) due to postural static load with the use of dysergonomic chairs. Objective. This research applies the use of adjustable chairs to reduce OMA problems in teachers who telework at Hispano America Educational Unit (UEHA), using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method for  verification. Methodology. It began with the identification of the most frequent OMA problems using the Nordic Questionnaire as the main tool. Prior to the implementation of the use of adjustable chairs, the postures adopted by the teachers who carry out teleworking of the technical commission of the UEHA accounting area were evaluated, with the ROSA method that starts from the observation of jobs in which the worker remains seated in a chair, in front of a table, and operating a computer with a data display screen. Results. From the Nordic questionnaire, it was observed that of the study population, 75% of the teachers have presented OMA symptoms such as lumbar pain. From the results of the application of the corrective measure with the use of adjustable chairs using the ROSA method, an overall decrease was obtained from the initial score of 7, to a final ergonomic risk level for forced postures of 4; improving posture and reducing low back pain caused. Conclusion. With the use of the adjustable chair in the workplace, a reduction of three points to the ROSA final score was achieved, which results in a low risk of the workplace.