IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Design of Public Libraries and Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Employees: Exploratory Ergonomic Study

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are common with library clerks, due to prolonged static postures, repeated movements, the use of computer tools, and manual handling tasks. This report summarizes work that led to the development of an ergonomic intervention model to contribute to layout projects and plan work situations that do not produce health hazards for personnel. This work enabled them to establish a relationship between the work activities in a library and many musculoskeletal disorder risk factors. The authors documented the effect of different choices made during two library layout projects on the appearance of such injuries. The results of their study served as a basis for practical publications that can be used by library managers and personnel, ergonomists and municipal occupational health and safety specialists in choosing equipment and layouts that take into account musculoskeletal disorder prevention.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-0970
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2005
Team:
  • Marie Bellemare (IRSST)
  • Louis Trudel (Université Laval)
  • Sylvie Montreuil (Université Laval)
  • Élise Ledoux (IRSST)
  • Jacques Blain (IRSST)
  • Marie Laberge (Université Laval)
  • Micheline Marier (Université Laval)