Working posture is the posture adopted by an employee while performing work tasks. It can be altered often, or a single posture can be sustained for an extended time. The human body can be represented by segments, such as an arm, forearm, thigh or trunk, connected to other segments by joints. Working posture can be described by angles between body segments.

Musculoskeletal load related to occupational work is very often a cause in the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders is closely linked to biomechanical and psychosocial factors related to work tasks, as well as to individual factors associated with the employee (i.e. age, previous musculoskeletal disorders). Numerous studies confirm the link between the risk of musculoskeletal pain development and awkward body posture. There was a proven increase in the risk of developing neck and shoulder pain symptoms when neck twisting or bent postures were adopted often during work. Working in bent or twisted body positions for more than two hours a day is a strong risk factor for developing back pain. musculoskeletal disorders in the group of workers exposed to static work occur significantly more often than in other worker groups. a posture with a rigid trunk and upper limbs hanging down naturally along the body. In this position, all angles between body segments equal zero. The higher the deviation from the natural body posture, the higher the musculoskeletal load.

With regards

 Managing Editor

Journal of Ergonomics Research

ergonomics@journalres.com