Knowledge, Perception, And Utilization of Proper Ergonomic Dimensions in The Design Process by Office Furniture Makers in Lagos, Nigeria

1Department of Physiotherapy, University of Lagos, 2Department of Physiotherapy, University of Calabar, 3Department of Physiotherapy, University of Benin, 4Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi.

*1Okafor U.A.C., 1Abioye, O.A., 2Oghumu, S.N., 3Oke, K. I. and 4Umunnah J.O.

Corresponding Author: uokafor@unilag.edu.ng

Recieved Date: December, 2020; Accepted Date: December, 2020; Published Date: December, 2020

ABSTRACT

Background: Office furniture with no consideration for ergonomic dimensions and designs are potential causes of musculoskeletal discomfort and postural abnormality. Literature is sparse on the knowledge of office furniture makers in Nigeria, their perception and utilization of ergonomic dimensions and designs in the production of office furniture. This study investigated the knowledge, perception, and utilization of proper ergonomic dimensions and designs by office furniture makers in Lagos Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a cross- sectional survey involving 270 furniture makers. Participants were evaluated using a 19-item questionnaire which sought information on socio-demographic parameters, knowledge, perception, and utilization of ergonomic dimensions and designs in the production of office furniture. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages, pie charts, and bar charts were used to summarize the data while inferential statistics of Chi-square was used for association among the variables. Results: Majority of the respondents (88.1%) have heard about ergonomics. The source of knowledge of 40% of the respondents was at the work station, while 14.1% respondents’ source of knowledge was internet-based. Majority (87.0%) of the respondents perceived that ergonomics is important in furniture design. More than one third of the respondents (41.9%) have poor utilization of ergonomic dimensions and designs in the production of office furniture. Conclusion: Furniture makers in Lagos Nigeria do not have in- depth knowledge of ergonomics. Majority of the furniture makers have positive perception of the use of ergonomic dimensions and designs. Poor utilization of ergonomic dimensions and designs was observed among some furniture makers.