76% of Office Goers across Indian Corporates Complain About Musculoskeletal Disorders

Dr. Reena Valecha, Principal Ergonomic Consultant, Godrej Interio talks about her assessment about the importance attached to ergonomics by Indian organizations, the focus areas for Godrej Interio with regard to improving the ergonomics scenario within Indian organizations, the thought process that has gone into designing Godrej products and how they ensure optimum ergonomics care for office workers, the Green initiatives undertaken by Godrej Interio during manufacture of its products and her views on how OSH India can help further the cause of spreading awareness about ergonomics in Indian organizations.

Interviewed by Adeesh Sharma

1. What is your assessment about the importance attached to ergonomics by Indian organizations?

Increasing number of office goers are complaining of health issues as per several studies conducted by us as well as by other academic institutions. As per our study, 76% of office goers across Indian corporates complained about Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Today, the attention for Health, Safety and Productivity in Indian Organizations is increasing, however the awareness levels for Ergonomics is low. And its alarming that majority of the office goers are not aware of the ill effects of incorrect postures and static lifestyle leading to MSDs. A Structured Ergonomic approach is an important step organization need to undertake to prevent long-term disability and enhance the overall workplace wellness Quotient.

2. What are the focus areas for Godrej Interio with regard to improving the ergonomics scenario within Indian organizations?

As experts in office ergonomics, we strongly believe that education and awareness is the key to ensuring a healthy workforce in an organization, reducing medical costs and retaining optimal levels of productivity at all times, across all age groups. To this end, we have been an active proponent of the 3 step A-C-P approach developed by our Workplace and Ergonomics Research Cell at Godrej Interio.

1. Assessment: Evaluating wellness quotient of the workspaces through an audit which assesses the ergonomic quotient of the workspace, the indoor thermal environment, etc.

2. Correction: Removal of hidden hazards through various interventions including improved integration of Furniture elements, wellness and posture correction training programs, etc.

3. Prevention: Constant Communication on preventive steps via Wellness Tips

3. Tell us about the thought process that has gone into designing Godrej products and how they ensure optimum ergonomics care for office workers.

At Godrej Interio, we have a user-centric design policy. Experts from the