The influence of participatory ergonomics on the performance of employees in the Ecobank Ghana limited, Tema zone

Abstract

Background: Prolong sitting is a specific occupational hazard in office workers. Participatory Ergonomics (PE) is used as an implementation strategy to prevent these symptoms. By following the steps of PE, working groups composed and prioritized ergonomic measures, and developed an implementation plan. Working group members were responsible to implement the ergonomic measures in their departments. Little is known about factors that impede or enhance the implementation of ergonomic measures. Objectives: To examine the influence of participatory ergonomics on the performance of employees in the Eco bank Ghana Limited, Tema zone. Methods: The study employed the descriptive, cross-sectional study using quantitative approach to collect the data from employees at the Ecobank Ghana Limited, Tema zone. Research questionnaires were developed and distributed to a sample of 88 workers consisting of workers drawn from various units at the Ecobank Ghana Limited, Tema Zone. Data for the study obtained mainly from the administration of questionnaires was analyzed quantitatively using the SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel and presented with the aid of frequency distributions, tables and percentages. Results: The study also confirmed that the ergonomic deficiencies have had varying adverse effects on the performance of Ecobank Ghana Limited, Tema zone employees by between 20-80 percent. Majority of the respondents, 45.5% were males and 54.5% were females. Thus, (44.8%) were within the age bracket of 30-39 years whiles 20.9% were within the age bracket of 40-49 years. It was evident from the findings that all the indicators explaining participatory ergonomics from the perspective of the employees of Ecobank Ghana Limited, Tema zone were satisfactory despite the few respondents who indicated unsatisfactory to the general design and workplace décor, and conduciveness of the office furniture‘s and office layouts, and room temperature and air quality. It was established that all the indicators of participatory ergonomics have a significant positive correlation with employee productivity at Ecobank Ghana Limited, Tema zone. Conclusion: In spite of increased productivity, there are different adverse effects of sitting long hours. Some such effects can manifest themselves, such as psychological stresses, increased incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, inactivity and fatigue. Several approaches and strategies have to be introduced including ―setting up training programmes, ergonomic principles for working, job rotation, relaxing and sharing information.