An assessment of the space and furniture at Kastamonu University offices via the ergonomic criteria

The purpose of this study is to determine the appropriateness of working conditions of academic and personal staffs working at Kastamonu University in terms of ergonomics with the assessment of their working places and office furniture especially table, chair and the location of computer. In order to achieve this aim, it was applied a questionnaire including totally 64 questions to them with regard to the environmental factors in the working places. Furthermore, results of this questionnaire were compared with the literature, national and international principle data. According to the results of the study, working places were established to be ergonomic. However, it was shown that people working with computers and office furniture suffered from pains in some body parts such as: the waist, back, neck. Not being ergonomic of their working tables and chairs, in addition, the lack of foot, keyboard and mouse supports can cause to these pains. The most disturbing environmental factor affecting the officers is the noise coming from the corridor. Providing of such materials as back, mouse, keyboard and foot bases which will provide ergonomic facilities to the employees by their institutions and giving ergonomic seminars to them, are recommended. Overcoming these deficiencies, it can be contributed to employees with the sensation of being appreciated by their institutions and their working more enthusiastically.