Occupational health and safety in office works and investigation of ergonomic risks in offices: Ankara Yenimahalle Municipality example

In this study, Life Quality Scale Short Form 'SF 36' and 'REBA' surveys were conducted with 55 participants from the Office Workers in Ankara Yenimahalle Municipality Main Building. Computer Workstation Evaluation Form 'OSHA' was applied to determine the ergonomic situation in the work environment. The data obtained in the study were calculated using SPSS 27.0 Program. Kruskal-Wallis test analysis was used statistically in the analysis of the data. In order to determine the quality of life of the participants, SF-36 (Short Form) was used and the individuals' Physical Function, Physical Role Difficulty, Emotional Role Difficulty, Energy-Vibrancy-Vitality, Mental Health, Social Functionality, Body Pain and General Health statuses were detailed. According to the determined survey results, Energy/Vigor/Vitality average was determined as 64.36%, Physical Function average as 79.27%, Body Pain average as 71.91%, Mental Health average as 63.85%, Physical Role Difficulty average as 77.72%, Social Functioning average as 73.40%, Emotional Role Difficulty average as 81.81%, and General Health average as 66%. The REBA score was determined as 3.95 in the survey and when the REBA score is examined, it is seen that there are no participants at high, very high and negligible risk levels in this study. It was determined that 72.72% of the participants in the survey had REBA scores between 2-3. It was seen that the Risk levels of participants with a Reba score of 2-3 were at the Low Risk level. It was seen that 27.27% of the participants had REBA scores between 4-7. It was determined that the Risk levels of participants with this REBA score were at the Medium Risk level. These results show that precautions are necessary for employees, but it can be said that this precaution is not urgent. The Computer Workstations Evaluation Form 'OSHA' ergonomic status evaluation result was 29 and it was determined that 87.88% 'YES' and 12.12% 'NO' answers were given to the survey questions. Despite the observation of work areas designed in accordance with ergonomic standards and participants with high living standards, it was concluded that musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life cannot be explained only by ergonomic conditions. This situation shows that other factors can also be effective. Increasing ergonomic awareness and encouraging physical activities can improve the quality of life of employees. The holistic evaluation of these factors will contribute to the office environment becoming healthier in terms of physical and psychological aspects.