Hanyang Med Rev.  2010 Nov;30(4):274-283.

Occupational Diseases among Office Workers

• Koo JW

Abstract

There is no critical factor that can cause typical occupational disease among office workers who have a little chance to exposure to harmful agents like physical factor, chemical factor and biological factor. However they still have possible health risks that cannot be ignored, even if it is neither critical nor dangerous. Over the last two decades, the number of office workers in computer-related fields increased at geometric rates. Ergonomic problems and associated musculoskeletal diseases among office workers were mainly caused by computer use. Also health problems due to indoor air pollution, work overloads and job stress can bring about socio-psychological burden that can cause cardiovascular disease and psychological disorder. To date, almost all studies in occupational medicine were mostly focused on manufacturing workers who were more vulnerable to exposure to harmful environment and workers at special situation. So office worker's health has not been studied thoroughly. Further health studies in office workers who are vulnerable to these diseases should be needed. Also companies need to develop their proper health promotion programs for office workers.

Keyword

Office workers; Musculoskeletal diseases; Job stress; Indoor air pollution

MeSH Terms

Air Pollution, Indoor
Biological Factors
Cardiovascular Diseases
Health Promotion
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Occupational Diseases
Occupational Medicine
Biological Factors

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms within a computerized office work environment in relation to professional occupational groups. Adapted from Workstyle Model, for purpose of identifying only those variables and relationships addressed in this review and this does not diminish the significance of other variables within the model. Used and modified with permission from Taylor & Francis Ltd (UK) (1996) and author M. Feuerstein

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  Fig. 2 Odds ratios for the association between the duration of mouse use and hand-arm symptoms.

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  Fig. 3 Schematic of pathophysiological effects of acute psychosocial stress. Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) stimulation emanating from acute stress leads to a variety of effects, ranging from heart rate and blood pressure stimulation to direct effects on coronary vascular endothelium.

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