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Ergonomics, Health, and Perceptions about Remote Domestic Workposts: Study in Areas of City of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Luiz Bueno Silva

    (Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, Brazil)

  • Carmem Julianne Beserra Melo

    (Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, Brazil)

  • Adriana Gomes Lisboa de Souza

    (Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, Brazil)

  • Lucas Guedes de Oliveira

    (Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-970, Brazil)

Abstract

Home office (HO) stands out as one of the most promising and popular forms of teleworking, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, many companies want to implement or maintain this working method, given its numerous advantages. However, there are adverse effects that are mainly related to physical and mental health. This article presents ergonomic analyses of HOs in neighborhoods considered heat islands. Temperature levels, extreme low-frequency non-ionizing radiation (ELF-NIR), illuminance, physical layout characteristics, and physiological parameters of teleworkers were measured. The results reveal that 92% of these professionals work 6 to 8 h daily with an ambient temperature between 25 and 30 °C, illumination levels in the range 11.20–290 Lux, and ELF-NIR > 0.4 µT. The majority of teleworkers are overweight (BMI > 24.9), and some of them have blood pressure higher than average values (129 mmHg for systolic and 84 mmHg for diastolic) in addition to a reduction in the number of red blood cells and hematocrits. Symptoms such as burning sensation, dryness, tired eyes, redness, itching, and photophobia (light sensitivity) show a 68.95% similarity. These HOs do not meet the required ergonomic and health standards.

Suggested Citation

  • Luiz Bueno Silva & Carmem Julianne Beserra Melo & Adriana Gomes Lisboa de Souza & Lucas Guedes de Oliveira, 2024. "Ergonomics, Health, and Perceptions about Remote Domestic Workposts: Study in Areas of City of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-23, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:941-:d:1438350
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. César Larrea-Araujo & José Ayala-Granja & Andrea Vinueza-Cabezas & Patricia Acosta-Vargas, 2021. "Ergonomic Risk Factors of Teleworking in Ecuador during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-14, May.
    2. Sybil Geldart, 2022. "Remote Work in a Changing World: A Nod to Personal Space, Self-Regulation and Other Health and Wellness Strategies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-9, April.
    3. Kerstin Sailer & Petros Koutsolampros & Rosica Pachilova, 2021. "Differential perceptions of teamwork, focused work and perceived productivity as an effect of desk characteristics within a workplace layout," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(4), pages 1-19, April.
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