Telework Conditions, Ergonomic and Psychosocial Risks, and Musculoskeletal Problems in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of telework conditions with ergonomic and psychosocial risks and with the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems among employees of the Brazilian Labor Judiciary during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 934 workers from August to October 2021. The data were collected via Web using a self-administrated questionnaire survey. Nonparametric tests and generalized linear regression analysis were used. RESULTS: Previous experience in telework was associated with a better evaluation of the home workstation, a lower increase in workload, a greater increase in productivity, and greater preference to continue teleworking after the pandemic. The lack of a place dedicated to telework was specially related to greater ergonomic and psychosocial risks and to the greater occurrence of musculoskeletal problems. CONCLUSIONS: Companies should monitor telework conditions to reduce health risks among their employees.