A study on knowledge and practice of Ergonomics among the Software Engineers in a private firm, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Due to multiple reasons like prolonged sitting and postural demands, software engineers are prone to develop musculoskeletal problems, which can be easily alleviated by practicing proper Ergonomic posture in their workstation. The main objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of Ergonomics Principles and Workplace Practice among the software engineers working in a private firm. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 403 software engineers working in a private firm, Chennai. RESULTS: Among the 403 study participants, 85.6% had musculoskeletal problem in any area of focus. Only 9% had adequate ergonomic knowledge and only fewer among them practice it adequately. CONCLUSION: The study revealed higher prevalence of musculoskeletal problem, lower prevalence of knowledge about Ergonomic principles and much lower prevalence of appropriate practice of Ergonomic principles. This can be alleviated by a simple primary care like ergonomic education and practising.