EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF OFFICE ERGONOMICS AND EMPLOYEES' HEALTH AND SAFETY IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

Employees' health and safety are affected by workplace layout and design, physical conditions, and office environment which have serious consequences on their productivity. Employees' optimum performance is a function of the state of their health. Thus, this study examines the influence of office ergonomics on employees health and safety in Nigerian universities. Mixed methods of research were used and a survey design was adopted for the study. Primary data was used to elicit information from the respondents through the administration of a structured questionnaire. The study focused on Nigerian second generation federal universities with particular reference to the university in the North-central geo-political zone. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select sampled respondents. Data collected were analyzed using the partial least square structural equation model using SMART PLS3 software. The findings revealed that office layout and design and office atmosphere and environment are statistically significant in predicting workforce health and safety. The study concluded that office ergonomics influence employees' health and safety. The study recommended that office layout and design, office environments and atmosphere should be appealing for the work process to ensure workforce health and safety. While office temperature and lighting should be improved to enhance optimum productivity.