Assessment of Ergonomic Risk Factors Among Bank Employees in Lagos Island, Lagos State

The sedentary nature of banking work combined with prolonged computer use creates a range of ergonomic risk factors that are increasingly documented in office-based occupational health literature. This study assessed ergonomic risk factors and their associated musculoskeletal health outcomes among bank employees on Lagos Island, Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 185 employees from five commercial banks. The Rapid Office Strain Assessment tool and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire were administered alongside an ergonomic workstation checklist. Findings revealed that 77.3 percent of workstations were non-compliant with standard ergonomic configurations, particularly regarding monitor height, chair adjustability, and keyboard positioning. A total of 68.6 percent of respondents reported musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck (54.1%), lower back (61.6%), and wrists (38.4%) within the previous month. Duration of daily computer use, failure to take regular breaks, and poor sitting posture were the most significant predictors of musculoskeletal complaints. Despite high prevalence of symptoms, only 18.9 percent had ever sought medical attention for work-related musculoskeletal issues. This study underscores the need for ergonomic workstation redesign, mandatory break protocols, and occupational health awareness programs in Nigerian banking institutions. Human Resources departments should integrate ergonomics into employee wellness strategies. Keywords: ergonomics, musculoskeletal discomfort, bank employees, office work, Lagos.