Journal of Health and Safety at Work

Introduction: Pharmacies are one of the main elements of the service chain in the health system in each country. Therefore, it is important to identify characteristics of the job as well as the health issues of the employees of this business. The aim of the current study was to investigate the ergonomic issues of pharmacies.

Material and Method: This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis during a 5- month study in the pharmacies of Maragheh city, Iran. Data was collected using focus group discussion. Thirty individual including 12 Pharmacists, 12 pharmacy technicians and 6 inspectors of deputy of the food and drugs office  participated in five meetings. Data analysis was carried out simultaneously using the conducted content analysis.

Result: Using content analysis method 23 ergonomic issues were identified in the studied pharmacies. These issues were categorized into three broad categories based on the classification of the International Ergonomics Association (physical, cognitive, and organizational issues). The results showed that from ergonomic point of view, different issues of all three categories such as work postures, work space and layout, mental workload and work-rest schedules are of great importance for staffs. Some issues were more emphasized by personnel, themselves.

Conclusion: Unlike what appears at first, pharmacies as a work environment have multiple issues related to workforce health. Therefore, the occupational health and ergonomic evaluation of pharmacies that has been neglected should be taken into account by ergonomic researchers. Also, interventions to promote the ergonomic level of pharmacies require attention to all aspects of ergonomics. The results of this study can be used as a basis for promoting the regulations of establishment and utilization of pharmacies as well as ergonomic assessment of them.