Use of technology and occupational health exposures encountered by academics in institutions of higher learning - An exploratory study

The confluence of increasing number of students in institutions of higher learning, virtualization of teaching and learning and technology revolution will predispose the academics to witness prolonged period of workplace exposures with potentials for occupational health impacts. Method: A cross sectional survey of academics in institutions of higher learning across three continents using questionnaire design on survey monkey. Finding: Heavy manual processing of task during pre-pandemic era. Increasing use of technology aids in grading of script, teaching and research in pandemic period. Increasing health effects including headache, visual discomfort, neck and shoulder pain, low back pain, dizziness and repetitive strain injury. Conclusion: As modernization and globalization spread across sectors, academia should brace up for technology revolution but should mobilize controls to mitigate impact of exposure to technology aid.