Musculoskeletal symptoms among seafood production workers in North Norway

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among male and female production workers in different types of seafood industries in North Norway and to analyse associations between musculoskeletal symptoms and some possible risk factors in the seafood industry. METHODS: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire, covering several aspects concerning occupational environment and health issues, was mailed to employees in seafood-processing plants in North Norway. RESULTS: A total of 1767 employees in 118 seafood-processing plants participated giving a 50% response rate. This included 744 production workers in whitefish, shrimp and salmon industries, and 129 administrative workers in all types of seafood industries. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was high among seafood production workers. The odds ratio for symptoms from upper limbs was significantly higher for females compared to men. Production workers had the highest relative risk for symptoms from wrist/hands (OR = 4.1-9.4) and elbows (OR = 3.5-5.2) when compared to administrative workers. The main difference between types of seafood industries was the high prevalence of symptoms from wrist/hands among female (82%) and male (64%) production workers in the salmon industry compared to whitefish (62 and 47%, respectively) and shrimp industry (66 and 37%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal symptoms were found among the majority of production workers in the whitefish, shrimp and salmon industry, the highest prevalence being among female workers. The main difference between types of seafood industries was the high prevalence of symptoms from wrist/hands among workers in the salmon industry. Cold work was an important risk factor for musculoskeletal symptoms.     

Musculoskeletal disorders in hotel restaurant workers

BACKGROUND: A variety of occupational groups have been shown to experience elevated risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). Little information on WMSD is available in hotel restaurant workers. OBJECTIVE: To document the profile of WMSD in a sample of hotel restaurant workers in Taiwan. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information regarding body site specific WMSD, pain intensity and strategies for pain relief amongst a sample of hotel restaurant workers. RESULTS: Among 905 restaurant workers, 785 (84%) reported experience of WMSD in the previous month, with the highest prevalence rate found for the shoulder (58%). The highest mean score for perceived pain intensity was found for the lower back/waist (2.50 points). Despite a high prevalence rate, only a small portion of those reporting WMSD (12%) considered their work capacity or activities of daily living to be affected by WMSD, and only <5% of workers with WMSD sought medical treatment. CONCLUSION: WMSD related pain is common among hotel restaurant workers in Taiwan, but it does not appear to interfere with job performance or daily living. Self-treatment and alternative therapies that have not been evaluated for effectiveness are commonly employed by hotel restaurant workers.     

Use of keyboards and symptoms in the neck and arm: evidence from a national survey

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between upper limb symptoms and keyboard use in a population survey. A questionnaire was mailed to 21,201 subjects aged 16-64 years, selected at random from the registers of 34 British general practices. Information was collected on occupation and on regular use of keyboards (for >4 h in an average working day), pain in the upper limbs and neck, numbness or tingling in the upper limbs, headaches, and feelings of tiredness or stress. Associations were explored by logistic regression, with the resultant odds ratios converted into prevalence ratios (PRs). Among 12,262 respondents, 4899 held non-manual occupations. These included 1871 regular users of keyboards (e.g. computer operators, data processors, clerks, administrators, secretaries and typists). Pain in the neck or upper limbs and sensory symptoms were common in the non-manual workers overall (with 1 week period prevalences of 30 and 15%, respectively), and were associated with older age, smoking, headaches and tiredness or stress. After adjustment for these factors, regular keyboard use was significantly associated with pain in the past week in the shoulders (PRs 1.2-1.4) and the wrists or hands (PR 1.4), but not with elbow pain or sensory symptoms over the same period, or with neck or upper limb pain that prevented normal activities in the past year. Disabling symptoms were somewhat less prevalent among symptomatic keyboard users than among other symptomatic workers. We conclude that use of keyboards was associated with discomfort at the shoulder and wrist or hand, but risk estimates were lower than generally reported in workplace surveys. Previous estimates of risk in the occupational setting may have been biased by shared expectations, concerns, or other aspects of illness behaviour.     

Prevalence of upper extremity symptoms and possible risk factors in workers handling paper currency

The prevalence of upper extremity symptoms in the workforceis high, particularly in industries characterized by forceful,repetitive or awkward movements. A study was undertaken to assessthe prevalence of upper extremity symptoms in bank workers ina paper currency processing operation and to examine the roleof possible risk factors for these complaints. Thirty-nine workersof a total workforce of 47 were assessed with a questionnaireand physical examination. The questionnaire collected informationabout demographics, health status, symptom reporting, psychosocialwork stressors and other work exposure characteristics. Overall,59% of the workers reported having significant work-relatedupper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms in the preceding year,including 49% with neck and shoulder symptoms and 49% with armand wrist symptoms. In this study the key predictive factorfor upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms was psychologicaljob demands. The workers had similar ergonomic stressors (withlittle gradient of exposure) and therefore our results do notcontradict the importance of ergonomic factors in the developmentof upper extremity symptoms. However, the results do suggestthat within a group exposed to similar ergonomic stressors,psychological job demands may be an important factor associatedwith musculoskeletal symptoms.     

Musculoskeletal symptoms among truck assembly workers

BACKGROUND: Concerns were raised about the possibility of a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in a truck assembly plant. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in a group of truck assembly workers. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 461 truck assembly workers was carried out using a modified version of the Nordic questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12). Employees were further subdivided into three distinct occupational subgroups: skilled line workers (252), bench subassembly workers (108) and material handlers (101). Responses were analysed according to occupational subgroup. RESULTS: Seventy per cent of 461 truck assembly workers responded to the questionnaires. Seventy-nine per cent of respondents had been troubled with musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months. The commonest musculoskeletal symptoms were from the lower back (65%), neck (60%) and shoulders (57%). Musculoskeletal symptoms were related to age, length of service, occupational subgroup and GHQ12 score. CONCLUSION: There was a high reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in this group of truck assembly workers, with a differing pattern of symptom reporting depending on occupational subgroup. Risk reduction recommendations were made to the site management. A further study investigating the relationship between symptoms and specific hazards is planned.     

Low back pain among Iranian industrial workers

BACKGROUND: Most epidemiological data concerning low back pain (LBP) are from high-income countries and there is very little information about LBP in the working population in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of LBP in Iranian industrial workers. To explore associations between LBP and physical and psychosocial factors at work, as well as lifestyle factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of the largest car-manufacturing group in Iran. The prevalence of LBP, work exposures and lifestyle factors were recorded using the standardized Nordic questionnaire for analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Demographic data and lifestyle factors (age, sex, education, weight, work experience, smoking and fitness training) were also collected. RESULTS: Of the 18,031 employees, 78% participated. The majority of subjects in this study population were young males (<30 years) and a small proportion was female (4%). The 1-year prevalence of self-reported LBP in this Iranian industrial population was 21% (20% males and 27% females). The prevalence rate of absence due to LBP was 5% per annum. The multiple logistic regression models indicated that the following remained risk indicators for LBP in the previous 12 months: increasing age, no regular exercise, heavy lifting, repetitive work and monotonous work. CONCLUSION: LPB is a common problem in the working population even in a developing country. Age and gender as well as certain work-related physical and psychosocial factors influenced the prevalence of LBP but the differences between different categories of workers were small.     

Perceived job demands relate to self-reported health complaints

BACKGROUND: Illness and illness behaviour are important problems in the Dutch workforce. Illness has been associated with job demands, with high demands relating to poorer health. It has not been reported whether subjective health complaints relate to job demands. AIMS: To investigate whether perceived (physical and mental) workload and specific job demands are associated with self-reported health complaints. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a random sample of 983 male employees working in manufacturing industry. Job demands and health complaints were investigated using the self-completed Basic Occupational Health Questionnaire. The relationship between demands and health complaints were studied using logistic regression analysis with health complaints as the outcome variable. RESULTS: The questionnaires of 867 workers (88%) were suitable for analysis. The prevalence of health complaints was high. Physical workload was related to musculoskeletal symptoms. Standing work predicted pain in the legs and thoracic as well as low back pain, while sedentary work predicted low back pain. Heavy lifting predicted low back pain and pain in the extremities. Regular bending predicted low back pain and pain in the legs. Repetitive movements predicted pain in the arms and thoracic as well as low back pain. Mental workload was associated with fatigue and chest pain. Working under time pressure and working behind schedule were not related to self-reported health complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived physical job demands matched with self-reported musculoskeletal complaints, whereas perceived mental job demands were unrelated to specific complaints.     

Effects of ergonomic intervention in work with video display units

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of an intensive ergonomic approach and education on workstation changes and musculoskeletal disorders among workers who used a video display unit (VDU). METHODS: A randomized controlled design was used. The subjects (N=124) were allocated into three groups (intensive ergonomics, ergonomic education, reference) using stratified random sampling. The evaluation involved questionnaires, a diary of discomfort, measurements of workload, and an ergonomic rating of the workstations. The assessments were made 2 weeks before the intervention and after 2 and 10 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The intensive and training groups showed less musculoskeletal discomfort than the reference group after 2 months of follow-up. Positive effects on discomfort were seen primarily for the shoulder, neck, and upper back areas. No significant differences were found for the strain levels or prevalence of pain. After the intervention the ergonomic level was distinctly higher in the intensive ergonomic group than in the education or reference group. CONCLUSIONS: Both the intensive ergonomics approach and education in ergonomics help reduce discomfort in VDU work. In attempts to improve the physical ergonomics of VDU workstations, the best result will be achieved with cooperative planning in which both workers and practitioners are actively involved.     

Survey on visual and musculoskeletal symptoms in VDT workers]

With the spread of visual display terminals (VDT) in offices, the numbers of workers using VDT and the working hours at such equipment have increased rapidly in recent years. Also, preventive measures for fatigue have been proposed and the office-working environment has been improved. To examine the effects of the rapid changes in working conditions and environment on the health of VDT workers, we conducted a questionnaire survey in 2002. A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to 3,927 office workers; 2,374 (60.5%) responded. Subjects whose questionnaires had missing data were excluded from analysis. As a result, 1,406 (male: 1,069, female: 337) workers aged 20 to 59 were subjected to analysis. By a logistic regression model, we examined the association between VDT use and visual and musculoskeletal symptoms. Prevalence of eye strain and/or pain (72.1%) was the highest, followed by neck stiffness and/or pain (59.3%), low back stiffness and/or pain (30.0%) and hand or arm strain and/or pain (13.9%). Women consistently reported more discomfort than men. As a result of the logistic regression model, eye strain and/or pain was associated with dissatisfaction with airflow, but not with factors affecting visual symptoms as reported in previous studies, for example, reflection of light and blurred characters on the screen. It was thought that airflow appeared as a risk factor because the lighting environment had been improved in offices to prevent reflection of light on the screen. Neck stiffness and/or pain was associated with raising the shoulders during VDT work, the unsuitable shape of the computer mouse for a hand, and the inconvenient arrangement of the mouse in relation to the body. Hand or arm strain and/or pain were associated with the arrangement of the mouse and inappropriate height of the desk. Low back stiffness and/or pain were associated with dissatisfaction with the chair and using the keyboard without a wrist rest. Although measures to prevent fatigue had been implemented for VDT workers, risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms would be the same as in previous studies.     

Prevalence of low back pain among staff in a rural hospital in Nigeria

A cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural hospital in south-western Nigeria to determine the prevalence of low back pain among its staff. The questionnaire administered to staff sought information on social and demographic characteristics, job history, smoking status, frequency and severity of low back pain and factors predisposing to low back pain. Seventy-four out of a total of 80 workers participated in the study. The prevalence of low back pain among staff was 46%. The highest prevalence of back pain (69%) was recorded among nursing staff, followed by secretaries/administrative staff (55%) and cleaners/aides (47%). Heavy physical work (45%), poor posture (20%) and prolonged standing or sitting (20%) were the most frequent activities reported to be associated with low back pain among these workers. The prevalence of low back pain among these workers is comparable to that of workers in high income countries. Health education on posture and correct lifting techniques can be introduced to reduce the burden of low back pain among these workers.     

Upper limb disorders among coopers in the Scotch whisky industry

BACKGROUND: Coopering is a physically demanding trade which has existed for >500 years. Anecdotal clinical evidence suggested increased prevalence of upper limb disorders in the population of coopers in one organization. AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of upper limb disorders in coopers and non-coopers. To identify differences in prevalence, and any relationship between the findings and the work practices. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 108 coopers and 110 non-coopers. The Standardized Nordic questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms was administered to all participants, who also underwent a clinical assessment for upper limb disorders. RESULTS: Coopers were more likely to report elbow pain in the past 12 months (OR 3.4; 95% CI: 1.8-6.2) and pain in the last 7 days (OR 4.7; 95% CI: 2.0-8.9) and this was likely to lead to prevention of activity in the past 12 months associated with the elbow (P < 0.05). Clinical evaluation highlighted a higher prevalence of upper limb disorders in coopers (OR 9.8; 95% CI: 3.9-24.3) with epicondylitis predominating (OR 8.4; 95% CI: 2.8-25.0). There was also a higher prevalence of problems in the wrist and hand among coopers (OR 8.15; 95% CI: 1.04-64; P = 0.03). Logistic regression analysis confirmed the risk of upper limb disorder in coopers (P < 0.03) accounting for age (P < 0.05) and years of service (P > 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Coopers appear to be at an increased risk of upper limb disorders. Work practices have been reviewed and a number of changes have been implemented to reduce this risk. Further study of this group is merited in future to determine the effect of changes in work practice on the risk of upper limb disorders.     

Risk factors for low back pain among office workers in Ibadan,Southwest Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is the most common musculo-skeletal problem in the workplace. Data from low-income countries are scant. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for low back pain among office workers in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was utilized. Questionnaires were distributed among office workers in the civil service in Ibadan, Nigeria. RESULTS: Eight hundred and forty questionnaires were analysed, with a response rate of 66%. The 12 month prevalence of low back pain was 38% and the point prevalence was 20%. Low back pain was significantly associated with senior staff grade and smoking. Severity of low back pain was associated with sitting for >3 h. Only 16 respondents (5%) reported sickness absence due to back pain in the previous year. A total of 75 days were lost, a mean of 4.7 days per year. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of low back pain in this study is comparable with that reported in studies from more industrialized countries, but does not constitute a major cause of sickness absence in this group of workers.     

Effect of work with visual display units on musculo-skeletal disorders in the office environment

Background The increase in computer and mouse use has been associatedwith an increased prevalence of disorders in the neck and upperextremities. Furthermore, poor workstation design has been associatedwith an increased risk of developing these symptoms. Aim The aims of this study were (i) to estimate the prevalenceof musculo-skeletal disorders among full-time visual displayunit (VDU) users; (ii) to examine how the prevalence variesby work environment; and (iii) to explore the association withwork factors. Method A survey was carried out on the effect of work with VDUson musculo-skeletal disorders in workers in the office environmentof 56 workplaces. Office workers (n = 298), customer serviceworkers (n = 238) and designers (n = 247) were studied. Results For all the occupations combined, the 12 month prevalencesof musculo-skeletal symptoms in the neck, shoulders, elbows,lower arms and wrists, and fingers were 63, 24, 18, 35 and 16%,respectively. The study indicated that musculo-skeletal painis common among computer workers in offices. There was no strongassociation between the duration of computer work and pain orbetween the duration of mouse use and pain, but workers' perceptionof their workstation as being poor ergonomically was stronglyassociated with an increased prevalence of pain. Conclusions Musculo-skeletal symptoms are common, but the durationof daily keyboard and mouse use had no connection with musculo-skeletalsymptoms. Instead, more consideration should be paid to theergonomics of workstations, the placing of the mouse, the posturesof the upper extremities and the handling of the mouse.     

Musculoskeletal complaints and psychosocial risk factors among Chinese hospital nurses

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal complaints represent a common occupational problem for health care workers throughout the world. Despite their sizeable numbers, however, few epidemiological studies have investigated musculoskeletal complaints among Chinese hospital nurses. Objective To assess the prevalence of, and risk factors for, musculoskeletal complaints among hospital nurses in mainland China. METHODS: A total of 282 female, registered nurses were surveyed (92% response rate) using a modified Chinese-language version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Body sites were divided into the neck, shoulder, upper back and lower back regions. RESULTS: The 12 month period-prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints at any of the four regions was 70%. The lower back was the most commonly reported body site (56%), followed by the neck (45%), shoulder (40%) and upper back (37%). High mental pressure, boring or tedious tasks and limited work support were identified as significant risk factors (adjusted odds ratios: 1.79-2.52). No correlations were found between manual handling or perceived physical exertion and increased reporting of musculoskeletal complaints. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that musculoskeletal complaints are prevalent among Chinese hospital nurses. The correlation with various psychosocial factors is also consistent with evidence from other countries.     

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Norway's offshore petroleum industry

BACKGROUND: Since 1992, physicians have reported work-related diseases among workers in Norway's offshore petroleum industry to the Petroleum Safety Authority, as required by law. AIMS: To analyse the number of reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors (occupation and reported exposure) from 1992 to 2003. METHODS: Data from the Petroleum Safety Authority's registry of work-related diseases were analysed. RESULTS: During the 12 years, 3131 new work-related musculoskeletal disorders were reported and this was the category of work-related disease most frequently reported (47%). The number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders varied substantially from year to year. Disorders of the upper limb accounted for 53% and back disorders for 20% of all work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Lower limb disorders accounted for 16%, of which knee disorders dominated (12% of all cases). The dominant occupational categories were maintenance work (40%) and catering (21%). Frequently reported types of exposure were high physical workload, repetitive work and walking on hard surfaces/climbing stairs and ladders. CONCLUSION: Strategies for preventing musculoskeletal disorders should be carried out to reduce the burden of high physical workload and repetitive work, especially in maintenance work and catering. Further research is recommended on the association between walking on hard surfaces/climbing stairs and ladders and knee disorders. Reporting routines need to be improved to monitor trends over time and to assess the effects of interventions.     

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among aluminium workers

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in workers in the aluminium industry, and to test the relationship with work by using the duration of employment as a measure of exposure. A total of 5654 workers (92%) answered a questionnaire. Operators, who were more exposed to physically demanding work, showed a greater incidence of MSS than did office workers. Among operators, the duration of employment was significantly correlated with MSS in nine out of ten areas of the body, when adjusted by multiple regression analyses for age, gender, height, weight, smoking and physical activity. Among office workers this relationship was weaker and was significant only for neck and lower back areas. The higher prevalence of MSS among operators and the association between their duration of employment and MSS suggests that a higher risk of MSS is related to the working environment.     

Course of symptoms and median nerve conduction values in workers performing repetitive jobs at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common occupational disorder associated with repetitive manual work. Little information exists about the possible relation between the variation of biomechanical hand/wrist exposure and the development of symptoms and median nerve conduction values. AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of CTS in a group of workers exposed to intensive use of the hands and the course of symptoms and median nerve conduction values after a period of reduced exposure to biomechanical risk factors. METHODS: CTS was assessed in assembly and non-assembly line workers by means of clinical examinations and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Ergonomic analysis was conducted for each assembly line workstation. RESULTS: Prevalence of CTS was significantly higher in assembly line workers compared to non-assembly line workers but there was a high prevalence of median nerve conduction abnormalities in both groups (60/102 hands and 40/110 hands, respectively). In a sizable proportion of both groups there was no relationship between symptoms and electrodiagnostic findings (45 hands and 48 hands in assembly and non-assembly line workers, respectively). When assembly line workers were re-examined after 2 years following a period of reduced work schedule, a significant proportion reported resolution of symptoms or had reverted to having normal NCS. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, repetitive work was associated with a higher level of CTS and abnormal NCS. These findings appeared to be reversible following a period of less repetitive work. Overall, there was generally poor correlation between symptoms and electrodiagnostic findings.     

Musculoskeletal symptoms among electricians

This study ascertained the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms among electricians, in order to evaluate the prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) in this population. We adapted the CTD surveillance questionnaire used by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to assess the prevalence of neck, shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, back, and knee symptoms in the year prior to the survey. Questionnaires were completed by 308 apprentices and journeymen enrolled in training classes at the local union hall. The participants were relatively young individuals, and 86% of the participants were currently working as electricians. Participants reported a high prevalence of symptoms which occurred more than three times during the past year or which lasted more than 1 week. Back symptoms and hand/wrist symptoms were experienced most frequently, by about half the population, while elbow symptoms were reported by only 15% of participants. Symptom prevalence was lower, but still notable, when defined as symptoms which had occurred at least once a month or lasted more than a week in the past year. Eighty-two percent of participants reported at least one musculoskeletal symptom using the most inclusive definition, while 57% reported two or more symptoms. This survey highlights that: 1) low back discomfort is common in young construction workers, and resulted in medical care, missed work, or light duty for almost 35% of the participants; 2) neck discomfort is also very common and required doctor visits or work modification for almost one quarter of the participants; 3) these construction workers continued to work with symptoms that are classifiable as a CTD; and 4) history of injury is correlated with the subsequent prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Musculoskeletal Problems among VDU Workers in a Hong Kong Bank

A survey of musculoskeletal problems among visual display unit(VDU) users was carried out in a bank using a self-administeredquestionnaire. The prevalence of complaints in various bodyparts were: neck—31.4%, back 30.6%, shoulder—16.5%,hand and wrist—14.9% and arm—6.6%. Frequent usersof VDU had significantly more musculoskeletal problems in theneck and shoulder regions than infrequent users. Individualmusculoskeletal complaints were associated with various riskfactors including personal attributes, working posture, repetitivemovements and work station design. Back, neck and shoulder problemswere more related to unfavourable working postures, while arm,hand and wrist problems were more affected by repetitive movements.Some risk factors for musculoskeletal problems were specificallyrelated to the nature or design of VDU work. Modification otthe workstation design and improvement in work organizationshould be able to reduce the prevalence of these disorders.