Influence of adherence to autonomous job rotation on musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational exposure, and work ability

Abstract

Job rotation is widely used in the manufacturing industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of adherence to autonomous job rotation on the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational exposure, and work ability. A total of 120 blue-collar workers from an automotive manufacturing company with a job rotation program as an organizational strategy were included in this study. Job rotation performance, musculoskeletal symptoms, perceived occupational and biomechanical exposure, and work ability were evaluated. For the statistical analyses, the departments were divided into high (83.7%–100%) and low (0–36.4%) job rotation adherence. Two departments showed high adherence to job rotation (n = 78 workers). Workers who had high job rotation adherence had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (32.1%) and higher perceived occupational exposure for the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms (71.4 ± 45.7 points) (P > 0.05). Work ability was considered good or excellent for both high- and low-adherence groups (P > 0.05). High adherence to job rotation had no positive influences on the musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational exposure, and work ability of workers.