Postural Analysis and Assessment of Perceived Musculoskeletal Pain of Cleaners in Metro Manila, Philippines

Abstract

Risk of Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) due to the nature of cleaning work has been proven abroad. The study aims to determine the prevalence of WMSD and the correlation between perceived discomfort and actual risk faced by cleaners due to daily routine tasks in the Philippine context. For the study, cleaners in educational institutions and commercial establishments in Metro Manila were analyzed using a survey based on the Standardized Nordic Questionnaires for the Analysis of Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Survey results show that there is high WMSD prevalence among Filipino cleaners while RULA and REBA scores indicate medium to very high risk. Results of both objective and subjective assessment had no correlation. This suggests an improvement in the method and tools used in identifying the risks of WMSD, and the possibility of other factors affecting the perceived pain of Filipino cleaners.