Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders in brick industry workers in Chilaw Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background Brick industry is an oldest industry in Sri Lanka. Brick making process includes different actions which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Studies have been carried out in brick industries and shown that brick making process leads to musculoskeletal disorders. Objectives To determine the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among brick workers by identifying the most affected body regions and the joints and specific ergonomic risk factors in work place, explore associated factors, and the effect of musculoskeletal disorders to daily living, Materials and methods Using descriptive cross sectional study and an interviewer administered questionnaire, data were collected from 192 brick industry workers who were in the industry for more than 1 year in Chilaw Area, Puttlam district. Results The study consisted with 130 males and 62 females. Majority of 85.9% of workers were having a normal BMI and 65.6% of the participants were having pain and discomfort lasting at least 24 hours during last 12 months, while 39.6% of them were having low back pain where 0.5% having neck pain. A majority (82.5%) was prevented from doing the normal work activities at home or away from home because of a musculoskeletal pain or a discomfort. Majority (77.0%) of participants applies a local analgesic to relieve the pain. 27% of the workers were holding loads for distances where 73.8% of the workers lifts their loads manually. Conclusion Work related musculoskeletal disorder are prevalent among brick workers and the most commonly affected body regions are low back, wrists/ hands, shoulders, knees, neck, elbows and ankles/feet. There is no any significant difference with the age and sex with the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort or pain in this study sample. These MSDs are affecting the activities of daily living of workers by preventing from normal activities.