The Association between Mental Workload and Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Workers of Ahvaz Kavian Steel Company

Abstract

Background: One of the most important problems in modern industries is the high mental workload which can affect the health and hygiene of workers in these industries. This study was carried out to investigate the association between mental workload and work- related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a case study among workers of Ahvaz Kavian Steel Company, Ahvaz, Iran, in 2016. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 240 workers of Ahvaz Kavian Steel Company participated. Data collection tools were the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) and NASA-TLX mental workload questionnaire, filled out through interviewing participants in the work place. Data were analyzed by using independent-samples t-test and chi-square in SPSS19. Results: During the last 12 months, 75.8% of workers experienced musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. Physical demand (P=0.002) and Effort (P=0.015) from the NASA-TLX questionnaire and shift work, among demographic features, (P=0.025) were significantly associated with MSDs prevalence in these workers. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders had a high prevalence in workers of Ahvaz Kavian Steel Company. Because of the significant relation between of some dimensions of mental the work load index and demographic characteristics with musculoskeletal disorders; creating proper working conditions, utilizing ergonomic based designed implements and providing more staff training programs, can help prevent musculoskeletal disorders.