Occurrence Of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Guidelines for designing jobs featuring repetitive tasks

Preventive measures aimed at minimizing the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs (WMSDs) associated with repetitive tasks can be divided into three categories: structural, organizational and educational. Whenever specific risk and injury assessments have shown the need for preventive action, this is most often implemented within the framework of a range of assorted measures. In particular, structural measures involve optimizing the layout of the work area and furnishings, and the 'ergonomic' properties of work tools and equipment. Such measures serve to alleviate the problems caused by the use of excessive force and awkward postures. The authors refer to the principles guiding such structural measures, in the light of the extensive literature that has been published on the subject. Organizational (or reorganizational) measures essentially relate to job design (i.e. distribution of tasks, speeds and pauses). They serve to alleviate problems connected with highly repetitive and frequent actions, excessively lengthy tasks and inadequate recovery periods. Very few relevant findings are available: the authors therefore illustrate in some detail a practical trial conducted in a major engineering firm. The objective was to lower to acceptable limits the frequency of certain repetitive tasks performed using the upper limbs. The trial made it possible to identify a suitable plan and schedule of measures taking into due consideration the impact of the plan on production levels (and costs). The fundamental principles guiding the adoption of specific educational and training programmes for the workers and their supervisors are presented and discussed.

Job task and psychosocial risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among newspaper employees.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and work-related factors among employees using video display terminals at a large metropolitan newspaper. The study included 1050 randomly selected workers from four departments. The workers were asked to complete questionnaires on symptoms, job tasks, and psychosocial and work organization conditions. Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities were defined by frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms not attributable to acute injury. Data were analyzed with the use of logistic regression. A total of 973 workers completed the survey. The one-year period prevalence rate for any musculoskeletal disorder of the upper extremities was 41%. Neck symptoms (26%) were the most frequently reported, followed by hand or wrist (22%), shoulder (17%), and elbow (10%) symptoms. Greater time working at the video display station was associated with increased hand or wrist symptoms in a dose-response relationship. In addition, variables corresponding to increased work-load demands (eg, increased time working under deadline and increased job pressure) were associated with increased neck, shoulder, and hand or wrist disorders. Women were more likely to report symptoms in several areas, but this finding may reflect the concentration of women in jobs involving more risk factors. The results suggest a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities among newspaper employees, and they provide additional evidence that increased work load, time pressure, and greater hours of computer use are related to the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among these workers, particularly for disorders in the hand or wrist area.