Work-related Discomfort Research Articles

Social Sustainability in Practice: Bridging the Gap from Declarations to Real-World Scenarios on Sustainability Driven by Ergonomics

In the paper, the role of ergonomics in promoting social sustainability within the workplace has been investigated and supported by evidence from the literature. Empirical research was conducted among 147 assembly line workers to gain insights into work-related discomfort and fatigue. This study used an ergonomic risk assessment (ERA) method to evaluate the ergonomic quality of workstations and correlated these findings with employees’ subjective experiences. The results showed a relationship between objective ergonomic assessments and subjective perceptions of work itself and company organizational factors, which were orally stated to the assessors, emphasizing the critical role of ergonomics in advancing social sustainability goals. The proposed DMAIC model was implemented to integrate ergonomic innovations into business processes to achieve social sustainability goals. Further research is needed to operationalize ergonomics in sustainability efforts.

The activity of the speech therapist at the time of COVID 19: survey of the Campania region

Our government has enacted restrictive and isolation measures, also in the field of rehabilitation, to combat and contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These have had a major impact on the working methods and activities performed by the Speech Therapist. The Board of Speech Therapists of the Interprovincial Order of NA-AV-BN-CE conducted an anonymous survey to observe the phenomenon. The study aimed to assess how and to what extent the health measures in place influenced occupational activities and work-related discomfort. A questionnaire was structured to investigate, anonymously, different areas of professional interest (how therapeutic activities are carried out, work-related stress management, changes in human relations, specific needs), disseminated via the web thanks to the Google platform, and available from 15/06/2020 to 15/11/2022 for all speech therapists belonging to the interprovincial order of NA-AV-BN-CE. 161 Speech Therapists, aged between 21 and 40 years (73.9 per cent), took part in the survey. They worked mainly in a combined telerehabilitation and outpatient setting (64.12 per cent), and were provided with appropriate PPE for the treatment (65.8 per cent). Speech and language therapists reported a low to medium level of frustration (63.9%) and work-related stress (63.4%) for telerehabilitation treatment, to a high level for outpatient or home treatment (69.6%). Medium to high values (81.4%) of anxiety, worry and work-related distress are reported, favoured by social isolation and a perception of less support among colleagues, with a perceived need for psychological support from specialised figures to manage the emotional burden. The results suggest a medium to high level of work-related discomfort during the pandemic period, mainly for speech therapists who performed outpatient/domiciliary activities, entailing the risk of developing psychological distress. Further research should be undertaken, with multicentre and larger sample size studies, to define the relationships between the working methods promoted, work-related stress and the need to manage it.

Work-Related Risk Factors Contributing to De-Quervain's Tenosynovitis among Carpenters in Punjab

Purpose: De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is inflammation of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons that run from the side of the wrist to the base of the thumb. To see the frequency of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and work related risk factors in carpenters of Punjab, Pakistan
 Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study. Sample size of the research was 492. Study was conducted at the province Punjab, Pakistan. Inclusion criteria of the study were carpenters of age between twenty to fifty years having experience of more than 2 years. Data was collected to the selected population, through convenient sampling technique. Duration of the study was 8 months. Outcome measures of the study were Finkelstein test, Visual analogue scale and a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS version 25.
 Findings: Out of 492 participants, De-Quervain's Tenosynovitis was found to be present in 46% of carpenters Punjab. 25.6% of the participants had moderate, while 22.3% had extreme discomfort in lower back. 19.91% reported not to have an enough space for work. 55.69% didn’t take adequate breaks while working. 69.91% reported to have no back rest while working, 63% reported not use any wrist support or brace while working and 35.36% reported not to have any proper training for this work.
 Conclusion: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is prevalent in carpenters of Punjab, Pakistan. Work-related discomfort was found in various regions of body including eyes, neck, shoulders, arms, wrist and hand. Contributing work-related risk factors for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis among carpenters encompass insufficient training, absence of wrist support, and inadequate breaks during work.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Work Systems Factors: Are There Differences Between Sonography Practice Areas?

Objective: Explore the differing associations of Sonography Work Systems (SWS) model factors with work-related discomfort outcomes among sonographers in four sonographic practice areas. Materials and Methods: Survey data from a national cross-disciplinary cohort of sonographers was analyzed to explore experiences of work factors and work-related discomfort in sonographers across four practice areas: abdominal (ABD+), adult echocardiography (Echo), obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN), and vascular technology (VT). One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and chi-square tests were conducted on SWS factors and work-related discomfort to examine differences across practice area groups. Associative analyses were conducted between upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort and hand used during sonography examinations. For each practice group, regression analyses examined associations of SWS factors with work-related discomfort (i.e., musculoskeletal and visual discomfort, headaches). Results: 2924 survey respondents (n = 1747 ABD+, n = 519 Echo, n = 351 VT, and n = 307 OB/GYN) were identified. Descriptive differences were identified in SWS factors and discomfort across practice area groups. Significant differences were noted in distribution of upper extremity pain compared with the hand used to complete sonography examinations ( P < .001). Conclusion: This study identified multiple organizational, tool, and process factors commonly associated with discomfort across specialties, which underscores the need for multidimensional approaches to worker health that include effective administrative and engineering controls.

Prevalence of De-Quervain’s Tenosynovitis in Tailors of Multan (Punjab)

Purpose: De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is inflammation of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons that run from the side of the wrist to the base of the thumb. To see the frequency of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and work related risk factors in tailors of Multan, Pakistan
 Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study. Sample size of the research was 246. Study was conducted at the city of Pakistan, Multan. Inclusion criteria of the study were tailors of age between twenty to fifty years having experience of more than 3 years. Data was collected to the selected population, through convenient sampling technique. Duration of the study was 8 months. Outcome measures of the study were Finkelstein test, Visual analogue scale and a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS version 25.
 Findings: Out of 246 participants, 72.3% were males and 27.6% were females. Prevalence of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis was found to be 64% in tailors of Multan through Finkelstein test. 25.6% of the participants had moderate, while 22.3% had extreme discomfort in lower back. 35.3% reported to have mild discomfort in arms. 52.4% had mild to moderate discomfort in wrist or hand. 19.91% reported not to have an enough space for work. 44.30% did not have adjustable chairs. 69.91% reported to have no back rest while sewing, 63% reported unavailability of foot rest and 64.63% had no arm rest while sewing.
 Recommendations: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is prevalent in tailors of Multan, Pakistan. Work-related discomfort was found in various regions of body including eyes, neck, shoulders, arms, wrist and hand. Chairs with no adjustable height, unavailability of arm and foot rest and no back support were associated work related risk factors in tailors.

SDMS CME Credit – Cross-disciplinary Prevalence and Associated Factors for Work-Related Discomfort in Users of Ultrasonography: Implications for Sonography Professionals and Health Care Administrators

SDMS CME Credit – Cross-disciplinary Prevalence and Associated Factors for Work-Related Discomfort in Users of Ultrasonography: Implications for Sonography Professionals and Health Care Administrators

Cross-disciplinary Prevalence and Associated Factors for Work-Related Discomfort in Users of Ultrasonography: Implications for Sonography Professionals and Health Care Administrators

Objective: Work-related discomfort is a pervasive issue among ultrasonography users. The Sonography Work Systems (SWS) framework was constructed as a means of examining relationships within and across components of the sonography work systems, work processes, and work/worker outcomes. A database of ultrasonography users was established as a foundation for a longitudinal survey study to examine worker health and well-being and explore the most salient work systems and process factors associated with work-related discomfort. Materials and Methods: An estimated 100 000 unique ultrasonography users were invited to complete the online questionnaire through an e-mail campaign. Snowball sampling occurred through social media posts and encouragement for respondents to share the survey link with colleagues. The questionnaire included items that examined participant demographics, selected constructs from the SWS, and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort, visual discomfort, and headaches. Individual and multi-factorial regression models were conducted to examine SWS factors associated with the likelihood of experiencing the three types of work-related discomfort. Results: A total of 3659 valid responses were included in the analysis, with 86% of respondents reporting that they regularly experienced musculoskeletal discomfort that they directly attributed to their work. About half (54.2%) of the respondents have engaged in sonography-related ergonomics training, and respondents indicated using adjustable equipment approximately 74% of the time. Workplace culture was rated as primarily positive, but respondents indicated that employers implement only two of seven commonly recommended ergonomic policies and procedures. Working in an organization with more policies, using adjustable equipment more frequently, taking more work breaks, engaging in a positive work culture, and minimizing interruptions to workflow were key factors associated with reduced likelihood of work-related discomfort. Conclusion: This study provides a new framework for examining and addressing factors that contribute to ultrasonography users’ experience of work-related discomfort. Despite increased participation in ergonomics training and the use of adjustable equipment, the prevalence of work-related discomfort remains high among ultrasonography users. The findings highlight the need for attention to be directed at organizational factors and work processes to identify and implement evidence-based solutions to improve the health and well-being of medical ultrasound users.

The activity of the speech therapist at the time of COVID 19: survey of the Campania region

Our government has enacted restrictive and isolation measures, also in the field of rehabilitation, to combat andcontain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These have had a major impact on the working methods and activitiesperformed by the Speech Therapist. The Board of Speech Therapists of the Interprovincial Order of NA-AV-BN-CEconducted an anonymous survey to observe the phenomenon.The study aimed to assess how and to what extent the health measures in place influenced occupational activities andwork-related discomfort.A questionnaire was structured to investigate, anonymously, different areas of professional interest (how therapeuticactivities are carried out, work-related stress management, changes in human relations, specific needs), disseminatedvia the web thanks to the Google platform, and available from 15/06/2020 to 15/11/2022 for all speech therapistsbelonging to the interprovincial order of NA-AV-BN-CE.161 Speech Therapists, aged between 21 and 40 years (73.9 per cent), took part in the survey. They worked mainly ina combined telerehabilitation and outpatient setting (64.12 per cent), and were provided with appropriate PPE for thetreatment (65.8 per cent). Speech and language therapists reported a low to medium level of frustration (63.9%) andwork-related stress (63.4%) for telerehabilitation treatment, to a high level for outpatient or home treatment (69.6%).Medium to high values (81.4%) of anxiety, worry and work-related distress are reported, favoured by social isolationand a perception of less support among colleagues, with a perceived need for psychological support from specialisedfigures to manage the emotional burden.The results suggest a medium to high level of work-related discomfort during the pandemic period, mainly for speechtherapists who performed outpatient/domiciliary activities, entailing the risk of developing psychological distress.Further research should be undertaken, with multicentre and larger sample size studies, to define the relationshipsbetween the working methods promoted, work-related stress and the need to manage it.

Employment-related musculoskeletal complications experienced by the physical therapists in Bangladesh: a comprehensive cross-sectional case study

BackgroundDentists, nurses, and physical therapists have all been associated with an increased risk of work-related diseases. The findings of studies in these different occupations might aid in the development of preventative measures. In Bangladesh, however, no comparable evidence has been recorded among physical therapists. The study’s goal was to find out the prevalence of work-related physical problems at different anatomical locations, as well as the link between these disorders and treatment strategies across Bangladeshi physical therapists.MethodsA physical and online survey of Bangladeshi physical therapists was done. A total of 300 questionnaires were given out, with work-related discomfort or pain detected in nine locations of the body: (1) neck, (2) shoulder, (3) elbow, (4) wrists, (5) upper back, (6) lumbar, (7) thighs, (8) knee, and (9) ankle.Results85.5% of Bangladeshi physical therapists suffer musculoskeletal problems, according to the results of this research. The neck (25.7%), lower back (15.2%), elbow (12.3%), ankle (8.6%), and shoulder (8.6%) were the most often affected locations (7.1%). Upper back (3.0%) and hips (2.2%) ailments had the lowest prevalence.ConclusionWork-related musculoskeletal illnesses were common among the Bangladeshi physical therapists, especially in their neck, lower back, elbow, and ankle regions.

The effect of training and workstation adjustability on teleworker discomfort during the COVID-19 pandemic

Technological advancements have increased occupational flexibility for employees and employers alike. However, while effective telework requires planning, the COVID-19 pandemic required many employees to quickly shift to working from home without ensuring that the requirements for telework were in place. This study evaluated the transition to telework on university faculty and staff and investigated the effect of one's telework setup and ergonomics training on work-related discomfort in the at-home environment. Fifty-one percent of respondents reported increases in their existing discomfort while 24% reported new discomfort since working from home. These results suggest a need for ergonomic interventions including ergonomic training and individual ergonomic assessments for those who work from home.

Musculoskeletal disorders and emergent themes of psychosocial factors and their impact on health in dentistry.

Dentistry is a profession where musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent. Physical demands and static awkward postures increase the risks of dentists developing musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, researchers have identified psychosocial factors that can influence the health of workers. The aim of this research is to present self-reported pain regions and to assess psychosocial work factors as they relate to dentistry. Fourteen dentists participated in the study. Data was collected via a questionnaire administered prior to the start of and during the study. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. All dentists self-reported to be in good to excellent health and only 50% sought medical treatment for work-related discomfort and pain. Thirteen of 14 reported being at least occasionally mentally and physically exhausted after work. A musculoskeletal disorder-work hour relationship model was created. Feedback given was linked to four psychosocial factors -job demand, job control, social interactions, and job future and career issues. The dental profession is considered a highly cognitive profession where much attention has been placed on the physical demands due to awkward postures. While physical demands are validated, additional research will further validate the link between psychosocial and mental and physical demands.

Work-related discomfort among floor-sitting sedge weavers: a cross-sectional survey

Purpose. This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate and identify risk factors of work-related discomfort among floor-sitting Thai sedge handicraft weavers. Materials and methods. Sedge weavers (N = 285) were interviewed face to face using a modified standardized Nordic questionnaire. Data were subjected to weighted analysis and risk factors identified using logistic regression models based on a pre-compiled directed acyclic graph. Results. Most sedge weavers were elderly (65.9% ≥ 50 years) with >20 years’ experience. Mats were the most common product. Buttocks (72.7%) and lower back (67.3%) were the commonest regions for discomfort. Neck, shoulders and upper back were less commonly involved (56.9, 56.7 and 52.6% respectively). Higher body mass index and lack of exercise were positively associated with buttock discomfort, and shorter sleep duration, not using a cushion, older age and having dyslipidaemia associated with lower back discomfort. Conclusions. The majority of sedge weavers experienced work-related discomfort. Taking regular exercise, having sufficient sleep and sitting on a cushion may reduce the discomfort experienced by these sedge-weavers.

Why working conditions are a key issue of sustainability in agriculture? A comparison between agroecological, organic and conventional vegetable systems

This study investigates whether ‘green jobs’ in agriculture could contribute to better working conditions. We examine a sample of 41 conventional, organic and agroecological vegetable producers who provide fresh produce for markets exploring their working conditions and the employment conditions of their workers, in Wallonia (Belgium). Drawing on the sociological, economic and agricultural literature, we identify nine dimensions that determine working conditions: leeway and control level; income and social benefits; work (in)security; political experience at work; time at work; intrinsic benefits of work; work-related discomfort; occupational health; and competence. We also assess the employment contracts of workers and the way producers manage their workers. Overall we identify four key issues. First, working conditions were not necessarily better for producers in systems that put more emphasis on ecological values. The socio-economic viability of three production systems, including agroecological market gardening on small areas of land, is insufficient. Second, workers in all systems, except in one agroecological system, experience poor employment conditions. Third, each group of producers has to make trade-offs between the ecological, societal and economic dimensions of their business. Finally, we note that socio-economic and political context, history, work orientation and socio-cultural heritage have more influence on producers' working conditions than their degree of mechanization.

Ergonomics-A Way to Occupational Wellness of Workers Engaged in Industrial Activities: Specific Reference to Assam

For long term success in controlling occupational problems depends on understanding the causation of the problems. An appropriate scientific approach is required to examine the situation so that theories of body pains causation can be constructed. The purpose of the present study was to examine the epidemiologic evidence that associates the prevalent work related problems such as work related discomfort and body pains (musculoskeletal problems) of the upper extremity and the low back prevalent among the women workers engaged in industrial activities with exposure to different work related factors.

Work Related Discomforts from Perception of Optometrists, in Saudi Arabia

يعد الانزعاج المرتبط بالعمل مشكلة متنامية في جميع أنحاء العالم لا تؤثر فقط على صحة ورفاهية أخصائيي البصريات ، بل تؤثر أيضًا على الإنتاجية. ينشأ الانزعاج المرتبط بالعمل عندما تتجاوز متطلبات العمل من مختلف الأنواع والمجموعات قدرة الشخص وقدرته على التأقلم. بالإضافة إلى ذلك ، يمكن أن يحدث التوتر بسبب أحداث مختلفة. على سبيل المثال ، قد يشعر الشخص بالضغط إذا كانت متطلبات وظيفته (مثل الساعات أو المسؤوليات) أكبر مما يمكنه إدارتها بشكل مريح. تم الإبلاغ عن عدم الراحة الجسدية المتعلقة بالعمل في فاحصي النظر السعوديين. الغرض من هذه الورقة هو استكشاف العواقب الشخصية للانزعاج المرتبط بالعمل. شارك 129 من أخصائيي البصريات الذين يعانون من عدم ارتياح متعلق بالعمل تم الإبلاغ عنها ذاتيًا في مقابلة هاتفية أو وجهاً لوجه مدتها 30 دقيقة تتعلق ببيئة العمل والراحة الجسدية. جمع الاستبيان البيانات الديموغرافية وكذلك معلومات عن حدوث شكاوى العضلات والعظام في الأشهر ال 12 الماضية. تم التحقيق في أربعة طرق ؛ تحديدًا ، وصف الانزعاج ، والعوامل المساهمة في غير العمل ، وما إذا كان المشارك قد توقف عن العمل بسبب عدم الراحة ، والعلاجات التي تم الحصول عليها لتخفيف الانزعاج. خضعت هذه البيانات للتحليلات النوعية والكمية. تراوحت الانزعاج المبلغ عنه من خفيف إلى شديد. تم نقل 21 مشاركًا (16.3) إلى المستشفى بسبب الانزعاج. علاوة على ذلك ، لم يتم إدخال 108 مشاركًا (83.7) إلى المستشفى بسبب الانزعاج. بالإضافة إلى ذلك ، أبرزت النتائج أن 110 مشاركًا (85.3٪) اضطروا إلى تغيير وظائفهم أو واجباتهم بسبب هذا الانزعاج ، ولم يضطر 19 مشاركًا (14.7٪) أبدًا إلى تغيير وظائفهم أو واجباتهم بسبب هذا الانزعاج. على الرغم من عدم ارتياحهم لعملهم ، أعرب 62.8٪ عن عدم ارتياحهم لم يمنعهم من أداء مهام معينة. بينما أفاد 37.2٪ أن عدم ارتياحهم منعهم من أداء مهام معينة.

The relationship between perceived discomfort of static posture holding and posture holding time.

Few studies have investigated mathematical characteristics of the discomfort-time relationship during prolonged static posture holding (SPH) on an individual basis. Consequently, the discomfort-time relationship is not clearly understood at individual trial level. The objective of this study was to examine discomfort-time sequence data obtained from a large number of maximum-duration SPH trials to understand the perceived discomfort-posture holding time relationship at the individual SPH trial level. Thirty subjects (15 male, 15 female) participated in this study as paid volunteers. The subjects performed maximum-duration SPH trials employing 12 different wholebody static postures. The hand-held load for all the task trials was a ``generic'' box weighing 2 kg. Three mathematical functions, that is, linear, logarithmic and power functions were examined as possible mathematical models for representing individual discomfort-time profiles of SPH trials. Three different time increase patterns (negatively accelerated, linear and positively accelerated) were observed in the discomfort-time sequences data. The power function model with an additive constant term was found to adequately fit most (96.4%) of the observed discomfort-time sequences, and thus, was recommended as a general mathematical representation of the perceived discomfort-posture holding time relationship in SPH. The new knowledge on the nature of the discomfort-time relationship in SPH and the power function representation found in this study will facilitate analyzing discomfort-time data of SPH and developing future posture analysis tools for work-related discomfort control.

Musculoskeletal discomfort in production assembly workers

The purpose of this study was to analyse subjective self-evaluation of musculoskeletal discomfort conducted by female production assembly workers. Thirty-seven female assembly workers aged 20–54 years participated in this study, whereas 35 of them were right-handed. Discomfort in neck, shoulder, upper back, upper arm, low back, forearm, wrist, hips, thigh, knees, lower legs and heels was subjectively evaluated by Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The results indicated that female assembly workers felt most work-related discomfort in the neck (44%), lower back (19.7%) and in the right wrist (15%). Discomfort was less pronounced in the right knee (0.01%), left upper arm (0.04%) and left hip buttocks (0.1%). In conclusion, this study indicated that subjective discomfort sensed by female production assembly workers was higher in the neck, lower back, right shoulder and the right wrist. According to the study results, further research is needed on the relationship between musculoskeletal discomfort and its influence on the quality of assembly work.

Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort and injuries in Australian optometrists

Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort and injuries are reported by optometrists. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process used to investigate work-related discomfort in Australian optometrists. A multistage project was conducted which included questionnaires, interviews and onsite observations. Participants, with and without self-reported discomfort, included clinical optometrists, optometry students and clinical teachers. The various stages of the study developed over the course of the project, primarily in response to results collected at various stages. A multistage approach proved valuable for confirming results and testing hypotheses, and for investigating different groups of workers (clinicians, teachers and students). General guidelines to reduce the risk of work-related discomfort in optometrists can be developed from this project. Specific recommendations and teaching curricula have been identified in this project as areas of future research and development.

Work environment discomfort and injury: an ergonomic survey study of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology members

BackgroundWorkplace-related musculoskeletal pain has been studied in various occupations, but it is rarely reported in the surgical literature. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine work-related discomfort and injury among pediatric otolaryngologists and to assess their knowledge of workplace ergonomic principles. MethodsWe surveyed current North American members of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology. Our main outcomes were whether the physician had ever experienced discomfort or physical symptoms that they attributed to their surgical practice. ResultsResponse rate of 43.7% was attained, and 62.0% of respondents reported experiencing pain or discomfort that they attributed to their surgical practice. Women were significantly more likely to report experiencing pain or discomfort that they associated with their surgical practice (P = .033). There were no significant differences found among length of time in practice, academic vs community setting, or number of surgeries completed by the surgeon. Some of the surgeons (31.0%) were aware of ergonomic principles, and of those who were aware, 83.9% had implemented ergonomic principles into their surgical practice. ConclusionAlmost two thirds of surgeons who responded to the survey reported experiencing pain or discomfort that they attributed to their surgical practice. Only a minority of respondents were aware of ergonomic principles. These findings may confirm that most physicians believe that their physical health is affected by their operative environment. Increased knowledge of surgical ergonomics may lead to strategies that improve workplace health and safety.

Risk Factors for Physical Discomfort in Australian Optometrists

There are anecdotal reports that optometrists suffer work-related physical discomfort but no published reports to support this. An on-line questionnaire was sent by e-mail to ∼1700 Australian optometrists. Participants were asked if they experienced work-related discomfort in any of eight nominated body regions, the type and severity of discomfort, self-reported work-related factors contributing to the discomfort, and demographic and work-related information. Four hundred sixteen optometrists participated in the questionnaire. Work-related physical discomfort was reported by 82% of respondents. The most common sites of discomfort were neck, shoulder, and lower back. Univariate analysis revealed that females are more likely to report discomfort than males (p = 0.001) and more likely to report a higher number of discomfort sites (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that females have up to a 6.6× [confidence interval (CI) = 2.2-19.9] greater risk of reporting discomfort in individual body locations compared with males and a higher risk of experiencing severe discomfort (discomfort present for >30 days) [odds ratio (OR) = 3.0, CI = 1.7 to 5.5]. A greater number of eye examinations per day increased the risk of reporting work-related discomfort by up to 5.1× (CI = 2.1 to 12.7). Being self-employed and being older than 40 years both appear to be protective factors for work-related discomfort. The risk of experiencing severe discomfort is increased by performing repetitive tasks (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.2 to 3.1) and by continuing to work while injured (OR = 2.9, CI = 1.6 to 5.2). Eliminating both these factors would reduce the disease load for severe discomfort by 28%. Females, young optometrists, and those conducting a high number of consultations daily have a higher risk of experiencing work-related physical discomfort. Performing repetitive tasks and continuing to work while injured increases the risk of severe discomfort. The results of this investigation have important implications for the longevity of the optometry workforce.