Risk Factors For Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in commercial motorcyclists

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and to investigate factors associated with WMSDs in commercial motorcyclists in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study involved commercial motorcyclists operating in Indonesia. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire, including the Indonesian Version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, occupational driving posture questionnaire, and occupational factor-related questions. The questionnaire was distributed at four rest stops located in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. The result showed that 40% of participants (129/322) were having WMSDs. Older age, overweight body mass index (BMI), obese body mass index, nonregular physical activity, driving duration (> 8 h/day), seniority (≥5 years), and poor driving posture were significant risk factors for WMSDs in commercial motorcyclists. Based on the risk factors identified in this study, the development of preventive strategies among commercial motorcyclists is warranted.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk assessment among production workers of pig slaughterhouse in the town municipality of Ang Thong, Thailand

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant health concern among workers, especially in the meat processing industry. Their impacts have been well documented and reported on numerous occasions. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and the ergonomic assessment of exposure to their risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a pig slaughterhouse in the town municipality of Ang Thong, Thailand. Data were collected from April to July 2021 from 108 participants who answered a questionnaire. The descriptive questionnaire for WMSDs was adapted from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire in Thai and the Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Department of Disease Control of Thailand. Ten individuals received an ergonomic assessment of their exposure to risk factors using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method. Results: According to the study, 94.4% of participants working in pig slaughterhouse production reported experiencing the prevalence of WMSDs in the last seven days. Additionally, 93.5% of workers reported experiencing the prevalence of these disorders within the past 12 months. It has been observed that 29.6% of participants experience higher pain levels in their hands, while 25.9% experience it in their wrists, respectively. Based on the results of an ergonomic risk assessment using the REBA method, the half-cutting operator position presents a moderate level of risk. Conclusion: The study revealed that most of the workers at the pig slaughterhouse had to use their hands and arms to apply repeated pressure consistently. The occurrence rates of WMSDs within the last seven days and 12 months were highest in the hands or wrists, followed by the upper arms and shoulders. Therefore, it is crucial to implement ergonomic measures to minimize the risk factors for WMSDs among production workers in pig slaughterhouses.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China.

The workers in emerging manufacturing are at decreased risk of traditional occupational diseases, while probably at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing. A total of 3,359 valid questionnaires were collected from 10 enterprises in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and motor manufacturing industries. The prevalence of WMSDs was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The work posture load was evaluated through a questionnaire. The results showed that the highest prevalence of WMSDs was observed in part of the neck (15.0%), followed by the lower back (12.5%), shoulders (11.2%), and upper back (7.1%). Female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, workers with a BMI of ≥28 kg/m2, longer working experience, never exercised had a higher prevalence of WMSDs. Logistic regression analysis showed that female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, with a middle school education and college degree, and workers who never exercised had a higher risk of WMSDs. In addition, workers who sat for long during work, worked hard with upper limbs or hands, worked in uncomfortable postures, and performed repetitive operations were positively related with the increased risk of WMSDs. These findings suggested that WMSDs were prevalent among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China, while efforts should be made to reshape the risk factors associated with WMSDs, such as prolonged sitting, uncomfortable positions, and repetitive operations. Encouraging exercise and promoting ergonomic interventions probably be also benefit to induce the risk of WMSDs.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dairy farmers in Malur Milk Co-operative society, Kolar District, Karnataka, India

Introduction: The burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) is high among dairy farmers, as they are involved in unacceptable working postures and movements. This study aims to assess the prevalence of WRMSDs and their associated factors among dairy farmers in Malur Milk Co-operative Society, Kolar District, Karnataka, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done from February 2022 to April 2022, among 150 dairy farmers aged 18 years and above. We collected socio-demographic, occupation, ergonomics and co-morbidities related details by administering a questionnaire. Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders was by Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and Mental health was assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: The mean age was 40.96 13.49 years, and 66% of our study participants were males. The secondary occupation was agriculture(63%). Working hours per day was more than 8 hours in 19.3%. History of lifting heavy weights(78%), standing for long hours (56%) and sitting in squatting positions for long hours(66%) was present in this occupational group. The prevalence of WRMSDs was found to be 64.7%. The site of musculoskeletal disorders was found to be highest in the lower back (48.7%) and knees(45.3%). On multivariate analysis, belonging to the male gender [aOR = 0.33 (95%CI: 0.12-0.85)] and prolonged standing [aOR = 3.39 (95%CI: 1.46-7.89)] were the risk factors for WRMSDs. Conclusion: The prevalence of WRMSD is significantly high among dairy farmers in rural areas, affecting the lower back and knees predominantly. Education on ergonomics, routine physical activity, and accessibility to social security schemes will improve the health status of this community.

Epidemiological study of multi-site WMSDs in the footwear industry in China

Objectives. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of multi-site work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Chinese footwear industry workers from 2018 to 2020 and explore the possible influencing factors of WMSDs. Methods. 7106 subjects from 26 large shoe factories in China were investigated using the epidemiological cross-sectional survey method by using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ). Results. The total prevalence of WMSDs in the study subjects was 36.8% (2616/7106). Among them, the prevalence of multi-site WMSDs was 26.1% (1858/7106). The proportion of multi-site WMSDs involving two sites was the largest (31.38%). In addition, the results showed that the risk factors of multi-site WMSDs were gender, marital status, long current job experience, poor health, poor working posture, etc. Conclusions. The prevalence of WMSDs was high in the Chinese footwear industry. Based on the results, therefore, it seems necessary to improve work posture, work organization and workenvironment to prevent WMSDs.

Ergonomics-Related and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in A High-Hazard Factory in Hatay Region

Objectives: The most common work-related diseases are musculoskeletal system disease. This study aims to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a high-hazard factory and to determine sociodemographic, occupational, and ergonomic risks. Methods: The research is cross-sectional and was conducted in a high-hazard factory, in Hatay, in 2017. The research population was all factory employees (N=190), and it was aimed to reach the whole population. Of the (97.3%), 185 employees participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Scale, the observation-based Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) Ergonomic Risk Analysis Scale, and a questionnaire developed by the researchers are used for data collection. In the statistical analyses p<0,05was accepted as significant. Results According to the Cornell Scale, the frequency of WMSDs was 58.9%. The most common WMSDs were in the lumbar region (34.1%). According to the RULA Scale, 31.9% of the employees had 3rd and 4th-degree ergonomic risk. There were linear relationships between the Cornell Waist Score and each of the three RULA scores (p<0.001). The risk factors for WMSDs in the lumbar region were the presence of chronic disease (OR=5.35), hand tool use (OR=2.63), not having had a work accident (OR=0.04) and RULA scores (OR=1.61), Conclusion: Approximately one-third of the high-hazard factory employees had a high ergonomic risk. WMSDs existed in more than half of the employees. As the ergonomic risk increases, WMSDs increase.

Occupational discomfort and injuries among automotive technicians in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are one of the major causes of disability and early retirement. Consequently, WMSDs cost businesses billions of dollars annually due to compensation claims and productivity loss. Automotive technicians are vulnerable to WMSDs due to the nature of their work, which exposes them to numerous WMSDs risk factors. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the WMSD cases among technicians and evaluate their postures while working in small automotive repair shops in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA). The study employed a cross-sectional design. A self-administrated questionnaire and body parts discomfort survey were filled by thirty automotive technicians. A postural analysis technique was performed to assess the body postures that technicians adopt while performing the tasks, in order to estimate the associated risk of WMSD discomfort. Most automotive technicians suffer severe pain in the lower back, shoulders, neck, hands or wrists, and knees. The technicians related the pain to awkward body postures, heavy lifting, and sustained forceful movements. Automotive technicians are advised to level the height of the work surface as feasible, to work as close as possible to said work surface, and to avoid working with awkward body postures as much as possible.

Ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Mohs histotechs.

Mohs histotechs are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) due to repetitive motions, forceful exertions, and fixed postures required for their work. Psychosocial factors such as perceptions of pressure to achieve deadlines may exacerbate risk of occupational injury. To assess the prevalence of and risk factors for WRMSD in Mohs histotechs, an online survey was created using literature review, expert opinion, and two validated instruments (the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory) and distributed to Mohs histotechs. 88% of respondents reported musculoskeletal problems in 2 or more of the 9 body sites assessed in the past year. Standing during specimen processing was correlated with having neck pain and upper back pain, while sitting was protective against lower back pain. Individuals that felt that they could not take breaks or slow their pace of work were more likely to report pain at multiple body sites. Total pain scores were significantly lower in those reporting extensive ergonomic training. There is a high prevalence of WRMSD in Mohs histotechs. Addressing poor posture as well as psychosocial risk factors could further reduce injury.

Musculoskeletal Discomfort Evaluation using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) among Woodworking Workers in Selangor, Malaysia

Objective: This study aims to investigate the exposure to risk factors for WMSDs using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) in woodworking workers with four main tasks, including cutting, lifting, assembling, and finishing products.
 Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are one of the major occupational health problems among woodworkers, especially in developed and developing countries, such as Malaysia. Recently, numerous studies on MSDs have been widely explored, yet the culture, environment and regulatory practices on hazard and risk may differ in each country.
 Method: The study was conducted on 30 workers in 3 woodworking workshops in Selangor, Malaysia. Through this study, demographic surveys, QEC, and REBA were examined.
 Results: The results indicated that the most critical task is the lifting and assembling activity.
 Conclusion: These two activities may require an ergonomic intervention to reduce WMSDs risks.
 Application: These finding present the most critical task need to be considerations for use in ergonomic design.

The prevalence and influence factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of dental nurse

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and Influence factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dental nurses in tertiary stomatology hospitals. Methods: From June to July 2020, 1321 dental nurses from 18 tertiary stomatology hospitals in 18 provinces of China were enrolled as research subjects through a phased sampling method. The cross-sectional study was performed with validated instruments including the basic information questionnaire, Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire, Nurse-Physician Collaboration Scale, and Chinese Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, so as to get the information about the social demography information, nursing-physician cooperation, work stress and the incidence of WMSDs. The influenang factors of WMSDs was analyzed. Results: The past prevalence, annual prevalence, and weekly prevalence of WMSDs were 80.8% (1067/1321) , 68.7% and 43.7% (575/1321) . 58.4% (771/1321) of nurses had WMSDs in three or more body parts. Neck (51.4%) , waist (42.2%) and shoulder (41.6%) were the top three body regions in the past year. The absenteeism rate due to musculoskeletal disorders ranged from 3.5% to 9.0%, waist (8.9%) and neck (8.0%) were the top two body regions. Working more than 40 hours per week (OR=1.74, P<0.001) and effect/reward>1 (OR=1.50, P=0.002) were risk factors of WMSDs (OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.32~2.30; OR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.17~1.92, P<0.05) , while regular physical exercise every week (≥30 min per times) was the protective factor (OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.56~0.97, P=0.030) . Conclusion: The prevalence rate of WMSDs of dental nurses in China was high, and most of the nurses suffered with many body parts. Thus, we should reduce controllable occupational stresso, ensuring adequate rest and strengthening physical exercise to reduce the incidence of WMSDs.

Prevalence, characteristics, contributing factors, work sector, and impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among otorhinolaryngology practitioners in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Otorhinolaryngology practitioners are known to be susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), but the incidence of WMSDs in Saudi Arabia has not been documented. This study aimed to establish the prevalence, characteristics, contributing factors, work sector, and impact of WMSDs among otorhinolaryngology practitioners in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 104 otorhinolaryngology practitioners in Saudi Arabia using a six-component questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, prevalence, percentages, and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. The response rate was 65.3%. The reported 12-month incidence of WMSDs was 72.7%. The neck region (67.3%) was the most common site of disorders, followed by the shoulder (49%). The elbow and hip (10.5%) regions were the least commonly affected regions. WMSD prevalence was related to gender, with men more affected than women (neck, shoulders, low back); age, with younger otorhinolaryngology practitioners more affected than older ones (neck, shoulder); work sector, with greater prevalence in government than other sectors (neck); and sub-specialty, with general otolaryngology reporting the highest WMSD frequency, followed by otology and neurotology (neck, shoulder, low back, upper back, knees). Most otorhinolaryngology practitioners experienced two to four episodes of neck, shoulder, and low-back WMSDs. The most significant risk factor for WMSDs was sustained posture for long periods of time (61.5%). The most common strategy implemented against WMSDs was modifying the practitioner's position during treatment (58.6%). WMSDs among otorhinolaryngology practitioners in Saudi Arabia are very common, with the neck and shoulders regions most often involved. Improved professional skills and an understanding of the principles of ergonomics can prevent the initial development of WMSDs in otorhinolaryngology practitioners.

Examining the relationship between human factors related quality risk factors and work related musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in manufacturing

This study addresses the relationship between human factors (HF) related quality deficits in manufacturing and work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors in production staff. A recent systematic review identified 60 HF-related quality risk factors (QRFs) in manufacturing related to product, process and workstation design stages. We investigate the extent to which these identified QRFs are also WMSD risk factors. Each QRF was examined for its relationship with WMSD using a 0 (no relationship) to 10 (strong relationship) scale rubric. The authors rated each QRF separately and then discussed and adjusted their ratings in a review session. Results showed that average median ratings were the highest for QRFs related to product design (8/10), intermediate for QRFs related to workstation design (7/10) and the lowest for QRFs related to process design (5/10). This emphasises the significant role of HF in system design in reducing both quality deficits and risk of developing WMSDs for manufacturing personnel. Practitioner summary: This study investigates whether human-related risk factors for product quality are also risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in manufacturing. Results showed a substantial relationship between quality risk factors and WMSD risk factors. This indicates the significant role of human factors in operations design in improving both system performance and human wellbeing.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among general surgeons in Japan.

General surgeons are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), especially in their neck and back. The prevalence and risk factors for surgeons' WRMSDs in Japan have not been well surveyed. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey on WRMSDs was conducted among general surgeons in Japan. Surgeons were asked about the presence and degree of neck, shoulder, and back disability in relation to open and laparoscopic surgery. The questionnaire was sent to 174 general surgeons in 21 hospitals and 106 (60.9%) responded. The prevalence of WRMSDs in the last month was 65.1%, and the prevalence at least once in a lifetime was 79.2%. The rate of WRMSDs of the neck and back was higher after open surgery (44.3%, 42.5%) than after laparoscopic surgery (28.2%, 31.1%), but there was no marked difference in shoulder pain. Age was the strongest risk factor for WRMSDs, and the pain scores, prevalence of chronic pain, and rate of WRMSD-related absence from work tended to increase with age. A questionnaire survey of surgeons in Japan showed that about 80% of surgeons suffer from WRMSDs. Countermeasures for WRMSDs among surgeons are urgently desired to ensure that limited numbers of surgeons work in the operating theatre throughout their career. Registry name: a survey of surgeons' musculoskeletal pain associated with performing surgery. University of Tsukuba Institutional Review Board registration number: 1519.

Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among welders in the informal sector under resource constrained settings.

Welding tasks involve the use of awkward working postures and repetitive movements and therefore pose a risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity and risk factors for WRMDs among welders in the informal sector. A total of 128 welders (33±10.5 years) were purposively selected from three urban centers in Zimbabwe. WRMDs were assessed using a Modified Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MCMQ). The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were used for postural risk analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Analyses showed a high prevalence of pain in the lower back (78%), right shoulder (66%), left hand wrist (62%) and right hand wrist (61%). With regards to the severity of lower back pain, 4% reported low pain, 24% mild pain and 48% were severe cases of pain. Elevated grand REBA scores were significantly associated with self-reported in various body regions. Multinomial regression analyses showed that smoking, prolonged working hours and not engaging in physical activities were significant predictors for pain. High job satisfaction and taking adequate work-rest breaks were protective factors for WRMDs (p < 0.05). There is a high prevalence of WRMDs among welders due to individual and work-related risk factors. Ergonomics education is required to address the risk factors for and progression of WRMDs among welders.

Musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers in secondary care hospitals in the city of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among sonographers have raised significant concerns in recent years. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of WMSDs and identify risk factors for WMSDs among sonographers. To date, there is little research on WMSDs among sonographers in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to contribute to the Saudi literature by filling this gap. A cross-sectional study was conducted among sonographers (n = 98) working in four major governmental hospitals in the city of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The participants completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire that focused on the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms among sonographers. The mean age of the respondents was 35.5±9 years. The majority of the participants were female (71.4%), non-Saudi (51%), and working as technicians (49%). The prevalence rates of shoulder and neck disorders among the participants were 65.3% and 57.1%, respectively. Gender (female), job title (sonography technicians), and years of experience (seasoned sonographers) were identified as risk factors for WMSDs. Among the studied sonographers, WMSDs were a significant, common problem. Being female, being a sonography technician, and being a seasoned sonographer were identified as risk factors for these disorders. Preventive measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of WMSDs in this occupational setting.

Risk Factors for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Physiotherapists: A Literature Review

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) among physiotherapists (PTs) is as high as 91%. These WRMDs directly impact their health, leading to acute and recurring injuries and chronic disabilities. Although the prevalence is high, the risk factors are not clearly understood. The objective of the review was to understand these risk factors for WRMDs among PTs. A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. A search strategy was devised and articles were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were then extracted from the eligible studies and summarized. A total number of studies included were ten, of which seven were cross-sectional studies, two were a combination of focus group discussion and interview, and one was a nonexperimental cohort study. The literature review highlights the following risk factors: transferring and lifting patients, performing manual therapy techniques, working in static postures, responding to unanticipated movement by patients, repetitive tasks, bending, twisting, continuing to work even while injured, treating an excessive number of patients in a single day, inappropriate work scheduling, and so on. However, future studies must focus on a comprehensive assessment of WRMD's risk factors and developing reliable and valid PT-specific tools among PTs.

A Conceptual Approach for Developing an Ergonomic Intervention for Preventing Work‐Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) amongst Workforce at Power Plants

Work at fossil-fuelled power plant is physically strenuous and could expose workers to Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD) such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), low-back pain (LBP), or shoulder tendonitis. WMSDs are considered as a leading factor in disabilities and absenteeism, reduced production, and increased costs. WMSDs in the workplace have been studied extensively and it is a common notion that the work itself is a major cause of MSDs. Work environment contributed to these types of disorders and are made worse by the working conditions or workplace risk factors. All those mentioned common occupational injuries are related with the ergonomic field of study. By implementing appropriate ergonomic interventions, the above-mentioned work-related injuries and resulting disability is potentially preventable. The major workforce in these plants are either associated with handling of machineries or serving as control room operators. Hence, this category of manpower is subjected to physical stress and workplace injuries if there is no form of ergonomic interventions. Previous studies have shown that common tasks performed by workers in the electric power industry often involve the use of a manual tool and revealed that less than 1% of the general population has sufficient strength to manually perform the task resulting in decreased productivity and worker injury. Departing from the aforementioned need, this study embarks to assess exposure to risk factors for WMSDs and to provide a basis for ergonomic intervention at the workplace. Therefore, by focusing on health and safety matter of workers at our power plants, we are actually applying a form of business risk management (BRM) to consider possible impacts of related foreseeable significant risks on any electricity utilities performance. It is envisaged that this study could identify the ergonomics interventions which will reduce staff medical bills, compensation, and lost time injury from MSDs.

Analysis on prevalence status and the influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in an automobile manufacturing enterprise in Guangzhou City

Objective: To analyze the detection and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) of workers in an automobile manufacturing enterprise in Guangzhou City. Methods: In April 2020, a total of 7065 workers of an automobile manufacturing enterprise in Guangzhou City were selected as research subjects using cluster sampling method. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to investigate the detection of WMSDs. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of WMSDs. Results: The detection rate of WMSDs was 43.9% (3102/7065) , among which the detection rate of multiple WMSDs was 31.4%. The detection rates of WMSDs in different parts from high to low were as follows: neck (24.5%) , shoulder (21.1%) and ankle (20.1%) . Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that working experience of 3-8 years, >8 years, age>30 years old, repetitive work every day, multiple repetitions per minute, uncomfortable work posture, frequent overtime work and lack of staff in the department were risk factors for multi-site WMSDs (P<0.05) . Adequate rest time was a protective factor for multi-site WMSDs (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The detection rates of WMSDs in neck, shoulder, ankle, and multisite in automobile manufacturing enterprise are relatively high. The primary risk factors include adverse ergonomic factors and unreasonable organization of labour factors, optimize the work breaks can effectively reduce the risk of disease, effective ergonomic interventions should be carried out to prevent the occurrence of WMSDs among workers in the automobile manufacturing industry.

A multilayered ergonomic intervention program on reducing musculoskeletal disorders in an industrial complex: A dynamic participatory approach

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are closely identified with common complaints in different workplaces. This study aimed to implement an intervention program through which ergonomic measures were dynamically localized in industry. An interventional study, including three basic layers, namely, training workshops, participatory ergonomics (PE), and workstation redesign was fulfilled in an Iranian steel manufacturing complex from 2017 to 2020. A steering committee (SC) was formed following several meetings held for clarification of the project to the management team. The SC members then attended four organized workshops managed by an ergonomics specialist. Afterwards, the basics of ergonomics were transferred to action groups. After developing ergonomic assessment tools, the ergonomic problems were prioritized and numerous positive changes were made by the action groups. The findings of the tailored checklists revealed a load of WMSDs risk factors. All the three layers of the program were implemented as initiated. Ergonomics training workshops were then held and significant differences were observed between the participants' pre/posttest mean scores in all workshops (p < 0.001). Moreover, PE measures were exercised at all levels of the organization inducing enthusiastic motivation of the workforce to consider ergonomic requirements in the workplace. Consequently, the workers' innovative ideas and the managerial support yielded diverse workstation redesigns due to a growth in either the workers' ergonomics awareness or participatory culture grounding. A multilayered ergonomic intervention was implemented in this study. In conclusion, a multifaceted long-term follow-up intervention program could be applied to enhance workers’ health status and to raise system productivity.

The prevalence, characteristics, and impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - a cross-sectional study.

Physical therapists are known to be susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), but the prevalence of WMSDs in Saudi Arabia has not been documented. This study aimed to establish the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of WMSDs among physical therapists in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 113 physical therapists in Saudi Arabia using a 6-component questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, incidence, percentages, and χ2 test were used for data analysis. The response rate was 68.8%. The reported 12-month incidence of WMSDs was 83.8%. The low back (63.7%) was the most common site of these disorders, followed by the neck (59.2%), while the hip/thigh (4.4%) was the least involved body part. Incidence was related to gender: females were more affected than males (neck, shoulders, low back); age: younger therapists were more affected than older ones (shoulders, low back); working sector: government sector workers were more affected than those employed in other sectors (neck); and specialty: orthopedic specialists were the most frequently affected, followed by those specializing in neurology (thumbs, upper back, knees, ankle/foot). Most of the physical therapists had >5 periods of neck, shoulder, and low-back WMSDs. The most important risk factor for WMSDs was treating more patients in a day (47.7%). The most frequently adopted handling strategy identified to combat WMSDS was modifying the patient's position (62.8%). Overall, WMSDs among physical therapists in Saudi Arabia are common, with the low back and the neck constituting the most frequently affected body regions. Professional experience and the awareness of ergonomics principles can help prevent the early development of WMSDs among physical therapists. Med Pr. 2021;72(4):363-73.