ABSTRACT
Background and Purpose: Traditional baker's occupation is a complex of long repetitive tasks and movements with high intensity which exposes the baker into musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was a detailed analysis of risk factors leading to the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in Sabzevar bakers.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 70 traditional bakers in Sabzevar, Iran who were selected by simple random sampling. First, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was determined using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; then, Rapid Upper Lumbar assessment [RULA] was used for assessing postures to obtain final scores. Data were analyzed using R software [version R2.15.2].
Results: Based on the findings, the average age and work experience of bakers were 19.4 and 36.4 years respectively. The most symptomatic risk factors were related to shoulder [%56.8] and knees [50%]. In assessing Rapid Upper Lumbar assessment [RULA], 33.34% of personnel [correction level 4] obtained 7, and 55% obtained 5 and 6 [with Corrective level 3]. Non-parametric showed significant correlation between the musculoskeletal disorders and age [p = 0.02] and work experience [p = 0.03] [confidence level 95%]. In other words, bakers with older age and more work experience suffered from more disorders
Conclusion: Based on the results, a significant percentage of traditional bakers work in an ergonomically unsafe environment [%88.3], and the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders is high in this population; this requires urgent ergonomic and managerial action.