Influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of workers in a cement plant in Guizhou Province / 中国职业医学

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSDs) among workers in a cement plant. METHODS: A total of 196 workers in a cement plant were selected as study subjects using a judgment sampling method. A revised Musculoskeletal Injury Questionnaire was used to investigate the occurrence of WMSDs in workers in the past year. RESULTS: The detection rate of WMSDs in different parts of the body of workers in the cement plant was 18.4%-32.1%. The detection rates of WMSDs in all parts of the body from high to low was as follows shoulder(32.1%), neck(30.6%), upper back(24.0%), ankle/foot(24.0%), lower back(23.5%), hip/thigh(22.4%), wrist/hand(21.4%), elbow(18.4%), and knee(18.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that keeping the neck in the same posture for a long time was a risk factor for neck WMSDs [odds ratio(OR)=2.29, P<0.05). Frequent turning around was a risk factor for WMSDs on the neck and lower back(waist)(OR were 3.06 and 3.32, P<0.05). Maintaining the same posture for a long time on the back was a risk factor for shoulder and upper back WMSDs(OR were 3.22 and 2.34, P<0.05). Hard work was a risk factor for shoulder and upper back WMSDs(OR were 2.60 and 2.58, P<0.05). Driving a vehicle was a risk factor for lower back(waist) and ankle/foot WMSDs(OR were 2.54 and 3.17, P<0.05). Carrying objects heavier than 20 kilograms and frequent overtime working were risk factors for ankle/foot WMSDs(OR were 3.03 and 2.54, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The most frequent parts of the body having WMSDs in the cement production workers are shoulders and necks. Occupational factors(turning around or keeping the same posture of neck and back) are risk factors of WMSDs on shoulder and neck.