Investigation on musculo-skeletal disorders in tea-workers

ABSTRACT

The results of the cross-sectional study on musculo-skeletal disorders in 125 tea-workers showed that the percentage of musculo-skeletal complaints was very high (98.4%). The most common parts affected by pain were: low back (90.4%), shoulders (55.2 - 57.6%), knees (53.6 - 56.0%), hands (45.6 - 48.0%), and wrists (31.2 - 34.4%). High frequency of operation, poor postures in some jobs as well as long working time influenced on musculo-skeletal disorders. The relation between seriousness of the disorders and the level of musculo-skeletal complaints was remarkable. Some recommendations were suggested aiming at reducing the adverse effects of occupational factors