A Choobineh, E Solaymani, A Mohammad Beigi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (20 2009)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) seen more in workers of manufacturing industry than others. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine prevalence rate of WMSDs symptoms among workers of a metal manufacturing industry in Shiraz.
Methods: In this study, nearly 50% of workers of the production units were randomly selected from corresponding list of each unit. Totally, 156 workers participated in this study. A self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect required data. T-test and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.
Results: The results showed that WMSDs occurred in considerable rate among the workers such that 76.9% of the workers studied suffered from some kind of symptoms during the last 12 months. The highest prevalence was reported in the lower back (54.5%) and knees (42.9%). Machine operators and welders reported the highest rate of symptoms. Statistical analyses revealed significant association between age, height, work tenure, weekly work hours, smoking, shift work and the symptoms (P<0.05).
Conclusions: WMSDs symptoms occurrence was prevalent among workers of this industry. To prevent WMSDs symptoms, more attention should be paid to working conditions of the machine operators and the welders, and risk factors for back and knee regions should be reduced.
