Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Related Risk Factors among the Water-Counter Manufacturer Workers

Abstract

Aims Musculoskeletal disorders are common occupational hazards and disabilities in developing countries. This study was to assess postures and determine musculoskeletal disorders in employees of a water flow meter manufacturing factory in Iran. Materials & Methods In this descriptive analytical study that was done among workers of Iran Ensheab Factory from Water-Counter Manufacturing industry in Qom province in 2013, 85 workers from different departments were selected by objective sampling method. Demographic data of the workers like age, sex, period of work experience, weight and height were recorded in a checklist and “Rapid Upper Limb Assessment” approach and Nordic questionnaire were used for data gathering. Data analysis was done by SPSS 16 software using independent T and Chi-square tests. Findings There was a significant correlation between musculoskeletal disorders and movement postures of shoulder, lumbar, pelvic and knee. There were significant correlation between work experience (p<0.05) and unit of working (p<0.05) and musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion Most of the workers of water-counter manufacturing industry are from level 2 according to “Rapid Upper Limb Assessment” approach and lumbar disorders are the most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Keywords

• Musculoskeletal Diseases; Posture; Upper Extremity; Movement Disorders