Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevalence and Associated risk Factors of A Metal Structure Manufacturing Company in Tehran

Abstract

Background and purpose: Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common occupational injuries that are caused due to different risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and level of musculoskeletal disorders risk among a metal structure manufacturing company. Materials and methods: The present cross sectional study was considered prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among 202 workforces in 7 job groups. Nordic questionnaire was used as survey tool and rates of body exposure to risk factors were assessed by Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method. Data were analyzed by T-test, χ2 and ANOVA using SPSS19 software. Results: According to completed questionnaire 74.25% of workers have experienced symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders over the past year. The highest prevalence of disorders were found in lower back, knees, hands and wrists. The Positive, significant correlation were found between prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and level of body exposure risk. Conclusion: There was found a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among different job groups in metal structure manufacturing. Factors such as lack of ergonomic considerations in workstations design, Inappropriate work procedure, inefficient handling equipment, dealing with heavy workloads and time pressure on product delivery is effective in development of musculoskeletal disorder.

Keywords

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Ergonomics
• Metal Structure