Status of the Musculoskeletal Disorders among Repairmen: Using Quick Exposure Assessment method

Aims: Pain and discomfort caused by Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders(WMSDs) is one of the most common health problems that is common in almost all jobs worldwide. Considering the importance of early prevention and treatment of these disorders, the purpose of this research is to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs and their risk factors among repair workers through using Quick Exposure Check (QEC). Method and Materials: In this descriptive-analytical study, ۵۰ auto repairers in Sabzevar city were selected by census method. The Nordic questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of WMSDS and the QEC posture assessment method was used to determine the risk level of suffering from these disorders. Findings: According to the results of the Nordic questionnaire, ۵۸% (N=۲۹) of the studied subjects had pain and discomfort in at least one of the nine areas of the musculoskeletal system during the last ۱۲ months. The highest rate was reported in the waist (۴۶%, N=۲۳), knee (۳۴%, N=۱۷) and shoulder (۱۶%, N=۸) regions. Furthermore, ۸۴% (N=۴۲) of people were in the ۳rd and ۴th priority level of corrective action based on the QEC method. Conclusion: This study showed that skeletal-muscular disorders have the highest prevalence in the waist and knee areas. This means that paying attention to the risk factors of disorders related to these areas and removing them from the work environment can be an effective measure in improving work conditions and preventing these complications.

Keywords:

Ergonomics , Musculoskeletal Disorder , Nordic Questionnaire , Repairmen , Quick Exposure Check (QEC)