The prevalance of musculoskeletal diseases and the physical risk factors in metal workers

Introduction: Metal workers are under the risk of musculoskeletal disorders because of great physical efforts are required. Objective: To determine the prevalence and physical risk factors of MSD among metal workers. Methods: The study has been done in metal industry factories at Istanbul and nearby. 1000 questionnaires sent, only 130 of them returned. The questionnaire included personal characteristics and working conditions. Test-Re-test reliability study of questionnaire was performed. Pearson, Chi Square vs Fisher’s Exact Test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Prevalence of MSD in last 12 months was 83,07 %. The most frequent three areas of pain were low back with 64.8%, back with 52,9% neck with 48%. Most significant relations were as at the below when work activities were separately assessed as risk factors; back pain among people, lifting 20 kg frequently at work was 52,6 % (p=0.003), shoulder pain among people pulling 20 kg load was 80 %(p= 0.001), elbow pain among people carrying 20 kg was 72.2 %(p = 0.001), back pain among people working with reaching hands and arms more than 2 hours was 73 %(p =0.000), low back pain among people standing on their feet frequently more than 2 hours was 72.2 % (p=0.008). Sixtyseven of workers (51,5 %) applied to physician because of complaints and 42 of workers (33.1 %) received reports and were absent from work because of MSD. Conclusion: We suppose that participatory ergonomics program can prevent metal workers from MSD.