Objective To investigate the incidence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in a shipyard.
Methods A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted using a revised musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire to investigate the incidence, ergonomic load, and psychosocial factors of musculoskeletal disorders in the past year among workers in a shipyard in China. Chi-square test and logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors of WMSDs.
Results A total of 830 questionnaires were distributed, and 809 valid questionnaires were returned with a valid response rate of 97.5%. The incidence rates of WMSDs in different body parts were 12.2%-39.4%. The top four WMSDs incidence rates by body parts were low back (39.4%), neck (31.3%), wrist (26.8%), and shoulder (26.3%). The incidence rates of WMSDs in low back, neck, wrist, knee, and ankle/foot were different among different types of work (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that stooping and turning round simultaneously was a risk factor for WMSDs in low back and shoulder (OR=1.53, 1.68); wrist bent for a long time was a risk factor for WMSDs in wrist (OR=1.62); height was a risk factor for WMSDs in low back (OR=1.03); working overtime frequently was a risk factor for WMSDs in low back and wrist (OR=1.62, 1.55); subjective comfortable working posture was a protective factor for WMSDs in low back, neck, wrist, and shoulder (OR=0.68, 0.52, 0.62, 0.54); controlling work progress independently was a protective factor for WMSDs in wrist (OR=0.67); fast work pace was a risk factor for WMSDs in neck, wrist, and shoulder (OR=1.60, 1.66, 1.60); concerns from supervisors was a protective factor for WMSDs in neck and shoulder (OR=0.67, 0.69).
Conclusion The incidence rate of WMSDs in shipbuilding industry is at a high level. Therefore, it is urgent to formulate relevant policies and measures considering occupational, individual, and psychosocial factors of WMSDs to reduce the adverse health effects.
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