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Identifying work organization targets for a work-related musculoskeletal symptom prevention program
Grant D Huang1, Michael Feuerstein
1Office of Research & Development, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
|April 2, 2004
Summary
Work organization factors like time pressure and cognitive demands increase musculoskeletal disorder risk. Interventions targeting these, alongside job redesign, can reduce symptoms and pain intensity.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Growing research links work organization to musculoskeletal disorders.
- Specific dimensions for intervention programs require further delineation.
- Understanding risk factors for low back (LB) and upper extremity (UE) symptoms is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify work organization risk factors for LB and UE symptoms.
- Determine the magnitude of associations between these factors and symptoms.
- Inform intervention strategies for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study with 248 U.S. Marines in high-risk jobs.
- Questionnaires assessed ergonomic, individual psychosocial, and occupational psychosocial factors.
- Regression analyses identified significant risk factors for symptomatic groups.
Main Results:
- Ergonomic stressors, time pressure, and cognitive processing were significant risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms.
- Decision authority and experienced responsibility correlated with pain intensity.
- Interpersonal demands showed a protective effect against LB symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Interventions should address time pressure, cognitive processing, and interpersonal demands.
- Job redesign and workstyle interventions may reduce musculoskeletal symptom likelihood and intensity.
- Occupational psychosocial factors play a significant role in work-related musculoskeletal disorders.