Musculoskeletal and skin disorders in a population of floor-layers

In the frame of a study on hydrocarbon-induced toxic effects, the knee morbidity and the prevalence of work-related arthralgias, gonalgias, myalgias and skin anomalies were investigated in a group a floor-layers. The results show that a previous history of knee morbidity is distinctly higher in floor-layers and that these workers have a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal and cutaneous disturbances than the comparison group. Owing to the fairly high prevalence of these troubles, it seems that this pathology deserves more attention and that more efficient preventive measures are indicated.