Factors affecting work-related shoulder pain.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Work-related shoulder pain is a prevalent issue in the workforce.
• Ergonomic factors are strongly suspected contributors, alongside other potential influences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pinpoint specific risk factors for work-related shoulder pain in Alberta.
• To place particular emphasis on identifying key ergonomic risk factors.

Main Methods:

• A case-referent study design was employed.
• Participants included individuals with Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims for shoulder pain (cases) and other injuries (referents).
• Data collection utilized postal questionnaires, with analysis performed via logistic regression.

Main Results:

• The study included 1263 participants (562 cases, 701 referents).
• Increased odds of shoulder injury claims were linked to lifting ≥10 kg above shoulder height for ≥15 min/day, prior shoulder pain, employment in 'Government, education, and health services,' and low job satisfaction regarding colleague support.

Conclusions:

• Findings underscore the critical role of ergonomic factors in work-related shoulder pain claims.
• Restricting activities like lifting weights above shoulder level, even for short durations, is a recommended ergonomic measure to mitigate injury risk.