How does accelerometry-measured arm elevation at work influence prospective risk of long-term sickness absence?

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Public Health

Background:

• Elevated arm work is common in many occupations.
• Measuring elevated arm work using devices is feasible.
• The association between device-measured elevated arm work and prospective long-term sickness absence (LTSA) is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between device-measured elevated arm work and the prospective risk of long-term sickness absence (LTSA).

Main Methods:

• 937 workers wore accelerometers to measure arm elevation during work.
• Data on long-term sickness absence (LTSA) were collected over a 4-year follow-up period.
• Compositional Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to model the association.

Main Results:

• Workers spent 21% of work time with arm elevation >30°, 4% with >60°, and 1% with >90°.
• A dose-response relationship was observed between elevated arm work and LTSA risk.
• Every 2 minutes of arm elevation >90° increased LTSA risk by 14% (HR 1.14).

Conclusions:

• Device-measured elevated arm work is linked to a higher prospective risk of LTSA.
• Findings support integrating device-based measurements into workplace practices for prevention.
• Accessible methods for measuring elevated arm work are crucial for occupational health interventions.