Do Beekeepers Have a Sweet Life? Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Impact Among Apiarists in New...

Agriculture employs about a third of the world's workforce and has been identified as having a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs); however, little is known about specific agricultural sectors, particularly apiculture (commercial beekeeping). This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey investigating the prevalence of MSDs among apiarists (commercial beekeepers) in New Zealand. A further objective was to gain an understanding of the impact of MSDs on apiarists.

Apiarists in New Zealand were invited to complete a self-reported questionnaire to assess a 12-month and 7-day prevalence of MSDs using a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Supplementary questions assessed frequency of MSD, the discomfort severity, and limitations with work. In addition, open-ended questions invited apiarists to suggest what they believed contributed to their MSD. We categorized the responses into five key WRMSD risk factors (Physical/Biomechanical; Work Organizational; Individual; Environmental; Psychosocial).

Results from a sample of 73 apiarists showed the overall 12-month prevalence of any MSD to be 89% (95%CI = 79.6-94.6), with a 7-day prevalence of 68.5% (95%CI = 57.1-78.0). The most frequently reported body parts affected were low back (74%), neck (54.8%), wrist/hands (47.9%), and shoulders (56.2%). Despite the relatively high prevalence and discomfort levels of MSDs, apiarists reported minimal limitations to work which may reflect the attitude that MSDs are an accepted part of their role. Physical demands of the beekeeping role were reported by most apiarists as contributing to MSDs, with individual factors such as age being the second most cited contributor. Only 3% of the responses identified psychosocial factors associated with MSDs.

High prevalence of MSDs among this sample of apiarists is similar to previous reports of MSD prevalence among non-commercial beekeepers in other overseas studies. Results indicate musculoskeletal discomfort among apiarists is commonplace and suggest apiarists are likely to be working while experiencing discomfort. This potentially could have long-term ramifications for apiarists' musculoskeletal health. This is a concern for sustainability of this essential industry.