Women in nontraditional jobs: is there a risk for musculoskeletal injury?

More females are entering once male dominated jobs that require physical strength, flexibility, and endurance. Musculoskeletal injuries, a leading cause of worker disability, occur more frequently when the physical demands of a job exceed the worker's physical capabilities. Although women are more flexible than men, differences in muscle mass, body composition, and size can place women at risk for injury. The risk for musculoskeletal injury can be reduced through ergonomic considerations and physical fitness.