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Musculoskeletal symptoms among sewing machine operators
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Many sewing machine operators experience neck and shoulder pain. Changing occupations can relieve these musculoskeletal symptoms, indicating reversibility with altered work tasks.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Sewing machine operators frequently experience musculoskeletal symptoms.
- Understanding symptom development and relief is crucial for this occupational group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the prevalence and development of musculoskeletal symptoms in sewing machine operators.
- To investigate symptom changes in relation to age, exposure, and occupational change.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of 327 sewing machine operators using the Nordic questionnaire.
- Follow-up in 1991 assessed changes in occupation and employment status.
- Exposure was evaluated via questionnaires on work environment and production demands.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of neck and shoulder symptoms was observed, linked to efficiency-related exposure.
- Operators who remained symptom-free did not show increased risk when continuing sewing.
- Symptomatic operators who changed jobs reported significant symptom relief compared to those who continued sewing.
Conclusions:
- Neck and shoulder symptoms in sewing machine operators are often reversible.
- Reallocation to different work tasks can positively influence symptom resolution.