Assessment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and work posture amongst the hospital workers in a tertiary care hospital of Chennai

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) ranges from 10% to 60% in an organisation. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence pattern of WRMSDs and the relation of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain/discomfort complaints with posture amongst hospital workers. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done amongst hospital housekeeping workers in a tertiary care hospital. Physical parameters, assessment of musculoskeletal pain by the Nordic MSK Questionnaire and Cornell MSK Questionnaire and analysis of posture using Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) which identifies posture of back, arms, legs and weight of the load handled during work. Results: The prevalence of WRMSDs in the past 12 months was 198 (87.2%) and in the past 7 days was 155 (63.8%). Maximum MSK pain was reported in knee (136, 59.9%). Multiple sites of pain (3 or more) were also seen in 146 (64.3%) workers. The most common posture associated with pain was walking (100%). Pain did not prevent from doing the work and slightly interfered with their ability. Number of years of work experience had a significant relation to the pain score. Conclusion: Although the majority of the study population fell in the OWAS-second category which has no immediate concern at present, may progress to the third and fourth categories if proper posture correction is not done. If the preventive MSK rehabilitation measures are taken at the earliest, it can help prevent the progression to cumulative trauma disorders.