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BACKGROUND:The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a suitable and valid instrument, which provides a general view of workers' abilities and functional capacities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of work-related and sociodemographic factors on work ability among employees of a company in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 employees. Work ability was measured by the Persian version of WAI. A questionnaire was also developed to assess work-related and sociodemographic factors. The data were analyzed using univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent t-test, and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS:The mean (SD) score of WAI was 38.4 (6.4). WAI mean score (p < 0.05) was associated with age, gender, sleep quality, smoking, work schedule, the conflict between the work and individual, family, and social lives, work injuries, and job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the workers' work ability, interventional programs should be concentrated on changing work schedules, improving sleep quality, limiting work hours, and not scheduling sensitive individuals to night shifts, those whose circadian rhythm stability and circadian rhythm amplitude is rigid type and languid type, respectively.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal pain is usually caused by poor physical conditions, repetitive motion, and adverse environmental and psychological situations. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and their work-related factors among employees on offshore oil and gas installations in Iran. METHODS: Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used to collect data. The relationship of musculoskeletal pain with job type, rest breaks, exercise, shift program, and work period was studied among employees on offshore installations. T-test and ANOVA were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Employees on offshore installations were exposed to high levels of risk of musculoskeletal pain in their knees and back. Consequently, they reported the highest level of complaints of pain in the neck and lower back areas. Workers in drilling and tour-scheduling jobs reported the highest level of musculoskeletal pain. In the course of seven days and 12 months, the highest level of significant relationship was observed between the limbs and the work periods (tour scheduling or days-off) of the staff. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among employees of offshore facilities was high due to inappropriate working conditions such as repetitive work, lifting heavy loads and limited rest periods. Therefore, strategies must be considered to reduce the effects of disorders.

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