A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) of Male Shipbuilding Workers and Factors Associated the Neck, Shoulder, Elbow, Low Back, or Knee MSDs

Abstract

This study investigates the cross-sectional descriptive characteristics of male shipbuilding workers’ musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and factors associated with MSDs in the neck, shoulders, elbows, low back, or knees. From the national compensation data confirmed as MSDs during three years between 2015 and 2017, 985 male workers were analyzed in terms of age, work experience, occupations, company size, and MSD type according to each body region. In the analysis of frequency and severity according to ‘occupation–body region–MSD type’, ‘Electrician/plumber–low back–herniated disc’ (6.9%) was the form of MSDs with the highest frequency among total MSDs, and ‘Crane–neck–herniated disc’ (500.5 days) was the highest mean of sick leave days. The low back MSDs (28.9%) were the highest frequency, followed by shoulders (27.7%) and knees (16.2%). The herniated disc was frequent in the neck and lumbar region, and the mean of sick leave days of the neck herniated disc (402.2 days) was greater than that of the low back herniated disc (321.1 days). While a rupture was frequent in the shoulder or knee region, the mean of sick leave days for shoulder rupture (335.1 days) was greater than that of the knee rupture (318.8 days). In the binary logistic regression analysis, age was positively associated with MSDs in the neck, shoulder, or elbow regions, while the low back MSDs category was not positively associated with age. Large companies with >1000 employees were highly associated with neck MSDs, while small companies with <30 employees were related to the low back MSDs. This study derives the characteristics for frequency and sick leave days of MSDs in the neck, shoulders, elbows, low back, or knees to prioritize MSD prevention information. The results of this study can be used as primary data for establishing MSD prevention policy.

Risk Factor Analysis of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDS) in Woman Shellfish Peeler (Geloina Erosa) in Pantai Cermin District

“…Non-ergonomic work postures, such as slouching and bending forward positions, also contribute to the occurrence of MSDs complaints in workers. In binary logistic regression analysis, age was positively associated with MSDs in the neck, shoulder, or elbow regions, while lower back MSDs were not positively associated with age (Kim et al, 2022). Frequent awkward postures are a factor associated with significantly higher reported rates of MSDs in the past 12 months (Astin et al, 2023) In a study of Risk Factor Analysis of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDS) in Women Peeling Shellfish (Geloina Erosa) in Pantai Cermin District, it was found that the most complaints were in the calves or feet, this was not far due to posture when sitting that was too bent legs.…”

Development of Musculoskeletal Disease Risk Factor Assessment (MDRFA) Model for the Factory Workers in Bangladesh

“…Force injuries may be either acute or permanent. Acute injuries happen quickly, usually as a consequence of a singular occurrence or accident, and may include fractures, dislocations, and strains (Kim, W. J. et al 2022). Excessive force may also contribute to postural issues and musculoskeletal abnormalities, leading to chronic discomfort and malfunction (Sekkay F. et al 2018).…”

“…It refers to actions or motions that are done frequently, generally with minimal variety in body posture or movement pattern. When these actions are done over a long length of time, they may produce tension and exhaustion in the tissues and muscles involved, which can develop to MSDs (Kim, W. J. et al 2022). Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are diseases that affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints as a result of repeated action.…”

“…Elbow injuries, knee injuries, rotator cuff injuries, back injuries, and ankle injuries are some of the most frequent musculoskeletal diseases linked with throwing. When employees utilize vibrating machinery or tools, the vibrations are passed to their hands and arms, causing a variety of health concerns (Kim, W. J. et al 2022). These include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, and other hand and wrist illnesses.…”