A Review on Methods for Assessing Risk Factors of the Upper Limb Disorders among Cashiers in Grocery Retail Industries

Abstract

Abstract. This paper provides an overview of the various methods that have been developed for the assessment of risk factors for upper limb disorders among cashiers in grocery retail industries. This paper is essential as upper limb disorders have been known as one of the prime cause of work-related disability in various countries. The methods used for the assessment were the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART), the Job Strain Index (JSI) and the Occupational Repetitive Actions (OCRA) Checklist. DASH questionnaire is a structured interview in determining the prevalence of the upper limb disorders, while ART, the JSI and OCRA Checklist act as a direct observation in examining the involvement of risk factors. Basically, these tools dealt with the measurements of symptoms, posture observation, and workplace risk assessment, as they are the most relevant tools for assessing the risk factors faced by the workers in grocery industries. The use of these tools assessed the risk factors and consequently reduces the risk of injuries among the workers.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses: a cross-sectional study in Ethiopia

“…6 12 16-19 Personal characteristics of cashiers such as gender, age, educational level, monthly salary, body mass index (BMI) and substance use (cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and khat chewing) have also been associated with the occurrence of WRMSDs. [17][18][19][20][21] The issue of occupational health needs to be addressed, especially for workers involved in small-scale businesses where the working environment is unfavourable to workers' health and safety. 21 22 The maintenance of a healthy working environment for the employee is considered necessary to prevent the occurrence of workplace injuries such as WRMSDs.…”

“…Cashiers perform a variety of activities during their workday to meet their needs. Occupational characteristics of cashiers that have been identified as risk factors for WRMSDs include a fast pace of work and repetitive movements, excessive work without breaks, heavy physical exertion (including lifting, pulling, pushing and manual material handling), exposure to cold, non-neutral postures and vibration 6 12 16–19. Personal characteristics of cashiers such as gender, age, educational level, monthly salary, body mass index (BMI) and substance use (cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and khat chewing) have also been associated with the occurrence of WRMSDs 17–21…”