Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among garment workers in Kandal province, Cambodia

Abstract

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among garment workers in Kandal province, Cambodia: Leap Van, et al. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand Objective The main objectives of this cross‐sectional descriptive study were to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and workstation biomechanical risk levels for garment workers in Kandal Province, Cambodia. Methods This cross‐sectional descriptive study used multistage sampling techniques to select 714 workers from three garment factories among 22 medium‐size factories (250−1,000 workers). Face‐to‐face interviews and direct observation using the rapid upper limb assessment scale (RULA) were used to collect data. Results The response rate was 98.3% (702/714), and the majority (89.3%) of the respondents were female. Ninety‐two percent (95% CI=90.0−94.0) of the workers reported musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one body region in the previous 12 months and 89.0% (95% CI=86.7−91.3) of the workers reported such symptoms in the past seven‐day period. The neck, shoulder, and lower back were the most affected body regions. In addition, the RULA data showed that 81.2% of the workers’ postures were rated as action level 3, indicating that investigation and change were required soon, and that 7.5% their postures were rated as action level 4, indicating that investigation and change were required immediately. Conclusions Cambodian garment workers reported a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in upper body regions, and their workplaces were rated as high risk ergonomically.

The Relationship Between Work Posture And Musculoskeletal Disorders (Msds) In Laundry Workers In The Area Of Puskesmas Sukamerindu Bengkulu

“…One common symptom that arises from work is musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal Disorder is a health problem involving the joints, muscles, tendons, skeleton, cartilage, ligaments, and nerves (Van et al, 2016). Musculoskeletal Disorder is related to the intensity and severity of work, although often light activities such as housework or exercise may also be involved (Barro et al, 2015).…”

Diseases Registered Among Integrated Textile Factory Workers in Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

“…Other studies have showed the presence of ergonomic hazards both in the textile and garment department that could increase the risk of MSDs (27)(28)(29). Also, ergonomic hazard exposure assessment studies in Bangladesh and Cambodia found that the tasks in garment production gave high risk of MSDs (10,12). It is likely that the development of MSDs may be linked to exposure to ergonomic hazards in the textile and garment departments.…”

“…However, the work processes in textile and garment production expose workers not only to dust but also to other different hazards (8,9). For instance, the presence of heavy machines and mechanical contact, manual handling, repetitive work and work in awkward postures as well as increased work pressure can put workers at risk for work-related diseases, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and traumatic injuries (10)(11)(12). In the past years, studies have described various health problems among workers in the textile and garment sector (13)(14)(15)(16).…”

“…Workers in the garment department process the fabrics; change the sizes, colors and textures being in various working conditions and using different machines. For example, risk of MSDs due to repetitive work and unhealthy work postures (10,12) and risk of cancer due to the use of different dyes (21). The establishment of integrated textile factories is rising in Ethiopia the past years; however, there is no national statistics about occupational diseases and injuries to show the health of the workers employed in the country.…”

Identifikasi Risiko Postur Kerja Pada Perikanan Purse Seine

“…Musculoskeletal Disorder adalah masalah kesehatan yang melibatkan sendi, otot, tendon, kerangka, tulang rawan, ligamen, dan saraf (Van 2016). Tingkat musculoskeletal disorder dari yang paling ringan hingga yang berat akan menggangu konsentrasi dalam bekerja, menimbulkan kelelahan dan pada akhirnya akan menurunkan produktivitas (Harcombe 2014).…”