Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and work exposures among railroad maintenance‐of‐way workers

Abstract

Background Our objective was to examine occupational risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands among railroad maintenance‐of‐way (MOW) workers. Little systematic research on musculoskeletal disorders has been conducted in this occupational group. Methods In total, 3995 active members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) completed a standardized survey focusing on disorders caused by hand‐transmitted vibration. We computed adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) using Poisson regression for shoulder, elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and vibration white finger musculoskeletal symptoms by work exposures, adjusted for age, region, race/ethnicity, smoking, potential second job, and spare time vehicle vibration exposure, and other work exposures. Results Among active male BMWED members, we found associations between >5.2 years (vs. 0.0–0.7 years) duration of full‐time equivalent power tool use and shoulder pain (aPR = 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–2.85), elbow pain (aPR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.86–4.46), vibration white finger symptoms (aPR = 2.49; 95% CI, 1.06–5.85), hand/wrist pain (aPR = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.74–3.32), finger numbness or tingling (aPR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.38–2.50) and self‐reported carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis (aPR = 2.16; 95% CI, 1.24–3.77). Associations were not consistent across outcomes for the duration of non‐powered hand tool use and “repeated lifting, pushing, pulling, or bending.” Positive gradients were observed for most outcomes. Conclusions Hand‐arm vibration and some other biomechanical exposures were associated with shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, and finger symptoms. Prevention programs should address occupational risk factors for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among MOW workers.

Síntomas osteomusculares en trabajadores del transporte de servicio especial del Grupo Empresarial Alianza T S. A.

“…Los desórdenes músculo esqueléticos (DME), desórdenes por trauma acumulativo (DTA) o lesiones por trauma repetitivo (LTR), se encuentran entre los problemas más importantes de salud en el trabajo, tanto en países desarrollados como en vía de desarrollo, pero poco se conoce sobre la historia natural en los trabajadores expuestos a trabajos repetitivos Síntomas osteomusculares en trabajadores del transporte de servicio especial del Grupo Empresarial Alianza T S.A. (Landsbergis et al, 2021). Estas lesiones generan molestias, dolor local y restricción de movimientos que se reflejan en la disminución del rendimiento normal en el trabajador, afectando la productividad ocupacional y provocando accidentes.…”

A follow-up study of vibration-induced injuries in workers exposed to transient and high frequency vibrations

“…Several studies have reported a high level of upper extremity disorders in vibration exposed workers [ 7 – 10 ]. The pathogenesis of these disorders in users of vibrating tools is not yet fully clarified.…”