Document Type
Article
Peer Reviewed
1
Publication Date
1-1-2003
Volume
18
Journal, Book or Conference Title
Applied occupational and environmental hygiene
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major cause of work-related disability and lost-time illnesses for many occupational groups. This study determined the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among young construction workers. A symptom and job factors survey was self-administered to 996 construction apprentices. Prevalence was determined by the percent of positive responses to musculoskeletal symptom questions. Odds ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals were the measures of association between prevalent musculoskeletal symptoms and demographic, leisure, and job factors and were determined by logistic regression. The low back was the site most commonly reported for job-related musculoskeletal symptoms (54.4%), which was also the most common reason for seeking care from a physician (16.8%) and missing work (7.3%). Number of years worked in the construction trade was significantly associated with knee (p-trend = 0.0009) and wrist/hand (p-trend < 0.04) MSD symptoms and was suggestive of an association with low back pain (p-trend = 0.05). "Working in the same position for long periods" was the job factor identified as most problematic, with 49.7 percent of all construction apprentices rating it as a moderate/major problem contributing to musculoskeletal symptoms. Musculoskeletal symptoms are a significant problem among young construction workers at the beginning of their careers. Prevention strategies are needed early in the apprentice training program to reduce the potential disability associated with work-related musculoskeletal symptom disorders.
Keywords
Adult, Construction Materials, Female, Humans, Industry, Logistic Models, Male, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Occupational Diseases, Prevalence, Questionnaires, Risk Factors, Sustainability, United States
Published Article/Book Citation
Merlino LA, Rosecrance JC, Anton D, Cook TM. Symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders among apprentice construction workers. Appl Occup Environ Hyg 18(1):57-64, 2003. DOI: 10.1080/10473220301391 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10473220301391
Rights
From Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Apprentice Construction Workers, 18(1): pages 57–64. Copyright 2003. ACGIH®, Cincinnati, OH. Reprinted with permission.
URL
http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/8