Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Determination of the Associated Factors among Workers of a Dairy Products Factory

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common causes of occupational injuries that appear in the lower back, neck and upper and lower extremities mainly. This study was conducted to assess the risk of MSDs and determine of its associated factors in workers of a dairy products company. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 male employees (21-41yrs) using census sampling method participated. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire, Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire (NMQ) and QEC method for assessment of postures during the work. Data were analyzed using statistical tests including test of proportion, multiple logistic regression, and Fisher’s Exact by SPSS software (Version 16.0). Results: The results of this study showed that the lower back (37%), shoulders (36%), and hand/wrist (33%) had the highest prevalence of symptoms of disorders among workers. The results of multiple logistic regression showed a significant association between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in different regions of the body and age, job experiences, shift working and BMI. The results of assessment of physical exposure to musculoskeletal risks by QEC technique showed that in 52% of the studied workers, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in Action Level (AL) 1, 9% in AL2, 30% in AL3, and 9% in AL4. Also, the finding revealed a significant relationship between the prevalence rate of MSDs and the risk level (low and high risk) achieved by QEC method. Conclusions: Prevalence of symptoms of pain in different regions of the body had an association with age, job experience, shift working and BMI. Corrective measures seemed essential in improvement of working condition in the studied workers.