Musculoskeletal disorders among clerical workers in Los Angeles: a labor management approach.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) persist among clerical workers despite ergonomic advances. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among 2,310 clerical workers investigated MSD cases, defined as musculoskeletal discomfort and seeking treatment for that discomfort in the past 12 months. A modified Poisson regression model was adopted to assess the association between work and individual factors and the risk of MSDs. RESULTS: Over half of respondents reported musculoskeletal discomfort. The prevalence of MSD cases was 37.2% neck/shoulders, 21.7% upper extremities, 18% lower extremities, and 34.3% back region. Elevated risk of MSDs was associated with less workstation adjustability; work schedule, gender, age, and BMI were also significant. Positive trends were observed between computer use and MSDs for the neck/shoulder region and the effect was amplified among those reporting insufficient workstation adjustability and lacking computer ergonomics training. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate the need to limit continuous computer use and to improve the human-machine interface through adjustable workstations and worker training to enhance use of adjustable features.