Work-related musculoskeletal complaints among workers of Iranian aluminum industries

Abstract

In developing countries, musculoskeletal complaints are considered as main cause of occupational complications and disability. Economic burden of these complications more than workers has impact on organization and society in general. In Iranian aluminum industries, workers are directly involved in production process and physical activities such as manual material handling and awkward postures are very common. The present study was performed for assessment of musculoskeletal complaints prevalence among workers of Iranian aluminum industries. Participants in this cross-sectional study were 493 workers of 3 Iranian aluminum industries with random selection. Data of musculoskeletal complaints were gathered by means of the standardized Nordic self-reporting questionnaire. Demographic and work-related data were collected into the checklist. Findings of this study showed that 65.5% of workers in past week and 77.5% of workers in past year had claimed one of the musculoskeletal complaints in their work places. Lumbar, knee(s), and upper back had the most musculoskeletal complaints prevalence in participants. Musculoskeletal complaints in past week and year had significant association with job duration and age in these workers. Musculoskeletal complaints in Iranian aluminum industries happened in high rate. Ergonomic intervention strategies in the workplaces must be the focus for elimination of environmental hazards such as apposition on the time of work and manual handling of heavy loads.