Musculoskeletal disorders and working risk factors

Abstract

Objectives: The authors evaluate situation in the field of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and working risk factors in the Czech Republic.

Methods: Analysis of selected data from the Czech National Registry of Occupational Diseases during 2008-2018, description of criteria for recognition of occupational MSDs and risk factors associated with MSDs.

Results: 6,152 cases of 6 selected recognized occupational musculoskeletal diseases represent 47% of all recognized occupational diseases. The main proportion formed diseases of peripheral nerves in the extremities in terms of compressive neuropathies due to long-term and stereotyped overload, diseases of tendons, tendon capsules or insertions of muscles or joints in the extremities due to long-term and stereotyped overload and diseases of peripheral nerves in the upper extremities in terms of ischaemic and compressive neuropathies due to work with vibrating tools and devices. The authors discussed decreasing trend of the exposure time in three main diagnoses and association of the incidence of MSDs with the risky work related to overload of the musculoskeletal system of the upper extremities.

Conclusions: Important factors for the prevention of MSDs are directly related to the technical provision of production, the organization of work and the regime of work and rest, the length of working hours and the setting of production standards, and generally to the work related stress.

Keywords: musculoskeletal; occupational risk; overload; prevention; upper extremity; vibration.