Occurrence of musculoskeletal, disorders in a manufacturing industry with special attention to occupational shoulder disorders

Abstract

Among around 11.000 employees of a swedish company, 47,9% of all cases of long-term sick-absences were found to be due to musculoskeletal diseases. Diseases from neck and shoulder were almost as common as back-diseases and in light manufacturing workshops neck and shoulder disorders predominated. 112 cases of prolonged shoulder disorder were further studied. All had occurred among labourers. The disorder was found significantly more often among women, among immigrants and within certain occupations. By comparing the 112 cases with matched controls, a long list of different variables characterizing the patients and their jobs was identified. As a consequence of the findings further investigations have been initiated, practical measurements among the workers have been introduced and an EMG-equipment for easy analysis of muscle tension on actual work situations has been constructed.