PREVALENCE OF WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN ACTIVE UNION CARPENTERS

Objectives-To determine the prevalence and risk factors for work relat ed musculoskeletal disorders among union carpenters. Methods-A detaile d questionnaire on musculoskeletal symptoms and work history was admin istered to 522 carpenters. The symptom questions assessed if carpenter s experienced pain, numbness, or tingling in a particular body region. A subset of this group then received a physical examination of the up per extremities and knees. Results-The study group was primarily white (94.9%) and male (97.8%) with a mean age of 42.3 years. The highest p revalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders cases by carpentry specialty ranged from 20%-24% for those doing drywall or ceiling, fin ishing or framing, and the building of concrete forms. Generally, as d uration of employment increased, the prevalence of symptoms increased. An adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that the group with t he longest (greater than or equal to 20 years) duration of employment in carpentry was significantly associated with work related musculoske letal disorders of the shoulders (odds ratio (OR) 3.2, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1 to 8.9), hands or wrists(OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1 to 8 .4), and knees (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 9.2). Also, analyses showed that carpenters who reported that they had little or no influence over the ir work schedule had significant increases of work related musculoskel etal disorders of the shoulders, hips, and knees with ORs of 1.9 (95% CI I.1 to 3.2), 2.9 (95% CI 1.1 to 7.2), and 2.3 (95% CI 1.2 to 4.1), respectively. Feeling exhausted at the end of day was also a significa nt risk factor for work related musculoskeletal disorders of the knee (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1). Upper extremity disorders were the most p revalent work related musculoskeletal disorders reported among all car penters. Drywall or ceiling activities involve a considerable amount o f repetitive motion and awkward postures often with arms raised holdin g heavy dry walls in place, whereas form work is notable for extensive lumbar flexion and had the two highest rates of work related musculos keletal disorders. The psychosocial element of job control was associa ted with both upper and lower extremity disorders. These union carpent ers, who were relatively young, already were experiencing considerable work related physical problems. Conclusion -This study supports the n eed for vigilant ergonomic intervention at job sites and early ergonom ic education as an integral part of apprenticeship school training to ensure that carpenters remain fit and healthy throughout their working lifetime.