The impact on musculoskeletal disorders of changing physical and psychosocial work environment conditions in the automobile industry

In the car-body-sealing department at an automobile assembly plant in Swede n, a reorganisation of work from lineout to line production was performed. The aim of the present investigation was to study the influence of changes in physical and psychosocial conditions on musculoskeletal disorders. Worki ng conditions were studied on two occasions, before and after the change. P hysical workload regarding strenuous postures and movements was assessed by questionnaires, direct measurements recordings and by computer based obser vations registrations, and the psychosocial conditions by questionnaires an d group discussions. The musculoskeletal disorders of the workers were stud ied by reports from the occupational health care centre and by self-reporte d musculoskeletal symptoms. A decrease in the time spent in strenuous posit ions was found, but the work cycle time decreased considerably and the work er felt 'robotised'. There was a marked decrease in the perception of oppor tunities to influence the work, as well as the stimulation at work. The amo unt of musculoskeletal disorders increased for the study group, but not for a reference group from the same plant. A possible explanation for the incr ease in musculoskeletal disorders was the increase in perceived physical ex ertion and the decrease in occupational pride. Relevance to industry This paper illustrates the importance of paying attention to psychosocial i ssues in order to avoid musculoskeletal disorders after an intervention mai nly aimed at physical workstation design. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.