Compensation claims for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hairdressers in France, 2010-2016

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences non-academic workers: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders most commonly contribute to years lived with disability among workers. Heavy physical work, static work posture, awkward posture, force exertion, lifting and repetitive movements increase the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among non-academic workers at the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Non-academic workers included security personnel, catering staff, drivers, library staff, clerical staff, technicians and janitorial staff.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The study used a cross-sectional analytical design. One hundred and eight non-academic workers at the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences were sampled through proportional stratified sampling in January 2021. An adapted Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire capturing socio-demographics and ergonomic risk factors was used to gather data. SPSS v24 was used for data analysis including frequencies, tests of association and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

One hundred non-academic workers from the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences responded. The 3-month and 12-month prevalences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were highest in the lower back (n = 72, 72% and n = 75, 75%) and wrists/hands (n = 60, 60% and n = 69, 69%) respectively. Sociodemographic factors such as age (p = 0.002), gender (p < 0.001), educational level (p = 0.008) and worker category (p < 0.001) were associated with increased work-related musculoskeletal disorders, while work experience (p = 0.002) was associated with a decreased prevalence of back pain and discomfort. Females (AOR = 55.90; 95% CI [3.84, 814.54]), security personnel (AOR = 39.53, 95% CI [1.57, 996.00]), catering staff (AOR = 91.3295% CI [2.24, 3724.78]) and those who attained bachelor's degrees (AOR = 73.25, 95% CI [1.46, 3682.39]), higher national diplomas (AOR = 93.49, 95% CI [1.28, 6848.04]) and national diplomas (AOR = 52.22; 95% CI [1.09, 2510.73]) had higher odds of experiencing WMSDs. Increased working experience was protective against experiencing lower back pain (AOR = 0.84; 95% CI [0.74, 0.95]).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was high among the participants. This was influenced by the nature of work as well as cultural factors.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists need to design focused ameliorative and health promotive interventions targeting at-risk populations in universities. Employers should consider developing wellness programs for workers and promoting healthy working environments.

Neck and upper extremity musculoskeletal problems in cosmetologists caused by work-related ergonomic risk factors in Denizli, Turkey

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the neck and upper limbs are a common health problem among cosmetologists. Hairdressing requires bending, twisting, static postures, prolonged standing, repetitive motions, and vigorous movements of the hands and fingers. In order to determine the proper ergonomic measures, identifying the factors and hairdressing jobs that increase the risk of work-related neck and upper limb disorders is needed.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSDs in the neck and upper extremities of cosmetologists and to investigate the association with ergonomic risk factors and hairdressing work.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study was conducted on cosmetologists in Denizli, Turkey province (n = 504). Data collected through a survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, work organization, equipment, and hairdressing work, items on work posture, the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire. Work posture in hairdressing was assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA).

RESULTS

The prevalence of MSDs of the neck and upper limbs in the previous twelve months ranged from 7.7-55.8%. There was high, or very high, risk in 56.1% of work postures, and the median RULA score was 5.0 (4.0-6.0). The significant predictors of pain were work experience, gender, marital status, risk perception, awkward posture, psychological demand, and hair coloring.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to take control measures in hairdressing salons promptly to adopt more suitable working posture and to design workplaces ergonomically.

Musculoskeletal health, work-related risk factors and preventive measures in hairdressing: a scoping review

Background

Hairdressers are exposed to various work-related biomechanical and organizational risk factors. To date, there has been no overview of the evidence for this occupational group. The purpose of this scoping review is to gain insight into the current state of research on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in hairdressing.

Methods

Studies published up to November 2018 were identified by a systematic search using electronic databases (MEDLINE, PUBMED, CINAHL, Web of Science, LIVIVO), Google Scholar and reference lists of articles. Studies were screened by two researchers and synthesized in a descriptive manner.

Results

Overall 44 studies with different study designs, scopes and approaches were included. Nineteen studies provided data on MSD prevalence in at least one body site. The prevalence values between the studies varied considerably. On average, the highest 12-month prevalence was reported for the lower back (range 13-76%), neck (range 9-58%), shoulder (range 28-60%) and hand/wrist (range 11-53%). In comparison to other occupational groups, hairdressers reported more frequent MSD in all body regions or exhibited a greater risk of leaving the profession for health reasons. Common risk factors include working with arms above shoulder level, repetitive movements, forceful exertion of upper extremities, awkward back postures and movements, high mechanical workload and standing. In addition to physical stress, lack of adequate breaks, overtime, and general distress may deteriorate health and performance of hairdressers. Three rehabilitative and three preventive interventional studies were found. Only the rehabilitative studies showed positive effects on the management of physical and mental strain and resulted in significant pain reduction, increased physical capacity and knowledge of potential risk factors for MSD.

Conclusion

This data provides some evidence for work-related risk factors for MSD in hairdressers and indicate that there should be an intense focus on preventive measures. High quality and long-term interventional studies are needed to clarify the effectiveness of complex preventive concepts in hairdressing.