An integrative approach for evaluating work related musculoskeletal disorders

Objectives: To develop a framework for evaluating the work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Participants: The proposed framework was tested on 15 jewellery manufacturing workers working at Chinchpokhli region in Mumbai, India and on 15 students studying in a management institute of Mumbai, India. Methods: The framework has been broken into three phases. Phase 1 - Ergonomic-risk evaluation; Phase 2 - Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation and Phase 3 - Clinical examination. Ergonomic-risk evaluation determines the relationship between work relatedness and musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation tries to assess the presence of discomforts/disabilities in different body regions, through subjective evaluation tools. Ergonomic-risk evaluation involved QEC, PLIBEL and posture analysis by RULA. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation involved administration of self reported questionnaires. Clinical examination involved muscle grading by a physiotherapist and back strength measurement. Results: The framework suggested that ergonomic risk evaluation techniques, self reported body part questionnaires and physical measurement of physiological/biomechanical transients may have a relationship and can be used for the evaluation of work related musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: The proposed integrative approach will help in developing stage wise intervention strategies for work related musculoskeletal disorders.