The prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among electronics manufacturing workers: a cross-sectional analytical study in China.
The electronic industry is one of the largest global industries and is known for its rapid technological innovation, global competition, and labour intensity. However, high ergonomic risks include high load, repetition, and awkward posture. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the electronic industry was 35.7% – 80.5%.
In 2018, 7307 (3334 males and 3973 females) electronic manufacturing workers from 30 different electronic manufacturing enterprises across China took part in an interview-based questionnaire survey.
The purpose of this survey was to describe the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the electronics manufacturing industry and to investigate the relations between WMSDs and work-related variables.
The results found that the 12-month prevalence of WMSDs among participants was 40.6% and the common body sites affected were the neck (26.8%), shoulder (22.8%), upper back (14.9%) and lower back (14.8%).
The results also showed that the results of logistic regression demonstrated that WMSDs on the majority of body parts were more likely in female adults, who have had 5 years of more in employment and factors related to the workplace, such as awkward posture, lifting or carrying weights or excessive repetition etc.
Upper back, wrist/hand and elbow pain levels were significantly higher for workers with vibration. However, more frequently, physical exercise was a protective factor against WMSDs on most body parts except the upper back, leg, and knee.
The study shows that China’s electronics manufacturing industry has a significant prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. The prevalence of WMSD on various body parts is correlated with various personal and work circumstances.
Based on the features of WMSD in the electronic manufacturing enterprise, preventive measures should be put in place. In addition, it is essential to strengthen the training and intervention advice for hazards associated with ergonomics in the workplace by understanding the effects of poor posture, avoiding long periods of sitting posture, and increasing physical activity.
What are Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)?
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a group of painful disorders of muscles, tendons, and nerves. Examples of these disorders are carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and tension neck syndrome. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have become one of the main reasons for the decline of the labour force of the occupational population.
The majority of WMSDs affect the hands, wrists, elbows, neck, and shoulders as almost all work requires the use of arms and hands. Work using the legs can lead to WMSD of the legs, hips, ankles, and feet.
Other names for WMSDs can be repetitive motion injuries, cumulative trauma disorders, overuse syndrome or soft tissue disorders etc.
Risk factors for WMSDs
WMSDs are caused by hand and arm movements such as bending, gripping, holding and twisting etc. Doing them movements in the ordinary activities of daily life is not harmful.
It is only hazardous in work situations when you are continually repeating the activity, in a forceful manner. WMSDs are associated with work patterns that include:
- Fixed or constrained body positions.
- Continual repetition of movements.
- Force concentrated on small parts of the body, such as the hand or wrist.
- A pace of work that does not allow sufficient recovery between movements.
- Heat, cold and vibration could also contribute to the development of WMSDs.
How do WMSDs occur?
WMSDs develop gradually as a result of repeated trauma. WMSDs include 3 types of injuries:
Muscle injury – Muscles contract using chemical energy from sugars and produce by-products such as lactic acid which are removed by the blood. Muscle contractions that last for a long-time reduce blood flow.
This means that the substances produced by the muscles are not removed fast enough and they accumulate in the muscles. The accumulation of these substances irritates muscles and causes pain.
Tendon injury – The tendons consist of numerous bundles of fibers that attach muscles to bones. Tendon disorders related to repetitive or frequent work activities and awkward postures occur in 2 major categories, tendon with sheaths (found mainly in the hand and wrists) and tendon without sheaths (generally found around the shoulder, elbow and forearm).
Nerve injury – Nerves serve the purpose of carrying signals from the brain to control activities of the muscles as well as carrying information about temperature, pain and touch from the body to the brain. With repetitive motions and awkward postures, the tissues surrounding the nerves could become swollen and squeeze or compress nerves.
Symptoms of WMSDs
The most common symptom associated with WMSDs is pain. In some cases, there may be joint stiffness, muscle tightness, redness and swelling of the affected area.
Early stages of WMSDs – Aching and tiredness of the affected limb when working but when not working the pain goes.
Intermediate stage of WMSDs – Aching and tiredness occur early in the work shift and persist at night. Reduced capacity for repetitive work.
Later stage – Aching, fatigue and weakness persist at rest. Inability to sleep and perform light duties.
Symptoms of the most common disorders of the upper body associated with WMSDs
Tendonitis – Pain, weakness, swelling, burning sensation or dull ache over the affected area.
Epicondylitis – Same symptoms as tendonitis.
Carpal tunnel syndrome – Pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensation, wasting of muscle at base of thumb, dry palm.
De Quervain’s disease – Pain at the base of thumb.
Thoracic outlet syndrome – Pain, numbness, swelling of the hands.
Tension neck syndrome – Pain.
How WMSDs are treated
The treatment of WMSDs involves several approaches including the following:
Application of cold or heat – Applying cold or heat may relieve pain and accelerate the repair process. Cold reduces the pain and swelling. Heat is recommended for muscle pain relief as it increases the flow of blood which facilitates the elimination of lactic acid build up.
Exercise – Stretching seems to be beneficial as it promotes circulation and reduces muscle tension. It is said that people suffering from WMSDs should consult a physical therapist before exercising.
Physical activity is considered an effective measure to prevent WMSDs in many studies. It was found that in most body parts (except the knee) pain decreased significantly with an increase In weekly exercise frequency.
Medication – Anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and inflammation.
Restriction of movement – The first approach to treatment of WMSDs is to avoid the activities causing the injuries. This often requires work restrictions.
If you or anyone you know has been suffering from WMSDs and is experiencing the symptoms listed above, then you might be able to claim compensation. We urge you to discuss your complaints and symptoms with a medical professional and subsequently seek legal advice.
If you feel your injuries have been caused as a result of your work and wish to enquire about a potential claim for compensation, please contact us.
Resources:
The prevalence and risk factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders among electronics manufacturing workers: a cross-sectional analytical study in China. – Abstract – Europe PMC
CCOHS: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)
Further reading
Repetitive strain injury – Oakwood Solicitors
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Liam Hill is a Solicitor and Deputy Head of the Industrial Disease Team, having trained and qualified at Oakwood Solicitors. Liam joined us in 2013 after successfully completing the Legal Practice C…
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