Self-reported physical exposure and musculoskeletal symptoms of the forearm-hand among automobile assembly-line workers.
The aim was to study the prevalence of physical exposures and symptoms of the forearm-hand in a population with highly repetitive jobs. Automobile assembly-line workers (ALWs) (n = 521) and a control group (CG) from the general population answered a questionnaire. Consistent differences were found between the groups. ALWs reported more symptoms from the forearm-hand and higher exposure to repetitive movements, precision movements, and manual handling (< or = 15 kg) than the CG. Female ALWs reported more symptoms and higher exposure to known risk factors for work-related forearm-hand disorders than their male colleagues. In conclusion, automobile assembly-line workers appear to be a high-risk group for work-related symptoms from the forearm-hand. Also, exposure to physical load should be conscientiously analyzed, since women may perform different tasks than men.
Swedish Institute of Occupational Health, Division of Applied Work Physiology, Solna, Sweden.
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Fransson-Hall
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Byström
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Kilbom
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001336:Automobiles; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013548:Sweden