title: Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and related occupational causative factors among electricity linemen: A narrative review.
abstract: Occupational tasks of linemen are highly associated with the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). Although linemen are prone to develop WRMDs, there is paucity of information on the prevalence of WRMDs and related occupational causative factors. Therefore, the present review was conducted to report on the prevalence of WRMDs and to outline causative risk factors within occupational tasks in the lineman profession. Literature search was conducted in various databases such as Scopus, PubMed and ScienceDirect for articles published between 1996-2013. The articles were analyzed, selected and retrieved based on predetermined objectives, inclusion criteria and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). In the review process only articles published in English were considered. The review identified moderate to high prevalence of WRMDs among the linemen population. Back and shoulder regions were highly affected compared to the other body regions. The review also reported occupational tasks such as bar installation, insulator fixation and manual handling of tools as high risk tasks that lead to the development of WRMDs. In addition, occupational tools such as ladders, manual cutters and manual presses were also identified as a potential ergonomic hazard. In conclusion, the current review identified that WRMDs are common in the back and shoulder regions among linemen. Also, a number of occupational risk factors were identified to be associated with WRMDs among the linemen. Hence, future research on prevention and intervention studies concerning lineman profession population in order to develop a good job practice are recommended. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(5):725-734.
authors: National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Physiotherapy Program). vinothini.padmanathan@gmail.com.
authors: Vinothini
authors: V
authors: Padmanathan
authors: National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Physiotherapy Program). leonardjoseph85@gmail.com.
authors: Leonard
authors: L
authors: Joseph
authors: National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences).
authors: Baharudin
authors: B
authors: Omar
authors: National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Physiotherapy Program).
authors: Roslizawati
authors: R
authors: Nawawi
mesh_terms: D001415:Back; D004560:Electricity; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012782:Shoulder
keywords: WRMDs; ergonomics; job risk factors; linemen; occupational health; work related musculoskeletal disorders