THE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MSDs AMONG CONSTRUCTION WORKERS.

Evidence regarding possible risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can guide the selection of possible intervention measures and the work towards developing appropriate ergonomic and safety measures. The intention of the study was to explore the factors associated with developing MSDs among construction workers. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to measure the severity, duration, frequency and prevalence of symptoms of MSDs in nine anatomical body regions. Physical fitness was assessed based on the workers' answers regarding the perception of their own physical fitness. Psychosocial work demands were measured in terms of job control, psychological demands, social support and job dissatisfaction. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the factors related to upper back, neck and upper limb MSDs. Results from multiple logistic regression showed that distal upper limb MSDs were related to manual handling, work repetitiveness, psychosocial demands, job dissatisfaction and gender. Neck, shoulder or upper back MSDs were related to manual handling, work repetitiveness, psychosocial demands, job dissatisfaction and physical unfitness. The findings suggest that reducing neck, shoulder upper back and distal upper limb MSDs in the workplace requires appropriate measures aimed at making the physical environment more suitable with regard to equipment, machinery, tools and furniture, in order to reduce repetitiveness, the use of force and manual handling.