Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) constitute a broad and complex occupational health problem in Europe, affecting a considerable portion of the working population in different sectors and occupations every year [1]. MSDs cover a wide range of conditions, from minor complaints and pains to more serious injuries requiring medical treatment and sick leave [2]. In some cases, the chronicity characteristics of MSD may even lead to permanent disabilities that prevent active work. The two main groups of MSDs are back pain/injuries and work-related upper limb disorders (commonly known as ‘repetitive strain injuries’).
Most work-related MSDs develop over time [1].
There is usually no single cause of MSDs; rather, various factors often work in combination, with multiple risk factors contributing to the onset of these conditions. These factors are classified by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) as physical, organisational, psychosocial and individual risk factors [2]. Physical causes and organisational risk factors include handling loads, especially when bending and twisting, repetitive or forceful movements, awkward and static postures, vibrations, poor lighting or cold working environments, fast-paced work and prolonged sitting or standing in the same position.
The latest report issued by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) revealed a growing incidence of MSDs distressing millions of workers and an increasing impact on costs for employers [1]. Data from the European Survey on Working Conditions (ESWC) reveal that the most widely-reported health problems are MSDs in the form of backache (reported by 43%) and muscular pains in the neck or upper limbs (42%) [3]. Reported health problems vary according to occupation. Skilled agricultural workers report the highest incidence of backache (57%) and muscular pains in the arms and legs. Craftspeople and workers in related trades, as well as plant and machine operators and assemblers, also report significant complaints, with more than 40% of workers in these occupations suffering from MSDs.
In Spain, and according to the Health Authorities, MSDs represent over 80% of all occupational diseases [4]. Workers in the manufacturing industry report the highest incidence rate (87.7%). The most frequent occupational diseases are overuse MSDs related to physical risk factors (group II), mainly affecting the shoulder and the elbow [5]. More than 30% of permanent work disabilities in Spain are related to MSDs [6].
To overcome this health challenge, a wide range of legislative measures, policies and global strategies have been developed by international and national institutions. In addition to improving workers’ quality of life, the fight against MSDs also has economic benefits. To tackle MSDs, employers must combine a serious risk analysis which assesses the full range of possible causes of injury, with the involvement of workers’ representatives in finding solutions to minimise said risks.
Over recent decades, the implementation of injury prevention policies has become obligatory for companies. Solutions are sometimes complex, requiring expert advice, but in many cases they are simple and inexpensive, such as, for example, using a trolley to help workers handle goods. Preventive actions may involve changes at different levels, including workplace layout (adopting an ergonomic perspective in relation to equipment or tasks) and job organisation (rest breaks, job rotation or reallocation of work), while other solutions may involve the workers themselves (improving risk awareness, providing training on good work methods, etc.). Health monitoring, health promotion and the rehabilitation and reintegration of workers already suffering from MSDs also need to be considered in the management approach to MSDs. However, despite all the preventive efforts made by institutions, companies and different stakeholders working in the occupational healthcare field, the incidence of occupational diseases remains almost unchanged [3].
In the present study, different individual risk factors for MSDs affecting the upper extremities were analysed in a sample of workers employed in the same area of activity. The study focuses particularly on shoulder injuries, which are the most common among workers in Group 8 of the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO). We hypothesise that age and exposure to the risk factors described will increase the risk of injuries, along with time employed at one’s current company. Knowledge of these risk factors and how they interact in the onset of the resulting pathologies may help develop better preventive strategies.