勞工工作環境與自覺肌肉骨骼不適之相關研究

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between perceived musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work environment, and also the relationship between nine discomfort body parts and the MSDs ergonomic checklist. Methods: The workers from six companies filled out the survey questionnaire including Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, questions of work environment, and the MSDs ergonomic checklist. Results: Three hundred eighty-six workers (208 women and 178 men) participated in this study. The average age was 34.53±7.53 years old. For the work demands, most subjects reported that prolonged use of computer (92%), wrist/hand repetitive movement (84.2%) and prolonged sitting (87%) were required. Results also showed that the most common three areas of workers' perceived discomforts were shoulder (78.9%), neck (70%) and low back (62.7%). For the work environment risk factors, the ”unsuitable height of desk and chair in the workplace” is an important significant factor contributing to MSDs in several body areas. Other factors including wrist /hand repetitive movement, lifting heavy things and awkward posture were also found to be significantly related to MSDs of neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back, wrist/hand, hip/thigh and foot/ankle. Higher score (≧5) obtained from the MSDs ergonomic upper extremity checklist was significantly related to the musculoskeletal disorders in the upper back area. Conclusion: MSDs are correlated with work environment and ergonomic factors. Identification of the key ergonomic risk factors is important in prevention of work-related MSDs.