Authors
Charles LE; Ma CC; Burchfiel CM; Dong RG
Source
Saf Health Work 2018 Jun; 9(2):125-132
Abstract
Background: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) accounted for 32% of all nonfatal injury and illness cases in 2014 among full-time workers. Our objective was to review and summarize the evidence linking occupational exposures to vibration and awkward posture with MSDs of the shoulder and neck. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the terms musculoskeletal disorders, vibration, and awkward posture. All types of observational epidemiologic studies, with the exception of case reports, published during 1998-2015 were included. Databases searched were MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, Ergonomic Abstracts, NIOSHTIC-2, and Health and Safety Science Abstracts. Results: Occupational exposures to whole-body or hand-arm vibration were significantly associated with or resulted in MSDs of the shoulder and neck. Awkward postures while working were also associated with MSDs in these locations. These findings were consistent across study designs, populations, and countries. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to vibration and awkward posture are associated with shoulder and neck MSDs. Longitudinal studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for these associations, and intervention studies are warranted.
Keywords
Musculoskeletal system disorders; MSD; Vibration; Vibration exposure; Ergonomics; Neck injuries; Upper extremities; Injuries; Occupational exposure; Posture; Biomechanics; Information retrieval systems; Systematic reviews; Databases; Whole body vibration; Hand-arm vibration syndrome; HAVS; Musculoskeletal disorders; MSD;
Author Keywords: Awkward posture; Ergonomic exposures; Musculoskeletal disorders; Shoulder pain; Vibration
Contact
Luenda E. Charles, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HELD/BEB, MS L-4050, 1095 Willowdale Rd., Morgantown, WV 26505-2888, USA
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
lcharles@cdc.gov
Source Name
Safety and Health at Work
