Work-related musculoskeletal injuries in prosthetists and orthotists in Australia. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anderson, Sarah; Stuckey, Rwth; Oakman, Jodi
• Is Part Of: International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics. Volume 27:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 708
• Page End: 713
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: word -- work-related musculoskeletal disorder -- work injury -- musculoskeletal injury -- prosthetist -- orthotist; Human engineering -- Periodicals; Industrial safety -- Periodicals; Human Engineering -- Periodicals; Occupational Health -- Periodicals; Ergonomie -- Périodiques; Sécurité du travail -- Périodiques; Human engineering; Industrial safety; Periodicals; 620.8
• DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2018.1485335
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1080-3548

Abstract

Abstract : Objective . This study aims to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in prosthetists/orthotists working in Australia. Secondary to this, the relationship between work-related hazards and work-related musculoskeletal disorders will be examined. Methods . In 2012, a self-report survey was conducted with the prosthetist/orthotist workforce in Australia ( N = 139, 56% response rate). Data on workplace physical and psychosocial hazards, job satisfaction, work–life balance and musculoskeletal discomfort were collected. Predictors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results . Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was 80%. Gender ( β = 1.31, p = 0.030), total weekly hours ( β = 0.9, p < 0.010) and physical ( β = 1.91, p < 0.010) and psychosocial ( β = 1.28, p < 0.010) hazards were all associated with reporting of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Females reported higher levels of work-related musculoskeletal disorder discomfort than males in all body areas. Conclusions . Work-related musculoskeletal disorders prevalence is high in prosthetists/orthotists. This suggests that focus on workplace injury prevention is required. Targeted prevention requires systematic identification and then control of all relevant workplace hazards.