Why are manual workers at high risk of upper limb disorders? The role of physical work factors in a random sample of workers in France (the Pays de la Loire study)

Abstract

In working men and women, upper limb musculoskeletal disorders are frequent. Physical work exposures, such as repetitive and forceful movements, are an important source of risk and in particular account for a large proportion of excess morbidity among manual workers.

Work strain in midlife and 28-year work ability trajectories

“…Physical and psychological job demands influence our health, wellbeing, and longevity in many ways (1,2). Physical job demands, such as repetitive movements, awkward posture, and pace have been associated with morbidity (3)(4)(5), disability retirement (6), and even mortality (7,8). According to recent Finnish research, a fourth of employees rate their work as physically demanding (9).…”

Socioeconomic position and low-back pain – the role of biomechanical strains and psychosocial work factors in the GAZEL cohort

“…A few studies have indicated that occupational factors contribute to socioeconomic disparities in musculoskeletal disorders in general (8,(17)(18)(19). Physical and psychosocial work characteristics accounted for a substantial part of the relation between socioeconomic status and musculoskeletal complaints in men who graduated from high school in Wisconsin (8).…”

Association of Physical Job Demands, Smoking and Alcohol Abuse with Subsequent Premature Mortality: A 9‐year Follow‐up Population‐based Study

“…fatigue, stress, substance use, occupational injuries, disabilities 2,3,5,9,10,12,18,19) , and death 20) . The role of physical job demands is little documented.…”