Work Organization, Job Stress, and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Recent studies indicate potential links among work organization, job stress, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). In this paper we propose several pathways for a theoretical relationship between job stress and WRMDs. These pathways highlight the physiological, psychological, and behavioral reactions to stress that can affect WRMDs directly and indirectly. One model stipulates that psychosocial work factors (e.g., work pressure, lack of control), which can cause stress, might also influence or be related to ergonomic factors such as force, repetition, and posture that have been identified as risk factors for WRMDs. In order to fully understand the etiology of WRMDs, it is important to examine both physical ergonomic and psychosocial work factors simultaneously. Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) have proposed a model of the work system for stress management that provides a useful framework for conceptualizing the work-related factors that contribute to WRMDs. Practical applications of this research include practitioners taking into account psychosocial work factors and job stress in their efforts to reduce and control WRMDs.

Riscos psicossociais no trabalho que podem levar ao estresse: uma análise da literatura

“…Algumas pessoas têm experimentado o estresse ocupacional quando há um desequilíbrio entre as exigências do trabalho e os recursos ambientais e pessoais para lidar com elas (5) . Estressores ocupacionais estão freqüentemente ligados à organização do trabalho, como carga de trabalho excessiva, condições insalubres de trabalho, falta de treinamento e orientação, relação abusiva entre supervisores e subordinados, falta de controle sobre a tarefa e ciclos trabalho-descanso incoerentes com os limites biológicos (6) . Dessa forma, os riscos ocupacionais decorrem da ruptura na relação entre o trabalhador e os processos de trabalho e produção (7) .…”

Risk factors for generally reduced productivity—a prospective cohort study of young adults with neck or upper-extremity musculoskeletal symptoms

“…In a work-system model (1) a balance between work elements (tasks, technique, organization, environment) and individual and leisure-time conditions is desirable to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (2) and work disability (3). This study focused on the importance of task-related elements in combination with individual and leisure-time conditions for generally reduced productivity.…”

As Fontes de Stress no Trabalho

“…Tanto fatores externos (condições de trabalho) quanto exigências físicas e mentais da atividade (organização do trabalho) podem estar entre os estressores responsáveis pelo stress decorrente do trabalho (Carayon, Smith & Haims, 1999;Dejours, Dessors & Desriaux, 1993;Schabracq, Winnubst & Cooper, 1996;Seligmann-Silva, 1994). Estas circunstâncias impõem ao trabalhador uma alta demanda a ser enfrentada.…”