A survey of musculoskeletal pain / discomfort and organisational factors in South Australian workplaces

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represent the largest injury cost burden in workplaces. A baseline survey in South Australian workplaces was conducted as the first element of a randomised controlled trial of MSD preventative interventions based on stage of change (SOC). The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort and its association with worker and organisational characteristics. METHOD: Twenty three companies and 406 workers in a wide range of industries were surveyed. Data on worker characteristics, pain / discomfort in the last 7 days, SOC, job satisfaction, and safety climate were collected using previously published questionnaire survey instruments. Workload and vibration were classified by an experienced ergonomist. RESULTS: In this sample (mean age 39 years, 49% male), 40% reported musculoskeletal pain/discomfort (MSPD) and 15% reported severe pain (rating of 5 or more out of 7). In bivariate analyses, age, length of employment, safety climate (supportive environment), and job satisfaction were significantly associated with categories of pain (MSPD and severe pain).In a logistic regression model, job satisfaction (odds ratio 2.72), length of employment (1.78), safety climate (supportive environment; 2.22) and SOC (2.14) were significantly associated with pain/discomfort. With respect to severe pain, only, age (2.18) and safety climate (management commitment; 2.40 and supportive environment; 1.89) were significant. CONCLUSION: This baseline study found musculoskeletal pain to be common, with safety climate being an important correlate.