Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Railway Employees: A Survey Study

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) related with repetitive and demanding working conditions continue to represent one of the biggest problems in industrialized countries. The railway employees have high possibility of showing musculoskeletal pain due to repetitive motions, lifting heavy loads, awkward posture which leads to bending and twisting injuries and static posture for long duration during. Aim and Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in railway employees. Methodology: The study was conducted among 100 railway employees. The data was collected using self-administered Questionnaire, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale. Both male and female employees having at least 1 year of experience were includes. Result and Conclusion: the 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among railway employees was 79%. Low back pain (26.6%) was found to be most prevalent followed by neck pain (22.8%) and knee pain (20.3%). The Gangmans/trackmans and Sahayaks were identified to have maximum impact which led to WMSDs. The occurrence of MSD was associated with factors such as age, nature of work, working hours, lifting, and lowering heavy loads, working at pace set by machine and prolonged standing. Thus, education about ergonomics and body posture awareness would be instrumented in prevention of MSDs, thus are recommended. Keywords: Prevalence, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Risk Factors, Railway Employees.