Musculoskeletal disorders caused by physical overload: the situation in Latvia

For Latvian society musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are becoming an urgent problem like in the majority of European countries. Physical overload is one of the most important aetiological factors for development of work-related MSDs. The aim of the study was analysis of occupational MSDs’ incidence tendencies in Latvia during the time period from 1996 till 2011. Data of Latvian State Register of Occupational Diseases about incidence of occupational MSDs according to Latvian official list of occupational disorders were used. The time period between 1996 and 2011 was analysed in detail. This current paper reports a rapid increase in number of occupational MSDs revealed for the first time every year in Latvia. At the same time, a gradual decrease of “classical” occupational diseases, such as respiratory disorders caused by dust and chemical substances was observed during the period of analysis. In most cases, more than one MSD was diagnosed for one patient. The largest part of these MSDs was chronic, disabling and had been acquired for a long time before being revealed. In 94.8% of all patients with firstly revealed occupational diseases in 2011 factor physical overload (i.e. heavy lifting, repetitive or highly differentiated movements or awkward working posture, manual handling) were mentioned as harmful working risk factors. During the last ten years MSDs have taken first place in the occupational morbidity structure of Latvia. Considering the present situation in Latvia, special attention of OH&S specialists should be paid to the early prevention of MSDs and fight against physical overload at work places.