Iran Occupational Health

Background and aims: Musculoskeletal disorders are the most prevalent occupational injuries and disability in the world. One of the most important risk factors of these disorders is awkward posture. Previous studies reported high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in medical laboratory personnel. This study was carried out to determine Prevalence and postural risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders among medical laboratory personnel in Kashan in 2012. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried on 168 clinical laboratories staff in Kashan. Standard Cornell questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and quick exposure check (QEC) method was used for analyzing posture. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and logistic regression analysis.

Results: 155 of these personnel (92.3 percent) suffer from pain and have disorder at least 1-2 times per week. The incidence of neck disorders is more than other limbs. There is no significant deference between musculoskeletal disorders with age and sex. Only 47 percent of the participants in the overall level of risk have acceptable posture. There is significant relationship between prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and awkward posture.

Conclusion: Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in clinical laboratories staff is high. Awkward posture is one of the main causes of the disorders and ergonomics interventions for improvement of work station in medical laboratory is essential.