Work ability assessment and its relationship with severity of musculoskeletal disorders among workers in a cement plant

Employee productivity depends on the individuals’ ability to work. As musculoskeletal disorders are considered one of the main causes of reduced work ability and disability, the present study was conducted to assess work ability among workers of Shomal Cement Co. and to determine the relationship between the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the severity of musculoskeletal disorders. The present analytical, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 175 workers of Shomal Cement Co. occupied in different job categories. The work ability of the employees was assessed using the WAI and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among them was then assessed using the Nordic questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed in SPSS-16 using statistical tests including the Pearson Correlation Coefficient and the Analysis of Variance. The mean value and standard deviation of the WAI in the employees of Shomal Cement Co. was calculated as 38.37±5.80. The Pearson correlation coefficient obtained showed no significant correlations between the WAI and the variables of age and work experience (P-value=0.355 and 0.096). The ANOVA revealed a significant correlation between the WAI and the severity of musculoskeletal disorders (P-value<0.001). The study showed that the majority of participants had a good work ability and that musculoskeletal disorders are significantly related to work ability the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders can thus be reduced through reducing or eliminating the risk factors causing the condition.