Occupational and demographics predictors of musculoskeletal disorders and pain disabilities in construction workers

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common diseases that cause absenteeism and disability. Exposure to ergonomic risk factors in construction workers increases the risk of discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders in this group. The present study investigates occupational and individual factors predicting musculoskeletal disorders and pain disabilities in construction workers.

The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 346 construction project workers in Tehran. To study the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort, job stress, and pain disabilities, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, Job Content, and Pain Disability questionnaires were used. 

The results of the present study showed that the highest rates of musculoskeletal discomfort were in the neck (68%), left knee (64%), right knee (86%), and back (61%), respectively. The mean score of pain disability was 35.43 ± 20.18, and 16% of people were in severe disability. The results showed that with increasing work experience, working hours per day and body mass index of pain disability increases, and age, work experience, body mass index, and the component of physical needs of the job are the contributing factors of the musculoskeletal discomforts.

Musculoskeletal disorders and pain disability were high in the studied construction workers. Based on the results, age, work experience, body mass index, and job stress contributed to musculoskeletal disorders and pain disabilities. Therefore, this study's results can help to understand better the risk factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders and pain disabilities in construction workers.