Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Discomfort Among Workers in a Medical Manufacturing Facility

Abstract

Medical manufacturing has shown great growth potential in Malaysia, and this sector has created numerous jobs for both local and foreign workers. The workers involved in this industry are exposed to ergonomic risk factors, which lead to discomfort in different body parts. Despite the numerous studies on occupational hazards and the prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), little is known about the prevalence of WMSDs for workers working in the medical manufacturing facility, especially in Malaysia. Thus, the main objective of this study is to identify the prevalence of WMSDs among workers in the selected medical manufacturing industry in Malaysia. Structured interviews using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) were conducted among 10 male workers (mean age of 44 ± 10.83 years, age range of 24–55 years, and working experience range of <1–27 years). The results indicate that the workers experienced the highest discomfort in three body parts; (1) lower back, (2) shoulders, and (3) upper back. The discomfort felt by the workers was 74.36%, 8.96% and 5.52% in the lower back, shoulders, and upper back, respectively. The findings of this study will provide an insight that could be useful for managers and occupational safety, and health officers in the medical manufacturing industry to prevent WMSDs.