Investigating musculoskeletal health in the workplace, among employees who are exposed to heavy lifting: A descriptive and correlational study

Abstract

Background: Protecting and promoting health in the workplace is imperative, both for individual employee health and workplace productivity. High rates of workplace injuries, particularly in environments where high levels of physical activity are required, point to the need for effective occupational interventions, minimization of workplace inhibitors that increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and occupational management checks to reduce the onset of MSDs in the workplace. However, for these measures to be successful, it would be important to identify individual and workplace-related factors associated with the development and duration of MSDs. Aim: To determine potential risk and protective factors associated with MSDs among employees in a workplace where heavy lifting is a key job function.