Workers who are highly exposed to physical and psycho-social workplace risk
factors are more likely to report symptoms ofmusculoskeletal disorders than
workers who are simply exposed to one or the other, scientists have found.
The study in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine
(59:269-277) said this suggested there was an interaction between physical and
psychosocial risk factors in the workplace that increased the risk of reporting
symptoms.
The study, led by Dr Jason Devereux of the University of Surrey’s Robens
Centre for Health Ergonomics, looked at 869 manual handlers, delivery drivers,
technicians, computer operators, and general office staff.