Baggage handler seniority and musculoskeletal symptoms: is heavy lifting in awkward positions associated with the risk of pain?

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Heavy lifting is associated with musculoskeletal disorders but it is unclear whether it is related to acute reversible effects or to chronic effects from cumulated exposure. The aim of this study was to examine whether musculoskeletal symptoms in Danish airport baggage handlers were associated with their seniority as baggage handler, indicating chronic effects from cumulated workload.

Methods

We established a group of baggage handlers employed at Copenhagen Airport during the period 1983-2012 (n=3092) and a reference group of men in other unskilled occupations with less heavy work (n=2478). Data regarding work history, lifestyle and musculoskeletal symptoms were collected using a self-administered questionnaire (response rate 70.1% among baggage handlers and 68.8%

SUBMITTER: Bern SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3845067 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature