[Repetitive movement of the upper limbs: results of exposure evaluation and clinical investigation during jar packaging of preserved vegetables]

Med Lav. 1996 Nov-Dec;87(6):640-5.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

In order to assess the prevalence of work-related musculo-skeletal disorders of the upper limbs, a total population of 29 female workers in an industrial vegetable preserving plant were examined. The average age of the workers was 41.3 years (SD = 9.2), and their average length of service was 16.7 years (SD = 7.2). Only 20% of the workers were anamnestically negative, whilst 80% had one or more disorders attributable to repetitive trauma of the upper limbs. The disorders showed no prevalence for the right side, a finding in line with the risk analysis which indicated that both limbs were equally used. The results of the risk analysis and clinical assessment confirm that high-frequency actions, combined with improper posture and a shortage of suitable recovery times, play a causal role in determining the onset of the disorders studied.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arm*
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Food Packaging*
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Assessment
  • Vegetables*