Body Areas Affected by MSDS

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 57 views

Determinant of the Risk of Skeletal Muscle Disorders/Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDS) in Lab Employees: A Study at Pramita Clinic Medan 2016

Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) are a significant health concern for individuals working in laboratory settings. The Pramita Clinic Medan laboratory employees are no exception, as they face a high risk of developing skeletal muscle disorders due to the repetitive and static nature of their work. This study aims to investigate the influence of individual employee characteristics and work posture on the risk of MSDS among laboratory employees at Pramita Clinic Medan.

Background

MSDS is a broad term that encompasses a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. These conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor work posture, repetitive movements, and inadequate ergonomics. Laboratory employees are particularly at risk of developing MSDS due to the physical demands of their job, which often involve long periods of standing, bending, and lifting.

Methodology

This study employed a cross-sectional design, with a sample of 30 laboratory employees from Pramita Clinic Medan. The data collection period was from February to June 2016. The study used the Chi-Square test to examine the relationship between sex and work posture with the risk of MSDS. Additionally, multiple logistic regression tests were conducted to determine the most dominant factors influencing the risk of MSDS.

Results

The results of the study revealed a significant relationship between sex and work posture with the risk of MSDS. The probability value (p-value) for sex was 0.026, indicating a significant relationship between sex and the risk of MSDS. Similarly, the p-value for work posture was 0.005, indicating a significant relationship between work posture and the risk of MSDS.

The multiple logistic regression tests revealed that work posture was the most influential factor on the risk of MSDS, with a p-value of 0.011 and an odds ratio of 25,389. This means that employees who work with non-ergonomic postures have a 25 times greater possibility of experiencing skeletal muscle disorders compared to those who apply good posture.

Body Areas Affected by MSDS

The study found that the most common body areas affected by MSDS among laboratory employees include:

Waist (83.3%)
Back and nape (76.7%)
Right shoulder (73.3%)
Upper neck (70%)
Betis (66.7%)
Buttocks (63.3%)
Hips and arms (50%)
Right wrists (46.7%)

Conclusion

The study concludes that good work posture is essential to reduce the risk of MSDS among laboratory employees. Efforts are needed to increase the ergonomics of the workplace, including the improvement of existing facilities to support employees in carrying out their duties better. With these steps, it is expected that the number of skeletal muscle disorders among laboratory employees can be minimized, which in turn will increase employee productivity and welfare.

Recommendations

Based on the study's findings, the following recommendations are made:

Laboratory management should prioritize the improvement of ergonomics in the workplace, including the provision of ergonomic furniture and equipment.
Employees should be educated on the importance of good work posture and the risks associated with poor posture.
Regular awareness and education programs should be conducted to promote good work posture and prevent MSDS.
Employees should be encouraged to report any musculoskeletal discomfort or pain to their supervisors or human resources department.

Implications

The study's findings have significant implications for laboratory employees, management, and policymakers. By prioritizing good work posture and ergonomics, laboratory employees can reduce their risk of developing MSDS, which can lead to improved productivity, welfare, and overall well-being. Additionally, the study's findings highlight the need for regular awareness and education programs to promote good work posture and prevent MSDS.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the cross-sectional design. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and employ a longitudinal design to examine the relationship between work posture and MSDS over time.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between work posture and MSDS in other laboratory settings. Additionally, studies should examine the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting good work posture and preventing MSDS. By conducting further research, we can better understand the determinants of MSDS and develop effective strategies to prevent and manage this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Determinant of the Risk of Skeletal Muscle Disorders/Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDS) in Lab Employees

Q: What is the main cause of skeletal muscle disorders (MSDS) in lab employees?

A: The main cause of MSDS in lab employees is poor work posture and repetitive movements, which can lead to musculoskeletal strain and discomfort.

Q: What are the common body areas affected by MSDS in lab employees?

A: The common body areas affected by MSDS in lab employees include the waist, back and nape, right shoulder, upper neck, betis, buttocks, hips and arms, and right wrists.

Q: What is the significance of good work posture in preventing MSDS?

A: Good work posture is essential in preventing MSDS as it reduces the risk of musculoskeletal strain and discomfort. Employees who maintain good work posture are less likely to experience MSDS.

Q: What are some strategies to promote good work posture in lab employees?

A: Some strategies to promote good work posture in lab employees include:

Providing ergonomic furniture and equipment
Conducting regular awareness and education programs
Encouraging employees to report any musculoskeletal discomfort or pain
Implementing regular breaks and stretching exercises
Encouraging employees to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly

Q: What are the consequences of not addressing MSDS in lab employees?

A: The consequences of not addressing MSDS in lab employees include:

Increased risk of musculoskeletal strain and discomfort
Decreased productivity and efficiency
Increased absenteeism and presenteeism
Decreased employee morale and job satisfaction
Increased healthcare costs and workers' compensation claims

Q: What are some best practices for lab managers to prevent MSDS in employees?

A: Some best practices for lab managers to prevent MSDS in employees include:

Conducting regular risk assessments and implementing control measures
Providing ergonomic training and education to employees
Encouraging employees to report any musculoskeletal discomfort or pain
Implementing regular breaks and stretching exercises
Encouraging employees to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly

Q: What are some resources available to lab employees to learn more about MSDS and good work posture?

A: Some resources available to lab employees to learn more about MSDS and good work posture include:

Online training programs and webinars
Ergonomic guides and manuals
Health and wellness programs
Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
Occupational health and safety (OHS) resources and guidelines

Q: How can lab employees report MSDS or musculoskeletal discomfort or pain?

A: Lab employees can report MSDS or musculoskeletal discomfort or pain to their supervisor, human resources department, or occupational health and safety (OHS) representative. Employees should also report any musculoskeletal discomfort or pain to their healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Q: What are some ways to prevent MSDS in lab employees during the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: Some ways to prevent MSDS in lab employees during the COVID-19 pandemic include:

Implementing social distancing measures and reducing density in the workplace
Encouraging employees to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintain good hygiene practices
Providing ergonomic furniture and equipment to reduce musculoskeletal strain and discomfort
Encouraging employees to take regular breaks and engage in physical activity
Providing mental health and wellness resources and support to employees.