Musculoskeletal Pain Among Migrant Workers in the Malaysian Manufacturing Industry: The Impact of the Physical Environment, Workload and Work Patterns

Although migrant workers represent a substantial proportion of Malaysia's workforce and are acknowledged as a major contributor to Malaysia's rapid economic growth strategy, the risk of increasing musculoskeletal disorders among migrant workers in Malaysia has been largely ignored. The present study reports findings from a study of 317 migrant workers from the manufacturing industry. The aims of the study were to: a) assess overall levels of musculoskeletal pain, b) examine whether physical environment conditions were associated with musculoskeletal pain, and c) identify whether workload and particular work patterns were associated with the reporting of musculoskeletal pain. Data were obtained through self-report questionnaires administered by means of a series of structured interviews and analysed using logistic regression and odds ratios. Results suggest that the overall levels of musculoskeletal pain were high, with over two thirds of the respondents reporting symptoms of musculoskeletal pain. In terms of physical environment conditions, the lack of reliability of machinery/equipment and exposure to dust posed an increased risk for musculoskeletal pain. Workload and various work patterns such as working long hours, night shift working and pressure to meet quotas all contributed to an increased risk of musculoskeletal pain. Prevention efforts should include a transition to more healthful and reasonable working hours, scheduling practices as well as general improvement in the physical environment of factory premises.