Factors at work and musculoskeletal symptoms among postal workers

Six hundred fifty-five postal workers were compared according to their psychosocial work situation and the 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. The data were gathered by questionnaires. The association between psychosocial work situation and complaints was tested with forward stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis. Adjusted for physical load, high psychological work demands and low skill discretion were significantly associated with symptoms from the lower back, and bad contact with superiors was significantly associated with symptoms from the neck. Low social support at work was significantly associated with complaints from the neck, shoulders, and upper back. There were substantial differences regarding the associations between psychosocial work factors and musculoskeletal complaints between men and women. The findings of this study indicate that increasing the possibilities for workers to control their own work situation might benefit workers' health. Social support from superiors and coworkers could be a crucial factor.