Work-related prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among Greek forest workers

The primary aims of the present study were to (a) identify and describe the prevalence of muscoloskeletal symptoms among forest workers in Greece using the Nordic Standardized questionnaire and (b) to recommend preventive practical actions. Seventy-eight forest workers were interviewed individually. Out of every 10 forest workers, in the last 12 months, eight reported complaints in the lower back area, seven in the hands/wrists, six in the knees, five in the neck, five in the shoulders and three in the elbows, hips/thighs, ankles/feet, and upper back, respectively. At least once in their working lives 17.9% of the subjects were hospitalized because of lower back problems. About 42.3%, 24.3% and 16.6% of the subjects went to a doctor in the last 12 months because of problems in the lower back, neck, and shoulder, respectively. The highest rate for subjects being prevented from doing their normal work was for hand/wrist problems, with 64.1%, following by lower back and neck, each 50%. Preventive measures such as vocational training, new work techniques, and new work organization with job rotation and active rest breaks were recommended. Relevance to industry Forest workers are an important part of the forest-wood industry chain. Forest managers and the forest industry care for the health and work-related complaints of forest workers. This study provides information for the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among forest operators in Greece. The results propose interventions with preventive measures. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.