Abstract:

Objective To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in the metal manufacturing enterprises in Yangpu District, Shanghai, and to analyze associated risk factors.

Methods A crosssectional study was conducted. The data was collected using the standardized Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire developed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention to survey WMSDs occurring among metal manufacturing employees in 2024. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to analyze multiple factors associated with WMSDs.

Results A total of 966 questionnaires were collected, of which 843 were valid, with a valid response rate of 87.27%. The prevalence of WMSDs among participants was 53.02% (447/843). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with workers aged 20 to 29 years, those aged 40 to 49 years (OR = 1.702, 95%CI: 1.080 to 2.683) and ≥ 50 years (OR = 2.404, 95%CI: 1.435 to 4.027) had significantly higher risks of WMSDs. The daily working time > 8 hours increased the risk 3.215-fold compared with daily working time < 8 hours (95%CI: 1.486 to 6.955). Other factors that increased WMSD risk included exposure to cold drafts or temperature fluctuations in the work environment (OR = 1.935, 95%CI: 1.376 to 2.721), resuming work immediately after breaks (OR = 2.772, 95%CI: 1.647 to 4.666), and staff shortages (OR = 1.871, 95%CI: 1.354 to 2.587) (all P<0.05). Conversely, workers with a height of 170 to 180 cm (OR = 0.554, 95%CI: 0.386 to 0.796) and ≥ 180 cm (OR = 0.416, 95%CI: 0.244 to 0.712) had lower risks than those < 170 cm. Additionally, the factors included alternating tasks with colleagues (OR = 0.490, 95%CI: 0.359 to 0.668), taking more than 2 breaks per shift (OR = 0.634, 95%CI: 0.449 to 0.895), and having sufficient rest time (OR = 0.566, 95%CI: 0.413 to 0.774) were associated with reduced risk (all P<0.05).

Conclusions The prevalence of WMSDs among workers in the metal manufacturing industry in Yangpu District, Shanghai, was relatively high, which was associated with multiple factors, including individual characteristics and work-related factors. Recommendations for enterprises included optimizing and improving the work environment, refining shift scheduling systems, strengthening occupational health education, and fulfilling the duty to inform workers about occupational hazard factors. Workers should enhance their health awareness to reduce the risk of developing WMSDs.