JS-16 Causes and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in the work environment

: A meta-analysis and LDA topic modeling of the literatures

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among employees in the work environment have become a significant global concern due to their multifactorial nature. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of prior research on MSDs in the work environment, focusing on identifying causative factors and preventive measures. Through META analysis of existing literature, we examined the likelihood of different causative factors contributing to MSDs and explored preventive recommendations specific to musculoskeletal disorders in the work environment using LDA topic extraction.The findings revealed that repetitive work exhibited the highest likelihood of causing MSDs, followed by factors such as excessive work intensity and incorrect work posture. Conversely, whole-body vibration was associated with the lowest probability of MSDs. The most frequently affected sites were the neck, shoulders, and waist. Importantly, the study identified several effective preventive measures, including appropriate rest periods, adjustment of work intensity, and upgrading of work appliances.