Comparative survey of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) prevalence and related factors in Iranian welders

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for work related musculoskeletal disorders among welders.
Methodology: All 160 welders who work at a petrochemical complex in south of Iran were included in this study. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to study prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
Results: Most welders (88.3%) suffered from some kind of MSDs symptoms. Arc welders had significantly more musculoskeletal problems in the neck and wrists/hands regions than gas welders. Analysis showed that duration of employment as a welder was significantly associated with a work related musculoskeletal disorder of the shoulder (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 8.9), lower back, neck (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1 to 8.4), and knee (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 9.2).
Conclusion: WMSDs had occurred with a high rate among Iranian welders. This study supports the need for vigilant ergonomic intervention at welding.