Musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk exposure assessment in manual material handlers in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Assessment of the level of exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) constitutes appropriate basis for  planning and implementing interventional ergonomics programs in the workplace. Hence, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among manual material handlers in selected markets in Lagos state, Nigeria and to assess their level of exposure to work-related musculoskeletal risk factors.

Materials and Methods: One hundred manual material handlers, all males, whose age range ranged between 17 and 54years,purposively selected from four major markets in Lagos, Nigeria, completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) form for investigating musculoskeletal complaints and assessing physical exposure to risks respectively. Descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages summarized the data.

Results: Majority (94%) of the respondents suffered one form of musculoskeletal disorder symptoms or another in the last 12 months with highest  prevalence reported in the low back (70%) and the shoulder (53%), whereas 100% risk of exposure to workrelated musculoskeletal disorders was established in all of the workers. Awkward working postures, poor manual material handling, and long hours of standing were the major ergonomic risk factors reported among the respondents.

Conclusions: This study established a high prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among manual material handlers in Lagos,  Nigeria. The level of exposure to the risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was very high, thereby requiring urgent and pertinent ergonomic solutions.

Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomic risk exposure, manual material handlers.