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