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Since temporary work (TW) has increased in recent years, the aim in this study was to compare the prevalence of non-specific musculoskeletal symptoms of the upper extremities (UEMSDs) and their main risk factors in blue collar workers employed through temporary agency (TW) and in those in permanent employment (PE).
Methods
UEMSDs occurring during the preceding 12 months or the preceding 7 days were assessed using the ‘Nordic’ questionnaire in 1,493 blue collar workers included in a surveillance program for MSDs (171 in TW and 1,322 in PE). Personal factors and work-related risk factors for UEMSDs were assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Exposure to work constraints of blue collar workers in TW and in PE was compared using logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender.
Results
The prevalence rates of UEMSDs during the preceding 12 months or preceding 7 days did not significantly differ between workers in TW and PE, except for a higher prevalence in the hand-wrist region during the preceding 7 days after adjustment for age and gender (19.9% [95% CI 13.9-25.9] vs. 14.9% [13.0-16.9], P < 0.05). TW was characterized by higher exposure to paced work (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.1 [95% CI 1.4-3.0]) and time constraints dependent on an automatic rate, permanent control or colleagues’ work, and to repetitive movements (OR=2.3 [1.6-3.3]), awkward postures of the wrist (OR=1.6 [1.2-2.4]) and intensive use of vibrating handtools (OR=1.6 [1.1-2.3]). Workers in TW suffered more from a lack of autonomy (OR=2.4 [1.7-3.5]) and skill discretion at work (OR=2.0 [1.3-3.1]), but there was no difference regarding psychological demand of the task or social support.
Discussion
Workers employed through temporary work agencies appeared to be overexposed to time constraints and biomechanical constraints of the hand-wrist region in this large working population. TW could represent a subpopulation at particularly high risk of UEMSDs.