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BACKGROUND: There is an on-going need for hazard surveillance methods of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The development and testing of hazard surveillance methods for WMSDs that can be used by workplaces to assess and address WMSD risk factors would be a valuable asset for WMSD surveillance. Over the past several years, Washington State has experienced a decrease in WMSD workers’ compensation (WC) compensable claims across all industrial sectors. However, WMSDs continue to be the most prevalent workplace injuries. From 2008-2012, the WC compensable claims rate for WMSDs across all industries in Washington state was 71.0 claims/10,000 FTEs. For the same period, the rate for struck-by injuries was 22.4 claims/10,000 FTEs. However, within an industry sector, the WMSD claims rate can vary greatly.
METHODS: During a 5-year NIOSH funded study, the SHARP Program sought to determine if the differing WMSD claims rates within an industry sector can be attributed to differences in physical exposure and work organizational factors. A surveillance system using the Washington State’s WC claims system was developed to characterize the magnitude and distribution of WSMDs of the hand/wrist, back, shoulder and knee. Using this system, companies with high WMSD rates of each body part were paired with companies with low rates, matched by NAICs code and size (n=48 pairs). Several assessment methods were used to identify differences in physical and work organizational factors that may be linked to WC claims rate. These assessment methods included the Washington State Caution and Hazard zone checklists, Quick Exposure Checklist, Strain Index (hand forces, repetitive motion, and postures), ACGIH Lifting TLV and ACGIH Hand Activity Level, and Liberty Mutual Manual Material Handling guidelines. The Revised Organizational Culture Profile (OCP) by Sarros et al (2005) was used to characterize companies’ competitiveness, social responsibility, supportiveness, innovation, emphasis on rewards, performance orientation and stability. Safety climate was assessed using a scale developed by Hahn and Murphy (2008). Comparisons of the job risk levels of each assessment method were made between the paired companies (high vs. low WC claims rate).
RESULTS: Industry-specific hazard surveillance tools were constructed from those assessment methods that detected differences in exposures between pairs of companies and were correlated to the claims rate.
CONCLUSIONS: These industry-specific hazard surveillance tools are intended for use in WMSD prevention efforts by a broad spectrum of users, from the occupational health practitioners to safety committee members.