"evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders risk factors among the crew of the iranian ports and shipping organization’s vessels"

musculoskeletal disorders (msds) are important causes of work incapacity and loss of work days. msds are major problems in almost all countries and increasingly can be found in service industries such as maritime sector. this study aimed at evaluation of msds symptoms among crew of tugboats, dredgers, pilot boats and barges by using nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (nmq) and also determination of work-related msds risk factors by application of ovako working analysis posture system (owas). the result showed that 28.4% of body postures rated in action category 3 and 4 of owas. it seems that owas cannot be used as a determination method of risk factors for all jobs. also, the best and sometimes the only way to correct awkward postures is correction of worker's back position.