Prevention of upper extremity disorders due to biomechanical overload in the sofa industry

A total workforce of 5776 individuals (M=4005, F=1771, exposed n=3455 and controls n=2321) in thirty plants of the upholstered manufacturing industry in a large geographical area of Southern Italy was examined by a network of occupational health physicians over a 4-year period (2000-2003). More than 60 percent of the workforce studied was within large size companies (>500 employees). Exposed groups included: frame outfitters, leather-cutting operators, seamstresses and upholstery-assembly workers. Case-definition of upper extremity disorders was assessed through standardized procedures: symptoms by questionnaire plus physical and laboratory/imaging findings. Annual incidence rates of work-related upper limb musculo-skeletal disorders ranged 1-6% and cumulative prevalence rates of WMSDs at December 2003 reached maximum values exceeding 20% in high-risk groups. Exposure assessment to repetitive strain and movements of the upper limb was performed in a representative sample of the plants using the OCRA index and showed average values ranging 2-15 for different exposed groups. The OCRA method showed good correlation both with the case-prevalence and incidence rates. Most frequently occurring disorders were tendon-related cysts and wrist tendinitis. The shoulder disorders were most represented in male and female leather-cutting operators. (Supported by grant BS11-03 from Italian Ministry of Health).