Active surveillance for the control of cumulative trauma disorders: a working model in the newspaper industry

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1994 May;19(5):267-76. doi: 10.2519/jospt.1994.19.5.267.

Abstract

Health and risk factor surveillance is a critical aspect of an effective ergonomics process. Physical therapists are becoming increasingly involved in many components of the ergonomics process, including health and risk factor surveillance. The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a multistaged active surveillance program for the management and control of cumulative trauma disorders. The surveillance program was established at three newspaper companies consisting of 1,150 employees. This study focused on the first three stages of the multistage surveillance model, which incorporates the use of symptom and job factor questionnaires, specific anatomical surveys, and clinical detection tests. The results of the study indicated that 1) musculoskeletal symptoms in the back, neck, and hands accounted for the majority of reported missed work among the newspaper workers; 2) production workers had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms than office workers; and 3) the prevalence of probable carpal tunnel syndrome among the newspaper workers was 1.5%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / epidemiology
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / prevention & control
  • Newspapers as Topic*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology