Repetitive Strain Injuries among Workers of the Stone Sculpture Industry, Chonburi Province

Abstract

This cross‐sectional descriptive study aimed to investigate the prevalence of
repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) among 82 workers of the stone sculpture industry,
at Chonburi province. Data were collected by using the structural questionnaires
and observations. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of
the participants, and their work environment. Prevalence of RSIs was measured as
percentage with 95% confident intervals (95%CI). The majority (64.6%) of
participants were males in the age of 31 to 40 years old (40.2% (Mean = 40.79, S.D. =
8.83)). They worked on this job for 6‐10 years (32.9% (Median=14, Min=1,
Max=40)). Activities were mainly related to mortar works (79.3%) and they worked
for up to 8 hours/day (79.3% (Median=8, Min=8, Max=12)). The level of most
workstations was lower than elbow height (78.1%). The repetitive activities
(85.4%) required to continuously focusing on the work piece (87.8%). Some of the
workers were exposed to various hazards such as dust, chemicals, heat, inadequate
light and vibration from particular instruments such as hammers and grinders
(96.3% and 65.9% respectively), and lifting a heavy rocks with a weight of > 10 kg.
(47.9%, Median=9, Min=3, Max=20). The prevalence of RSIs in the past 7 days and 6
months were 37.8 (95%CI=27.32–49.19) and 51.2% (95%CI=39.92–62.42),
respectively. The most important locations for RSIs were the lower back (26.2%),
hands and wrists (20.2%) as well as shoulders (13.7%). The most severe of pain
was experienced at the lower back (19.5%), followed by hands and wrists (11.0%)
and the upper arm (7.3%). The overall frequency of RSIs was 31.2% at the lower
back followed by 17.1% at the hands/wrists and with 9.7% at the shoulder. This
study showed that the highest prevalence and the most severe RSIs was at lower
back and at hands/wrists which might be caused by repetitive work and
inappropriate working positions as well as frequently lifting heavy stones. RSI at
these locations might develop into chronic disorders. The results are useful for
further investigations into work related risk factors for planning preventive
measures to avoid work related musculoskeletal disorders among workers of the
stone sculpture industry.