Journal article
Systematic Review of the Role of Occupational Health and Safety Interventions in the Prevention of Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Signs, Disorders, Injuries, Claims and Lost Time
Journal of occupational rehabilitation, Vol.20(2), pp.127-162
06/01/2010
DOI: 10.1007/s10926-009-9211-2
PMID: 19885644
Abstract
Background Little is known about the most effective occupational health and safety (OHS) interventions to reduce upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and injuries. Methods A systematic review used a best evidence synthesis approach to address the question: "do occupational health and safety interventions have an effect on upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms, signs, disorders, injuries, claims and lost time?" Results The search identified 36 studies of sufficient methodological quality to be included in data extraction and evidence synthesis. Overall, a mixed level of evidence was found for OHS interventions. Levels of evidence for interventions associated with positive effects were: Moderate evidence for arm supports; and Limited evidence for ergonomics training plus workstation adjustments, new chair and rest breaks. Levels of evidence for interventions associated with "no effect" were: Strong evidence for workstation adjustment alone; Moderate evidence for biofeedback training and job stress management training; and Limited evidence for cognitive behavioral training. No interventions were associated with "negative effects". Conclusion It is difficult to make strong evidenced-based recommendations about what practitioners should do to prevent or manage upper extremity MSDs. There is a paucity of high quality OHS interventions evaluating upper extremity MSDs and none focused on traumatic injury outcomes or workplace mandated pre-placement screening exams. We recommend that worksites not engage in OHS activities that include only workstation adjustments. However, when combined with ergonomics training, there is limited evidence that workstation adjustments are beneficial. A practice to consider is using arm supports to reduce upper extremity MSDs.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Systematic Review of the Role of Occupational Health and Safety Interventions in the Prevention of Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Signs, Disorders, Injuries, Claims and Lost Time
- Creators
- Carol A. Kennedy - University of TorontoBenjamin C. Amick - The University of Texas at AustinJack T. Dennerlein - Harvard UniversityShelley Brewer - Chemplan, Inc., Sarasota, USAStarly Catli - Workplace Safety & Insurance BoardRenee Williams - McMaster UniversityConsol Serra - Pompeu Fabra UniversityFred Gerr - University of IowaEmma Irvin - Institute for Work & HealthQuenby Mahood - Institute for Work & HealthAl Franzblau - University of Michigan–Ann ArborDwayne Van Eerd - Institute for Work & HealthBradley Evanoff - Washington University in St. LouisDavid Rempel - University of California, San Francisco
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of occupational rehabilitation, Vol.20(2), pp.127-162
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- DOI
- 10.1007/s10926-009-9211-2
- PMID
- 19885644
- ISSN
- 1053-0487
- eISSN
- 1573-3688
- Number of pages
- 36
- Grant note
- T42 OH008421 / NIOSH CDC HHS T42OH008421 / NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH; United States Department of Health & Human Services; Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA; National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 06/01/2010
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health; Epidemiology
- Record Identifier
- 9984364414002771
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