Physical risks of work-related musculoskeletal complaints among quarry workers in East of Iran

Abstract Quarry workers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal complaints. The aim of this study was to evaluate the working postures and prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among quarry workers. In this cross-sectional study 78 male quarry workers were assessed using the method of Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and musculoskeletal complaints data were obtained by the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQs). Results of the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in body parts of stonemasonry workers was higher found than in the stonecutting workers. The highest prevalence rate of musculoskeletal problems in both stonemasonry and stonecutting workers was 65.7% and 54.8% respectively related to waist. The stonemasons with 62% had high level of risk and stone cutting workers with 47.6% had moderate risk level. Significant correlation was found among age, work experience, BMI, and prevalence of musculoskeletal problems. There was also a significant relationship between the wrist and lower back pain with the risk level of REBA score. The study results showed that musculoskeletal problems of workers had high prevalence and accordingly most of the work conditions and postures needed to be improved, so prioritizing the necessity of corrective actions and intervention are to be gained.