Work related musculoskeletal disorders and the crab processing industry: an analysis of gender differences

Barron, Andrea (2007) Work related musculoskeletal disorders and the crab processing industry: an analysis of gender differences. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This study, part of a larger project, examined the prevalence, type, and symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and resulting disability in a sample of 107 crab plant workers in Newfoundland. The overall purposes of the thesis were twofold. First and foremost, the purpose of this thesis was to examine the types of work related injuries that men and women experience as a result of crab processing, the symptoms of these injuries, level of disability, and if there were any gender differences. An analysis comparing the survey responses of women (n=74) and men (n=33) revealed few differences in the prevalence, type or symptoms of WMSDs and resulting disabilities by gender. Some of these differences included that female workers were more likely to experience a neck injury than males and that males were more likely to have injuries to their arms than females. Pain was the predominant symptom experienced. Disability scores were high for men and women, but no significant differences. The second purpose was to assess what role physical risk factors plays in the presence of WMSDs. Overall, the results suggest that jobs in which employees engage in repetitive motion, work at high speeds and use precise movements of the hands and finger are associated with increased evidence of WMSDs. However, no significant relationship was found for gender differences on these physical risk factors. The findings from the study have a number of important education and practice implications for occupational health nurses, others working in occupational health and safety, as well as for workers and employers.

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