Work Organization and Musculoskeletal Health: Clinical Findings from Immigrant Latino Poultry Processing and Other Manual Workers

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Mark R. Schulz, Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Objective: To determine the potential role of differential exposure to work organization hazards in musculoskeletal disorders among immigrant Latino workers. Method: Self-reported work organization data were obtained from immigrant Latino workers in poultry processing and nonpoultry, manual occupations (N = 742). Clinical evaluations for epicondylitis, rotator cuff syndrome, and back pain were obtained from a subsample (n = 518). Results: Several work organization hazards (eg, low job control, high psychological demands) were elevated among poultry processing workers. Job control predicted epicondylitis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.77) and rotator cuff syndrome (OR = 0.79); psychological demand predicted rotator cuff syndrome (OR = 1.30) and back pain (OR = 1.24); awkward posture and repeated movements predicted all three outcomes; and management safety commitment predicted rotator cuff syndrome (OR = 1.65) and back pain (OR = 1.81). Discussion: Immigrant poultry processing workers are exposed to greater work organization hazards that may contribute to occupational health disparities.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 54 (8), 995-1001
Language: English
Date: 2012
Keywords
Occupational Safety, Occupational Health, Latinos, Manual workers, Poultry Processing

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