PREVALENCE OF WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER OF MANUAL PACKAGING WORKERS IN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are common in manual packaging workers due to repetitive tasks, awkward postures, and prolonged static positions, leading to pain in regions like the low back, neck, and wrists. The Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) is a validated tool for assessing prevalence and impact. To evaluate the preva Aim and Objectives: lence and severity of WMSDs among manual packaging workers using NMQ-E. Objectives include assessing discomfort prevalence, affected regions, and impact on work, while suggesting preventive measure. A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted on 104 Methods: manual packaging workers in Mumbai. Participants met inclusion criteria and completed the NMQ-E, with data on demographics, pain history, and functional impacts. Results: Among the 104 workers (58.7% female), mean age was 35.2 ± 10.4 years. Prevalence of WMSDs was 63.4%, with low back (61.5%), neck (55.7%), and wrists/hands (51.9%) most affected. Hospitalisation was minimal (<2%), job changes affected 28.85% in elbows, healthcare seeking was low (16.3% for neck), and absenteeism reached 15.4% for neck. A negative correlation was noted between experience and pain severity, indicating chronic strain. WMSDs are highly prevalent in manual packaging workers, emphasising the n Conclusion: eed for ergonomic interventions and awareness to reduce risks in this female-majority workforce.