Prevalence Rate of MSDs Discomforts among Blue-Collar Workers in Telecommunication Industry

Kudarsamy1, Nor Hashim2

1OSHE Department, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, Level 12, Menara TM, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2Razak School of Engineering & Advanced Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

1yogginy@hotmail.com

Page 1 – 12   |   Vol. 6 No. 2 2021   |    Available online on 1 December 2021

Abstract

Blue-collar workers who involve in high and enormous physical work demands within a limited time frame are more likely to be more physically straining and eventually develop work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). In recent years, physical exercise programs have received substantial attention at the workplace because of their association in reducing or minimizing the risk of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders and diseases. This study aims to determine the prevalence rate of MSDs among blue-collar workers in the telecommunication industry. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using Cornell
Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) among blue-collar workers in Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM). A total of 424 respondents participated in the study. Data were analysed based on frequency & descriptive analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) tool. Based on the data collected, the most severe body region is identified to be the low back as well as the upper body parts among blue-collar workers at TM. Nevertheless, the absence of physical exercise and sedentary lifestyle among the blue-collar workers may have
contributed to the results. Thus, further study on physical exercise and WRMSDs is required to explore this issue.

Keywords

Blue-Collar Workers, Prevalence, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), CMDQ.

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