Affiliations: Ergonomics Research Group, University of Limerick,
Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Leonard O'Sullivan, Ergonomics
Research Group, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland. Tel:
+353 61 234249; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Musculo Skeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the focus of considerable
attention and research in occupational health, which is in part due to high
prevalence rates and associated costs. In the United States, the total cost
associated with MSDs increased from $81 billion in 1986 to $215 billion
in 2005 [3]. Epidemiological studies have repeatedly shown associations
between work-related psychosocial factors and MSDs, and the role of
psychosocial factors and stress in these disorders has received increased
attention. Several reviews have reported associations between MSDs and
work-related psychosocial factors such as high workload/demands, high perceived
stress levels, low social support, low job control, low job satisfaction and
monotonous work. Several theories have been proposed to explain the apparent
relationship between stress and MSDs in the workplace from a biological
perspective. These include the biopsychosocial model of job stress, the
hyperventilation theory, the migraine theory, the muscle spindle theory and the
Cinderella hypothesis. Within the literature, a vast array of questionnaires
have been developed in an attempt to measure the psychosocial factors that
occur within the workplace. This article presents a discussion of existing
knowledge of the psychosocial risk factors potentially linked to MSDs and
potential pathways to injury. A discussion of evaluation approaches used to
estimate psychosocial risk exposures in workplaces is also presented.
