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Predictive validity of an indicator of exposure to unfavorable ergonomic working conditions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Author

Listed:
  • Dario Fontana

    (Epidemiology Unit ASL TO3)

  • Chiara Ardito

    (Epidemiology Unit ASL TO3
    University of Torino)

  • Giuseppe Costa

    (Epidemiology Unit ASL TO3
    University of Torino)

  • Barbara Boschetto

    (ISTAT, Integrated system for labour, education and training Division, Directorate for social statistics and welfare)

  • Angelo d’Errico

    (Epidemiology Unit ASL TO3)

Abstract

Researchers have long documented a significant association between exposure to unfavorable working conditions and poorer occupational health and safety. However, measures of occupational exposures are often lacking from national and international surveys. Drawing on research on job-exposures matrices (JEMs) and exploiting the Italian O*NET, we construct a new indicator of exposure to ergonomic unfavorable conditions at work (Ergo-Index) and we test its predictive power on the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Exploiting 5-years of administrative archives of the Italian National Workers Compensation Institute and running a set of negative binomial regression models, we find a very strong association between the Ergo-Index and the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD). Compared to the least exposed category (Ergo-Index p75) for notified WRMSD, and almost 250 times higher for compensated WRMSD. Hence, the Ergo-Index strongly predicts the occurrence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders and could be used to assign work exposures in studies where occupation is available and for priority setting of ergonomic hazards control.

Suggested Citation

  • Dario Fontana & Chiara Ardito & Giuseppe Costa & Barbara Boschetto & Angelo d’Errico, 2023. "Predictive validity of an indicator of exposure to unfavorable ergonomic working conditions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(5), pages 4545-4561, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:57:y:2023:i:5:d:10.1007_s11135-022-01552-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-022-01552-0
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    1. Svetlana Solovieva & Irmeli Pehkonen & Johanna Kausto & Helena Miranda & Rahman Shiri & Timo Kauppinen & Markku Heliövaara & Alex Burdorf & Kirsti Husgafvel-Pursiainen & Eira Viikari-Juntura, 2012. "Development and Validation of a Job Exposure Matrix for Physical Risk Factors in Low Back Pain," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(11), pages 1-7, November.
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