Women's Safety and Health Issues at Work

Ergonomics and Muscle/Bone Disorders

Muscle/bone or "musculoskeletal" disorders are illnesses or injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, arms, legs, neck, or lower back. Musculoskeletal disorders are caused or made worse by sudden force, repetitious movement, constant vibration, or awkward posture. Ergonomics is a field of science that works to find solutions to ensure workers stay safe, comfortable, and productive. These solutions usually involve changing tools, equipment, materials, work methods, or the work environment to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

More research is needed to figure out why women have a higher chance of getting musculoskeletal disorders than men. The higher rate of these disorders among women could be related to job differences or physical differences between men and women.

NIOSH publications that directly relate to ergonomics or musculoskeletal disorders in working women include:

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of new task chairs on shoulder and neck pain among sewing machine operators: the Los Angeles garment study
This study looked at the effect of chair design on neck/shoulder pain among sewing machine operators. The study found neck and shoulder pain among sewing machine operators could be reduced by using an adjustable height task chair with a curved seat pan.

The relationship between protective and risk characteristics of acting and experienced workload, and musculoskeletal disorder cases among nurses
This study looked at female registered nurses working in a hospital setting. These nurses completed surveys to measure workload characteristics and stress. The study found some associations with the lower back, upper back, hands/wrists, and knees/lower legs in terms of risk and protective effects.

Tradeswomen's perspectives on occupational health and safety: a qualitative investigation
The major health and safety concerns of women employed in the construction trades are discussed. Researchers found the major concerns were: exposure to chemical and physical agents; injuries from lifting, bending, twisting, falling and being cut; lack of proper education and training; and health and safety risks related specifically to tradeswomen (inadequate protective clothing and tools, etc.).

For additional information about these disorders that applies to male and female workers, check out these other NIOSH web pages:

• Control of Health and Safety Hazards in Commercial Drycleaners: Chemical Exposures, Fire Hazards, and Ergonomic Risk Factors
• Ergonomic Interventions in the Building, Repair, and Dismantling of Ships
• Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Musculoskeletal Disorders and Workplace Factors: A Critical Review of Epidemiologic Evidence for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Neck, Upper Extremity, and Low Back DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-141 (1997)