Effects of working years in cold environment on the musculoskeletal system and carpal tunnel symptoms

Abstract

Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common work-related health problems. The risk of musculoskeletal disorders is increased by working in a cold environment. The present study aims to investigate the effects of working years on the body. Methods: We examined the effects of the working years on the musculoskeletal system and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms of the individuals who were engaged in cutting, shredding, packaging, bagging and transportation operations at 9 degrees and lower ambient temperatures in a poultry factory in Turkey. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms of the individuals. Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) was used to investigate the carpal tunnel symptoms. Individuals grouped according to their total working years in a cold factory setting. Groups were formed as less than two years, between two and five years, between six and nine years, and ten years or more. Results: This study showed that the increase in working years in a cold factory setting might lead to a feeling of pain and discomfort in various regions of the body, disrupt ordinary works due to the pain felt (p<0.05). This study also showed that the severity of the symptoms felt because carpal tunnel syndrome worsened, especially when an individual has been working for more than ten years in cold. Conclusion: Working in the cold for a long time may result in long-term health effects on the human body.