Prevalence of work related upper limb disorders in hairdressers: A cross sectional study on the influence of working conditions and psychological, ergonomic and physical factors

Article type: Research Article

Authors: De Smet, E. | Germeys, F. | De Smet, L.

Affiliations: Centrum voor Duurzaam Ondernemen – EHSAL, Europese Hogeschool Brussel, Stormstraat, Brussel, Belgium | Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Leuven, Belgium

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Luc De Smet, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, U.Z. Pellenberg, Weligerveld, 1, B-3212 Lubbeek (Pellenberg), Belgium. Tel.: +16 338800; Fax: +16 338803; E-mail: luc.desmet@uz.kuleuven.ac.be

Abstract: A cross sectional study where 145 hairdressers were interviewed for the occurrence of work related upper limb disorders (WRULD). The interview features for engagement, burnout and workaholism, as well as asks for general health and working conditions. The BMI, the hand size and gripping force of each worker was obtained. WRULD was present in 41%. It was significantly correlated with burnout and workaholism. Surprisingly it was not altered by engagement or by the use of ergonomic equipment. Morphological features (BMI), hand size and gripping force, were not related to the occurrence of WRULD.

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0930

Journal: Work, vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 325-330, 2009