OSTEOMUSCULAR INJURIES AMONG WORKERS FROM A MEXICAN HOSPITAL AND THE OCCURRENCE OF ABSENTEEISM

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries and absenteeism-illness among workers from a Mexican hospital and ergonomic conditions at work perceived. Methods: Descriptive, quantitative and epidemiological investigation using the work absences of a hospital in Morelia, México, with sick leaves issued in 2005 and 2006 with 226 workers of differents professional groups. Procedures: Identification of absenteeism-illness, validation of the Spanish version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, application of the data collection instrument about musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic situation, were carried out. Results: In 2005, 107 sick leaves were registered, with 1.177 absence days, wich accumulated a wasted time WT=0.56%. In 2006, 118 sick leaves, 1.201 absence days, WT= 0.57%. As for illness, 59.68% were musculoskeletal problems and the most frequent symptoms were in the lumbar and cervical regions; 39.82% of employees identified inappropriate ergonomic factors an the environment. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal injuries cause absenteism, there is a large number of workers with musculoskeletal morbidity indicators who may have to be absent at work. Ergonomic aspects of the environment must be improved aiming prevention of workers illness and losses for the hospital.