An improved musculoskeletal discomfort assessment tool

Abstract A self-report musculoskeletal assessment tool was adapted following field use by ergonomic analysis teams and was administered to 797 employees of a public utility company. Results were analyzed to determine if the self-reports could adequately predict whether or not an employee reportedly sought medical or therapeutic treatment for a work-related discomfort. A discriminant analysis was used to show that the ratings could identify those who had sought treatment. Tabulation of a joint frequency distribution of the ratings (Discomfort Level × Frequency of Discomfort) and discriminant function probabilities resulted in a convenient separation of the population into three “zones”. These zones were labeled: (1) “very likely”, (2) “somewhat likely”, and (3) “not likely” to seek treatment. This tool is not intended to be a diagnostic instrument since the criterion was not a specific cumulative trauma diagnosis. Rather, it can be utilized as an easily administered, proactive surveillance instrument to assist in early identification of ergonomic concerns and to help prioritize jobs for intervention. Relevance to industry An easy to administer, self-reporting discomfort tool was developed and validated based upon a large industrial population. It is anticipated that this tool will be useful in auditing and surveillance for musculoskeletal disorders. It may be particularly useful in prioritizing ergonomic intervention for these disorders.