Philippine E-Journals

This study assessed Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) among workers in Southwest Nigeria sawmilling industry. The aim was to ascertain the prevalent types, and likely occurrence of the injury among the group of workers. Sixteen sawmilling factories were studied. Physical observation method was used to assess job demands, methods and workplace safety. Questionnaires were completed among 267 workers through written interview. This measured subjective injury and/or prevalence of CTDs symptoms on different body regions. Sound and vibration meters were used to measure noise and vibration levels of 64 machines respectively. Calculated mean values of measurements were compared with the recommended standards. The statistical analysis was done using Non-parametric Chi-Square tests on SPSS application. Low back, shoulder and wrist/hand were the leading regions of the body where pains were reported by interviewed workers. Among the risk factors capable of contributing to CTDs occurrence, standing for long hours, forceful griping, forward bending, hand twisting and wrist deviation were reported. The statistical analysis results established associations between some two or more prevalent risk factors capable of leading to CTDs. Workers may be prone to De Quervain’s disease, Degenerative joint disease and Lumbosacral strain among others which may affect their musculoskeletal, vascular and nervous systems.