The Association Between Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) Symptoms and Work Posture Among Courier Service Workers in Puncak Alam

Abstract

The courier service industry is rapidly expanding, leading to an increased demand for deliveries and greater physical strain on workers. This heightened workload raises the risk of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). This cross-sectional quantitative study, conducted in courier service companies in Puncak Alam, Selangor, aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSD symptoms and their association with workers' postural angles. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were applied for data analysis. Findings revealed the highest prevalence of WMSDs are found in the lower back (71.1%), followed by shoulders (63.2%). Significant associations were identified between neck position and WMSDs in the neck (p=0.001) and shoulders (p=0.027), trunk position with shoulders (p=0.047) and upper back (p=0.017), leg position with lower back (p=0.030), hips/thighs (p=0.043), and ankles/feet (p=0.002), and lower arm and wrist positions with respective WMSDs. The results suggest that awkward postures, such as frequent bending, twisting, and forward flexion, contribute to ergonomic hazards, highlighting the need for effective ergonomic interventions to prevent WMSD development.