Hand and arm injuries associated with repetitive manual work in industry: a review of disorders, risk factors and preventive measures

摘要

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common self-reported, work-related illness in the UK, with upper limb disorders ranking second only to back complaints. The rapid increase in disablement cases, the reduced productivity resulting form the disorders, and, perhaps, the threat of litigation which is on the increase, has led to an increased awareness of the problems and an increasing desire to reduce the incidence of such disorders. This paper reviews the problem of upper limb disorders and focuses on those disorders that could be associated with repetitive manual work in industry.