Due to prolonged standing and repetitive movements, cashiers are nine times more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) than those in a seated position!
introduction
Supermarket cashiers (SCs) are considered to be one of the occupations with a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) because they perform the same movements repeatedly for long periods of time. In particular, symptoms are likely to appear in the neck, lower back, and upper limbs, which may affect their ability to continue working. In this article, we will take a closer look at the incidence, influencing factors, and preventive measures of MSDs based on the latest research results.
Incidence and impact of MSDs
The study analyzed the incidence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders among 193 cashiers working in supermarkets in Saudi Arabia. Results revealed that 90% of participants had experienced at least one MSD in the past 12 months , with the neck (66.8%), lower back (65.8%), shoulders (55.4%) and wrists (40.4%) being the most commonly affected areas.
In addition, the indices used to assess the degree of disability (DASH, LEFS, NDI, ODI) showed that most people had mild to moderate levels of disability, with prolonged standing at work and unnatural postures being particularly disruptive.
Factors associated with MSDs
Research has revealed that the following factors are strongly associated with the occurrence of MSDs:
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Working hours and days
- The more days a week someone works, the higher their risk of developing MSDs (approximately four times the risk for each additional day).
- The risk increases significantly when working more than eight hours a day.
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Working posture and environment
- Cashiers who prefer to stand are about nine times more likely to develop MSDs than their colleagues who work at a desk.
- Taking an awkward position when picking up an item from a shopping cart increased the risk by about 11 times .
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Training availability
- Cashiers who have no training on how to avoid MSDs are about 5.5 times more likely to develop them than those who have.
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Lifestyle factors
- People who do not exercise regularly have a 5.5-fold increased risk of MSDs compared to those who exercise four or more times a week.
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Other factors
- Supermarkets with fewer than 50 employees have about three times the risk of MSDs compared to workplaces with 50 or more employees.
- Right-handed cashiers are about six times more likely to develop MSDs than left-handed cashiers.
MSDs prevention and response measures
Based on the results of this study, the following measures are suggested to be effective in preventing MSDs:
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Ensuring adequate rest
- Taking short breaks every hour reduces strain on your muscles.
- It was confirmed that the more breaks there are, the lower the risk of MSDs.
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Optimize your work environment
- Seated work : Where possible, provide cashiers with the ability to sit down while working.
- Improvements to handling items in carts : Adjusting the height of the cart and improving the placement of scanners have reduced awkward postures.
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Conducting training
- Companies should provide proper ergonomics training to prevent MSDs.
- Teaching correct posture and appropriate movements can reduce the incidence of MSDs.
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Lifestyle changes
- Encourage regular exercise and stretching to improve strength and flexibility.
- We are also considering introducing a fitness program at the workplace as part of health management.
Conclusion
The results of this study showed that supermarket cashiers have a high rate of MSDs , and that working hours, working postures, and unnatural movements are particularly important risk factors. Effective preventive measures include ensuring adequate rest periods, improving the work environment, providing training, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
By working together and implementing evidence-based measures, companies and employees can reduce the incidence of MSDs and protect the health of cashiers. Let's use the results of this study to improve workplaces in the future.