Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among medical staff in a radiology department

Background: The aim was to investigate the association between musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and work-related risk factors in the medical staff in a single radiology department. Methods: The study was conducted in a radiology department with 107 staff members. A self-administered, modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine work practices, work descriptions, prolonged postures and movements, and body pain. Ninety-seven questionnaires (93.3% response) were returned for analysis. Results: The majority of respondents (77.3%) reported at least one episode of body pain during the previous year. Less than half (44.3%) of respondents were able to have time off during work shifts, and 42.3% worked more than eight hours per shift. Pain in the neck or shoulder (61.9%) was the most common complaint. There was a lower incidence of body pain for staff members who could arrange at least some time off during the work shift than for staff unable to do so. Conclusions: MSD among staff in the radiology department were related to work posture and movement. Time off taken during a work shift appeared to be a protective factor lowering the incidence of pain in all parts of the body.