Ergonomic and Occupational Factors Associated with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Issues: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remain a major occupational health concern, affecting workers’ physical function, well-being, productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare utilization. This systematic review aimed to identify ergonomic, occupational, and psychosocial factors associated with WMSDs across diverse occupational sectors. Following PRISMA guidelines, electronic searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies examined ergonomic, occupational, work-organization, or psychosocial factors related to musculoskeletal pain, symptoms, discomfort, injuries, or disorders. Owing to heterogeneity in study designs, populations, exposure measures, and outcome definitions, findings were synthesized narratively. Twenty-four studies were included, covering healthcare workers, physiotherapists, office and computer users, bank workers, teleworkers, manufacturing workers, language professionals, and industrial settings. Common ergonomic factors included awkward or sustained postures, repetitive movements, manual handling, forceful exertion, prolonged static work, and inadequate workstation design. Occupational and psychosocial factors included workload, work intensity, long hours, insufficient recovery, job tenure, stress, low job control, and limited organizational support. Neck, shoulder, lower-back, wrist, hand, and elbow symptoms predominated across studies. WMSD prevention should therefore integrate ergonomic design, worker training, workload management, task variation, rest breaks, psychosocial risk reduction, and organizational support.