The objective of this research is to identify and quantify factors in the economic environment of companies that are associated with WRMSDs (Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders) and stress disorders, as well as levels of risk factors for these disorders—a multilevel etiology of risk and disease. The study is based on data from the Dutch Monitor Study, consisting of interviews with employers in 528 companies and questionnaires collected from their employees (n=7717). Our previous multilevel research demonstrated that employee reports of MSD and stress indicators were associated with a complex combination of and interaction between biomechanical and psychosocial stressors. Several company structural and policy characteristics were associated with employee reports of both stressors and health outcomes. Furthermore, “Discrepancy Indices”, the difference between employer and employee characterizations of employees’ jobs (a proposed estimate of “organizational culture”), were associated with these dependent variables. This paper analyzed employers’ reports of estimated economic position, as well as problems with suppliers, prices, and customer demands. In linear regression models, these factors were most strongly associated with employee-reported levels of stressors (betas: .086-.262). Associations with employee reports of MSD and stress indicators were lower (betas: .081-.207). Associations with most company-level variables were lowest, except for the Discrepancy Indices (betas: .087-.153). The multilevel nature of these analyses controls bias and makes it probable that the direction of causation runs from economic predictors to stressor and symptom outcomes. This research suggests that fully integrated interventions should take into account the economic environment of the company.
Learning Objectives: Learning objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: List 4 aspects of company economic environment that may have an impact of risk levels within the company for musculoskeletal and stress disorders Describe a multilevel etiology of musculoskeletal and stress disorders Prepare a questionnaire useful in his/her own analysis of risk levels in a company
Keywords: Ergonomics, Economic Analysis
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.