Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Associated Ergonomic Risk Factors among Glove Manufacturing Industry Workers in Malaysia

Anantha Kumar Rajendran; Rama Krishna Supramanian; Menaka Dharshinii Selvaraj

doi:10.53941/wah.2026.100008

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are a significant occupational health concern in the glove manufacturing sector. Despite its prominence, WRMSD prevalence in this sector remains unexplored. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of WRMSD among glove manufacturing workers in Malaysia. Method: A cross-sectional study used secondary data from three glove manufacturing facilities between 30 January and 30 June 2024. 750 production workers (aged 16–55) in similar job roles were included. Workers who had administrative roles or relevant medical histories were excluded. Secondary data included Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 Items (DASS-21), medical records, and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) to assess musculoskeletal discomfort, mental health, WRMSD diagnosis, and ergonomic risk with posture, respectively. The primary outcome was WRMSD with independent variables including ergonomic postures, risk levels, overtime, absenteeism, age, gender, duration of employment, task repetition, and mental health status. Data was analysed using SPSS v.28, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Result: The prevalence of WRMSD was 79.2%, with the wrist (35.9%), neck (22.7%), and shoulder (12.1%) being the most affected regions. Significant associated factors included smoking (aOR = 1.34,95% CI [1.21–1.64]), Awkward posture (aOR = 23.66,95% CI [14.28–38.94]), Repetitive Posture (aOR = 13.06,95% CI [12.03–14.11]), task duration (aOR=1.08,95% CI [1.01–1.15]), stress (aOR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.10–2.35]) and anxiety (aOR 1.51, 95% CI [1.42–1.88]). Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of WRMSD in Malaysia’s glove manufacturing industry. Findings emphasize the need for integrated preventive measures including manual handling training, workstation redesign, task rotation, and mental health support to protect worker’s well-being and sustain industry productivity. The results provide a foundation for policy and workplace interventions, with future research recommended to explore causal relationships and evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions.

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