Occupational risk factors for shoulder pain: a systematic review by Daniëlle A. W. M. van der Windt, Elaine Thomas, Daniel P. Pope, Andrea F de Winter, Gary J. Macfarlane, Lex M. Bouter, Alan J. Silman
Summary of the Article
The article entitled “Occupational risk factors for shoulder pain: a systematic review” written by van der Windt, Thomas, Pope, de Winter, Macfarlane, Bouter, and Silman presented results of a study with reportedly aimed to determine risk factors within the work setting that are potentially associated with shoulder pain. The authors initially presented a brief overview of the common incidence for shoulder pain in the occupational setting; where varied secondary researches were closely delved into. The authors noted that the primary objective of the current discourse is to present the summarized results of previous studies; specifically relating to physical load, as well as psychosocial factors. Likewise, the authors disclosed the aim of identifying shortcomings in methodologies of these previous studies to assist in improving thrusts for future research on the subject of shoulder pain in the work setting.
The research method used by the authors in the current study included search strategies from selected secondary and authoritative sources of information; such as Medline, Embase, Psychlit, Cinahl, and Current Contents (van der Windt, et al.). Two reviewers screened selected studies; from a starting number of 550 articles, the authors finally reached 29 studies which satified their selection criteria and quality assessment procedure. The flow diagram clearly identified the number of studies which were originally included and eventually excluded to reach the final number.
The results revealed that the primary causes of shoulder pain in the work setting were actually multifaceted and could include individual factors, psychosocial, and physical load factors (van der Windt, et al.). The authors have explicitly identified that changes in the level of activity (from low level to increased level); in conjunction with changes in posture, especially during repetitive movements, were reported to significantly contribute to shoulder pain. In addition, poor social work environment and an individual’s response to stressors allegedly affect and preponderance for shoulder pain. Finally, the authors asserted that although previous studies established direct relationships between physical load factors, psychosocial factors, and incidences of shoulder pain, there seemed to be inconsistencies in results across all the studies which satisfied the selection criteria.
Conclusion
The article is related to what one learned in class especially the lessons on Hazard Identification and Abatement, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Accident Investigation/Analysis. Through identifying risk factors that increase the tendencies to develop shoulder pain, both employers and employees are made aware that these factors need to be closely evaluated and the weaknesses should be duly addressed in respective work settings. These concerns are crucial to avoid loss in productivity of workers who could have developed shoulder pain in undertaking of their roles and responsibilities. As such, aside from investigating the physical and social work setting, employers should also examine physical workloads to avoid undue stress and shoulder pain that could apparently result.
The information learned from the article is relevant to safety and loss control in terms of being provided with the specific risk factors which should always be monitored and addressed by employers. Specifically, task analysis could be conducted and examined in terms of increasing tendencies for shoulder pain . Doing so would assist in preventing loss or decrease in productivity; which could evidently lead to higher expenses and lower profits for the organization.
The implications of the information presented in the article include enhancement of management’s awareness of the risk factors for preponderance for shoulder pain. This is significant as a proactive stance and in maintaining preventive measures to minimize costs (absenteeism, medical leaves, health insurance payments) and to prevent tendencies for reduction of profits due to inability to address safety concerns in the work setting. One therefore agrees that organizations must be made aware of the risk factors for shoulder pain to address these and prevent health hazards, as well as ensure comprehensive adherence to safety in the work setting.
Works Cited
"Accident Investigation/Analysis." PowerPoint Presentation. 2013. Print.
"Hazard Identification and Abatement." PowerPoint Presentation. 2013. Print.
"Occupational Safety and Health Administration." PowerPoint Presentation. 2013. Print.
van der Windt, Danielle A.W.M., et al. "Occupational risk factors for shoulder pain: a systematic review." 2000. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Print. 11 July 2013.
