The prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among loggers in Poland

• Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate MSD symptoms in Polish loggers.
• MSD symptoms of lower back, wrists/hands, upper back dominated.
• Prevalence of lower back, neck, shoulders and knees symptoms was associated with age and work experience.
• Association between the number of body regions with MSD symptoms and age and work experience was found.

This paper presents an analysis of the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms (MSD) among loggers in Poland. As a diagnostic tool, a modified Nordic questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was completed by 353 professional loggers. The results showed the dominant MSD symptoms during the last twelve months to be those of the lower back (66.3%) and hands/wrists (left 50.1%, right 51.3%). A significant percentage of respondents also reported symptoms of the upper back (45.6%), shoulders (38.2% for each shoulder), and knees (left 36.0%, right 39.4%). Statistically significant relationships were found between the age of the subjects, the work experience, and the number of body regions in which MSD symptoms were reported during the last twelve months. These results show that education and recommendations to use safe working postures, techniques and organization of work with a chainsaw should still be improved.Relevance to industryThis paper analyzes the prevalence of MSD symptoms among Polish loggers and provides a basis for the implementation of preventative measures.