A Study on The Health Problems of Forest Nursery Workers

High levels of health problems among forest workers naturally have a negative impact on productivity. Musculoskeletal system issues are among the primary health issues among the public. The aim of this study was to determine the working conditions of the forest nursery workers in Bayburt and Hendek as well as their demographic properties, issues related with the musculoskeletal system disorders and the affecting factors. Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used for evaluation. A figure indicating the nine anatomical regions of the human body was used for the questionnaire. The study was carried out with the participation of 104 individuals. Of the participants, 85% were female and 15% were male. The age average of the participants was 42± 11.30 years. The ratio of workers who experienced at least one musculoskeletal issue in any part of their body during the past twelve months was 76% and the same ratio for the last one week was determined as 53%. It was put forth that nursery workers with musculoskeletal pain complaints in the last 12 months had the highest complaints for the lower back region (58.17%) followed respectively by the Upper back (44,82%), neck (41.07%) and shoulder (36,22%). A statistically significant relationship was determined between the regions of the body with pain and age groups, years of experience and ergonomics information. According to the acquired results, these complaints have an adverse impact on productivity. The level of these impacts may be reduced by taking steps to improve workers’ health