Women in the workplace suffer a disproportionate number of many types of ergonomics-related injuries, particularly when insufficient attention has been paid to the design of work, equipment, workstation, and environment. The biological and physiological characteristics of a female can present different risks for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from the male. In this paper, these differences and how they need to be addressed to provide a safe and healthy work environment for women in industry and the office will be discussed. Topics will include an overview of musculoskeletal disorders involving women, job hazard/risk factor analysis and control or prevention through medical management, fitness/exercise, posture and body mechanics.
At all stages of their working careers, women are more likely than men to work part time, to have lower status jobs, and to earn less than men. Poorly paid work that is demanding yet offers little control is the most psychologically, and perhaps physically, stressful. Some female dominated professions, such as healthcare, require moving heavy loads and adopting awkward working postures, while office work requires high levels of static muscular contraction. Women are also more likely than men to be performing work that involves repetitive tasks, working at workstations, and using tools that were designed for men. All four issues—force, poor posture, static muscular contraction, and repetition—are known risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders.
Alongside the physical hazards in the workplace, women more commonly face risks at home as well. Activities still more often performed by women than men include lifting heavy children and groceries, moving dependent adults, and performing repetitive tasks like cooking, cleaning and other housekeeping chores.
