The Effectiveness of Workplace Musculoskeletal Injury Risk Factor Screening Tools for Reducing Injury: A Systematic Review

Richard Roberts, Teri Slade, Don Voaklander, Sebastian Straube, Liz Dennett, Carol Cancelliere, Christine Guptill, Linda Miller, Danielle Lemay, Melnard De Leon and Douglas P. Gross ()
Additional contact information
Richard Roberts: School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
Teri Slade: Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada
Don Voaklander: School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
Sebastian Straube: Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
Liz Dennett: John W. Scott Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
Carol Cancelliere: Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4, Canada
Christine Guptill: School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
Linda Miller: EWI Works, Edmonton, AB T6E 3N8, Canada
Danielle Lemay: Occupational Hygiene & Product Safety, Suncor Energy, Calgary, AB T2P 3E3, Canada
Melnard De Leon: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada
Douglas P. Gross: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: Introduction: Musculoskeletal injury (MSI) contributes to global health burdens. Effective MSI prevention is necessary. MSI risk factor screening tools can be used by employers to identify and mitigate occupational hazards. Rigorous synthesis of the effectiveness of these tools has not taken place. We synthesized literature on effectiveness of MSI risk factor screening tools for reducing injury through informing prevention interventions. Materials and Methods: A literature search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library (Trials), CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO databases was performed. Included studies required an analytic design, used an MSI risk factor screening tool to inform an intervention in a working-age population and reported an outcome of MSI development, injury or compensation/work absence. Data extraction and study quality rating (Downs and Black criteria) were completed. Studies were sub-categorized as having used a single MSI screening tool (single-tool) to inform an injury prevention intervention or involving multiple simultaneous screening tools (multiple-tool). Study outcomes were synthesized when possible. Results: Eighteen articles representing fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria. No high-quality studies were identified (maximum Downs and Black score of 19). Studies did not employ previously validated tools but instead, typically, those purpose-built for a single use. The results were inconsistent both when using tools alone and in combination with other tools. Outcome measure heterogeneity precluded meaningful meta-analysis. Conclusions: There is limited evidence regarding use of MSI risk factor screening tools for preventing injury. Rigorous studies that utilize previously validated tools are needed.

Keywords: occupational health; musculoskeletal pain; cumulative trauma disorders; insurance; disability; compensation and redress; workers’ compensation; sick leave; ergonomics; employment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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