Objectives: To investigate work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WMSD) and its association with tasks carried out by commissary foodservice employees in northern Taiwan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of a convenient sample of 309 commissary employees was conducted at 20 factories from 2002-2003 to collect information on individual’s demographic characteristics, work characteristics, and perceived discomfort from work. Results: The study participants frequently used both hands (55.0%) while working. The tasks for most study participants included moving objects (61.2%), packing lunch boxes (56.3%), and cleaning dishes (52.1%). Most study participants used trolleys (62.5%) and spent a lot of time standing (88.7%). Results showed significant WMSD was found from the tasks of packing lunch boxes using the upper arm or the ankle/feet, moving objects using the forearm, and washing materials using the lower back and waist. Carrying heavy objects for more than 1 minute for each task was associated with an increased risk of 12 body site-specific WMSD, especially for the upper back (OR=16.9) and feet (OR=14.4). Shoulder pain was significantly associated with awkward postures including lifting the hand over the shoulder, twisting the body trunk, and carrying heavy objects for more than 1 minute. Conclusion: Different postures at work may lead to different body site-specific WMSD. Carrying heavy materials was found to be associated with an elevated risk of discomfort in the upper back and feet.

盒餐業 ； 工作有關之肌肉骨骼不適或傷病 ； 危險因子 ； 盛行率 ； 勝算比

Commissary foodservice factory, Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WMSD), Prevalence rate, Odds ratio, Risk factors