Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSDs) Studies of Aviation Maintenance Personnel.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common health problem throughout the industrialized world and a major cause of disability. The aviation maintenance workers are equally affected to some extent, as their main tasks still involve manual activities since human skills and judgments are indispensable in this line of industry. Because so little research has been done in the past, a study on WMSD among aviation maintenance personnels is required. In Malaysia, it is reported by the “Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)” that MSDs are the highest reported occupational diseases compared to other occupational diseases and increasing yearly, resulting in sickness absenteeism as well as loss of productivity. The literature so far lacks insight about WMSDs in defence personnel, especially involved in maintenance and repair. Objective of this paper to identify the prevalence of MSDs based on the previous research as to provide basic information for intervention programs to prevent and manage musculoskeletal symptoms for the aviation maintenance personnel.