Abstract
The purpose of this report was to identify the level of risk for shoulder and neck, work-related musculoskeletal injuries among faculty, administrators, and support staff at the Army Medical Department Center and School, Academy of Health Sciences. The Department of Defense (DoD) Job Requirements and Physical Demands (JRPD) survey was used to examine risk factors associated with work activities and organizational factors, as well as self-reported healthcare and symptoms of employees. Over half of the 414-person sample (54%) reported job-related symptoms in the shoulder and neck region. Those experiencing symptoms were more likely to be female, older, civilian (as opposed to active duty military), and have worked more than 5 years on their job (p < 0.01). Job characteristics associated with symptoms included postures associated with static loads, including holding arms in an outstretched position, working with the neck held in flexion or extension, and cradling a phone between the neck and shoulder. Organizational risk factors included high workload, conflicting demands, and inability to access pertinent information (p < 0.05).
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