Job Satisfaction Among Aircraft Baggage Handlers and Their Exposure to Risk Factors for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Case Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) cause pain and economic loss. Risk of WMSDs is affected by job satisfaction as a psychosocial factor.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate job satisfaction among aircraft baggage handlers and their exposure to work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk factors.

METHODS: Two data collection tools addressing risk levels (Quick Exposure Check) and psychosocial factors (Job Satisfaction Survey) were answered by 399 male baggage handlers employed in Esenboga International Airport in Ankara, Turkey.

RESULTS: Risk exposure scores for WMSDs among baggage handlers were 27 +/- 3.4 (high) for the back (static), 42 +/- 7.2 (very high) for the back (moving), 42 +/- 6.1 (very high) for the shoulder/arm, 44 +/- 1.9 (very high) for the wrist/hand, and 13 +/- 5.1(high) for the neck. The average job satisfaction levels of the majority was either low (4.2250 +/- 1.10184) or moderate (3.1019 +/- 0.93352). In addition, low and moderate job satisfaction was significantly associated with higher WMSD risk levels among baggage handlers.

CONCLUSIONS: Increased WMSD risk levels among baggage handlers are associated with low and moderate job satisfaction, suggesting that it is mandatory to perform intervention methods in this occupation.