An Assessment of Work-Life Factors

Musculoskeletal pain is a common affliction that affects millions worldwide. It not only has a negative impact on an individual's health but also, has large societal and economic consequences. In 2001, The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor reported a national approximation of 522,528 cases (34%) of all illnesses involving days away from work were attributed to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) (1). Furthermore, the multi-factorial etiology of musculoskeletal disorders and pain, along with the increased reporting of the illness (2) has produced substantial research over the last decade (3). The majority of the studies explore the relationship between work-related psychosocial risk factors associated with the reporting of musculoskeletal disorders and pain. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact on the ability to work, based on both personal and work-related psychosocial factors that may be associated with reported musculoskeletal pain. The current study was a cross-sectional assessment of multi-task GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) employees from four Philadelphia area corporate, manufacturing and two research and developing work-sites.