Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Milkers and Dairy Farm Characteristics in Sweden and Germany

ABSTRACT

International studies have shown that musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and disorders (MSD) are common among dairy farm milkers. Although dairy production is diverse, it has so far not been possible to explain the high risk by production parameters. Two national studies carried out under similar conditions were the incentive to merge the data and increase the sample size. The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used to assess MSS prevalence among 92 Swedish and 116 German male and female milkers. Eighty-four percent and 85% of the Swedish and German milkers reported MSS in at least one body part. Highest prevalence was reported in the lower back, shoulder, and neck. Females showed a significantly higher risk of MSS. Apart from that, small significant influence of MSS was found for other risk factors. These findings indicate that technical and organizational modifications of the work place design in milking parlors are needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Agriculture
• dairy farmers
• ergonomic work factor
• milking
• musculoskeletal disorders
• nordic questionnaire
• physical exposure

View correction statement:

Corrigendum

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the dairy farmers surveyed for their willingness to participate in our studies. The authors also acknowledge the assistance of local livestock organizations. Finally, the authors thank Dr. Christian Ammon (ATB) for supporting the statistical analysis.

Additional information

Funding

The authors thank The Swedish Farmers’ Foundation for Agricultural Research and the Leibniz-Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim e.V. (ATB), which provided financial support for the two projects.