The purpose of this study was to identify current status of sickness absence and early leaves from work as a result of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms.

From January to December in 2007, 4,975 workers were recruited into this study and surveyed over this time period; workers came from 116 small and medium sized companies in Incheon. Among the study populations, only those who met the NIOSH criteria for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms on each symptom locations were included in the final analysis. The survey used a structured self-administered questionnaire, which asked questions about musculoskeletal symptoms regarding locations, sickness absences and early leaves from work. Other information gathered from participants included sociodemographical characteristics, and work-related characteristics.

The rates of sickness absences and early leaves in each symptom locations were highest (14.9%) among workers with waist symptoms. Men had higher rates of sickness absences and early leaves form work than women; manufacturing workers had higher rates of sickness absences and early leaves form work than office workers. After confounding variables that had significant difference in univariate analysis on each symptom locations were adjusted, the odds ratios for sickness absence and early leaves divided by pain intensity were 4.361(neck), 4.140(shoulder), 3.151(arm/wrist), 3.085(leg/foot), and 2.731(waist), respectively; these differences were statistically significant.

The rates of sickness absence and early leaves in each work-related musculoskeletal symptom locations were highest among workers with waist symptoms, and the intensity of pain was identified to have a considerable effect on the rates of sickness absences and early leaves. Based on these results, we think that there are needs to be early interventions on workers with waist symptoms.