Musculoskeletal disorders of traffic police in Putrajaya: Evaluating ergonomic risks and trends

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose significant challenges to the health and performance of traffic police personnel, impacting their job effectiveness and overall well-being. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the ergonomic risk factors contributing to MSDs among traffic police in Putrajaya. Methods: A questionnaire encompassing socio-demographic variables, work tasks, ergonomic hazards, and the Body Symptom Survey (BOSS) was administered to 40 traffic police officers stationed at the Putrajaya District Police Headquarters. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Results revealed a predominantly male (87.5%), Malay (90%) population, aged between 31 and 40, with a majority serving as corporals (42.5%) within operational task units (82.5%). Primary duties among the respondents were traffic control (45%) and police escort (30%). Extreme temperatures emerged as the most prevalent ergonomic risk factor (82.5%), with the neck being the most affected body part (50%). Significant correlations were found between MSDs and various ergonomic risk factors, including awkward posture (p <= 0.001), static motion (p < 0.05), forceful motion (p <= 0.01), and excessive noise (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, specific ergonomic risk factors such as awkward posture, static and forceful motions, and excessive noise were correlates to MSDs among traffic police. To mitigate these risks and prevent MSD occurrence, it is imperative to educate and promote awareness among traffic professionals regarding the importance of adopting and maintaining ergonomic postures during task execution.