Impact of Rest Break, Shift Work, and Overtime on Musculoskeletal Disorders - China, 2018-2023.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Impact of individual and biomechanical risk factors on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has been researched; however, the factors of intervenable work organization (e.g., overtime and rest breaks) require in-depth investigation, particularly in the context of national policy changes in China by 2025.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: Among 88,609 participants, 37.5% (33,247/88,609) had MSDs. We found that working hours [prevalence ratio (PR)=1.18], shift work (lower back, elbows, hips/thighs, and ankles/feet, P<0.05), overtime (PR=1.23), staff shortages (PR=1.23), covering for absent coworkers (PR=1.18), and resuming work after rest (PR=1.09) were all likely associated with a significantly increased prevalence of MSDs and pain scores in several body parts (P<0.05).

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Our findings contribute to efforts to standardize work organization management to prevent MSDs, providing reference for employers and policymakers to regulate rest breaks, manage overtime, and ensure adequate levels of staffing to comply with occupational health regulations.