Data sources for conducting surveillance of work related musculoskeletal disorders were evaluated. The data were obtained from four automotive facilities that were in the process of implementing ergonomic programs to reduce work related musculoskeletal disorders. Sources of data included workers' compensation records, sickness and accident insurance records, OSHA 200 logs, facility medical records, self administered symptoms questionnaires, professional interviews, and physical examinations. Hazard surveillance based on evaluation of job exposures to physical stressors was also considered. The highest rate of symptoms was obtained using university administered health interview data. Prevalence based on physical examination plus interview was similar to that obtained using self administered questionnaires. The lowest rate was obtained using facility medical records. Work related musculoskeletal disorder status on self administered questionnaires and on physical examination was associated with risk factor scores for different body areas. The authors conclude that symptoms questionnaires and checklist based hazard surveillance are reliable and reasonably sensitive data sources for identifying and tracking symptomatic workers and work related risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders.

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