Floriculture in Kenya is one of the fastest growing sub-sectors in agriculture and among the biggest earners of foreign exchange providing livelihoods to many in the country. Despite the importance of this sector, health problems and effects in this industry have not been evaluated. Little is known about the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the industry leaving staff exposed. This study sought to evaluate the most common MSD among flower harvesters and processing workers. Primary data was obtained from questionnaires and secondary data from document review. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The study established that 67% of the workers had experienced work related MSDs in the 12 months preceding the study. Work related MSDs occurrence was highest among processing workers at 86%. There was a significant statistical deference between the workers’ department and joint pains (χ² = 35.09, p< 0.001, df = 2).Further, the study established that occurrence of MSDs increased with number of years on the job. Among those who had worked for 11-15 years, 70.6% reported MSDs compared to 58.5% reported among those who had worked for between 0 and 5 years. The research found that the most prevalent MSD affected wrists and hands at 68%. This was consistent with observations made during the study that tasks in the flower industry are manual and majority involve wrists and hands including harvesting, weeding and making flower bouquets. The task repetitiveness and awkward working postures were also perceived to be detrimental to the workers’ health. Lower back pains were also prevalent at 65% while shoulders MSDs were reported by 62% of the workers. Similarly, upper back disorders were prevalent at 60%. This research provides a first comprehensive study of MSDs in Floriculture industry in Kenya.
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