Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) through the lens of previous studies: social sustainability-inhibiting features

Purpose: This study aims to identify the theoretical linkage between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and social sustainability to increase awareness of WRMSDs’ social sustainability-inhibiting features and preventive strategies. 

Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative research adopts a systematic literature review (SLR) approach. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 303 documents from the Scopus database (2003–2024) were analysed using bibliometric technique and content analysis. 

Findings: The study identified key bibliometric metrics such as top journals, most recent authors and publications. The trend shows that documents and citations initially progressed, then stagnated but later rose, and recently, documents have risen independently of citations. Only six journals contribute the most (43 of 85% overall citations; 23 of 73% overall publications), and 13 authors are the most influential. The content analysis revealed that 80% of the recent studies centred on risk assessment (RA) with only 5% on health assessment impact (HAI).

Research limitations/implications: The findings are limited to the review period. 

Social implications: WRMSD is injurious to well-being, impairs performance, and impacts society through reduced productivity, medication use and time off work. Therefore, proactive strategies must be implemented to minimise its occurrence and severity. 

Originality/value: This study’s novelty lies in text mining WRMSD literature by raising awareness of its social inhibiting features so that occupational ill health is minimised, project health and workers’ well-being are enhanced, and the industry’s social sustainability is raised.