Upper extremity symptoms in supermarket workers

Upper extremity symptoms in supermarket workers, particularly those who performed checking using laser scanners, were evaluated using a questionnaire administered by trained interviewers to 124 supermarket workers. Summary indices of exposure (shortterm and long‐term) as well as indices of past personal illnesses and personal activities were employed. Outcome data were summarized by four composite symptom indices. Chi square and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that hours of checking work in the preceding 2 weeks and cumulative weighted years of work were associated with adverse upper extremity symptoms. Symptoms involved both the proximal and distal parts of the upper extremities.