Introduction Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the upper limbs are the most common occupational pathology in Tunisia with an increasing prevalence in all sectors of activity, in particular in the jeans washing industry.

Objectives Identify the risk factors for MSDs in this industry and evaluate the impact of these disorders on professional life.

Methods We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive survey of employees in a jeans washing company. This study was based on a questionnaire inspired by two validated questionnaires, the Nordic and from the National Research and Safety Institute, allowing the screening of MSDs.

Results The sample consisted of 220 employees with an average age of 36 years, a clear predominance of men and an average professional length of service of 6.2 years. They mainly occupied the post of multi-skilled worker (56.8%). These employees reported a high pace of professional tasks (60.4%), significant muscular strength required (60.9%) and recourse to extreme postures (66.3%). Certain psychosocial factors were reported: precision work (83.2%), requiring great concentration (87.7%), described as monotonous (81.4%) and not very motivating (64.1%). Musculoskeletal disorders, evolving for 2.3 ± 1.6 months on average, were also reported by 71.8% of employees. They complained of pain in the shoulders (39.5%), hands and wrists (11.8%) and elbows (2.7%). These MSDs justified medical treatment in 25.9% of cases and exploration by additional examinations in 18.6% of cases. These disorders had an impact on professional activity with a temporary stoppage of work (6.8%) and professional reclassification (1.4%) with a type of workstation arrangement or transfer to another workstation.

Conclusion The jeans wash sector is a source of MSDs of the upper limbs due to excessive exposure to biomechanical and psycho-organizational constraints. This justifies the implementation of an effective preventive strategy based on early detection and ergonomic study of workstations.