Introduction - Thanks to the epidemiological surveillance program for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) implemented in the Pays de la Loire region, it was possible to estimate the prevalence of symptoms and MSDs, as well as exposure to their risk factors, among temporary workers. Methods - With the participation of 83 volunteer occupational physicians, a sample of 3,710 employees was randomly selected during periodic medical examinations between 2002 and 2004. Medical and occupational exposure data were collected via self-administered questionnaires.The diagnosis of the main upper limb MSDs was made by occupational physicians using a standardized clinical approach. Results - In this sample, 194 were temporary workers, the vast majority of whom were manual laborers (88%). The results presented here concern comparisons of the 171 temporary manual laborers with the 1,412 non-temporary manual laborers. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and MSDs was not significantly higher among temporary workers, except for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (3.5% vs. 1.4%). However, temporary workers were significantly more exposed to occupational risk factors for MSDs. Conclusion - Despite temporary workers’ increased exposure to MSD risk factors, the prevalence of symptoms and MSDs, although high, is overall no higher than that observed among other workers. This result can be partially explained by the lower average age of temporary workers. (R.A.)