Abstract: Studies in recent years have suggested that health beliefs, mental health and somatising tendency can affect musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).The present survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of MSDs among Iranian oil field workers and their association with these psychological and physical risk factors. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 60 workers in one of the southern oil fields of Iran in 2008. Data were collected using the standardized CUPID questionnaire, administered through interviewing by a physician. Chi-square (χ2) and logistic regression were used to analyze the data through SPSS. About 86.7% of workers reported at least one MSD in the previous 12 months. The most prevalent MSDs were knee pain (71%), low back pain (62%) and shoulder pain (52%). Low back pain was significantly associated with health beliefs that physical activity adversely effects back disorders. Neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist/hand pain were each associated with somatising tendency and knee pain was associated with climbing stairs and poor mental health. The prevalence of MSDs among oil field workers is high. Somatising tendency is importantly associated with MSDs.