Identifying Lower Limb Problems And The Types of Safety Footwear Worn In The Australian Wine Industry: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Abstract

Background: The Australian wine industry is a valuable part of the wider Australian economy worth approximately AUD$45billion annually and employs 163,790 people either full time or part time. Australian agricultural industries are amongst the nation’s most dangerous workplaces with joint, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries being commonplace along with wounds, lacerations and musculoskeletal diseases. It is therefore important to try and minimise the risk of injuries to workers as much as possible. The aims of this study were to (1) identify the types of lower limb problems that occur in the Australian wine industry and (2) identify the types of safety footwear used. Methods: Participants were recruited from the Australian wine industry. The study was a cross sectional anonymous survey of 82 questions with n=207 respondents. Questions related to job role performed, types of lower limb problems experienced, level of pain, restriction of activities, types of footwear worn, general health and physical health.Results: The main working roles were 73.4% winery, 52.2% vineyard, 39.6% laboratory, 32.4% cellar door and 8.2% office, with 63.3% of participants working in more than one role. Lower back pain was the most commonly reported problem at 56% followed by foot pain 36.7%, knee pain 24.6 %, leg pain 21.3%, ankle pain 17.9%, hip pain 15.5%, toe pain 13% and heel pain 11.1%. The most popular footwear used by participants was the elastic sided safety boot, followed by a high cut lace up safety boot with side zip. Overall, although the pain experienced was moderate to severe, it did not impact the workers ability to perform their duties and the majority self-reported as being in very good general and physical health.Conclusion: To date no data has been published on the frequency of lower limb problems or the types of safety footwear worn in the Australian wine industry. This study demonstrated that elastic sided safety boots were the most popular amongst respondents and with that, certain lower limb problems can occur. Therefore, further research into the safety footwear used is needed to better support workers health while working in varied roles and conditions.