Lower Back Problems and Work-Related Risks in a South African Manganese Factory

Abstract

An analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study carried out among 109 manganese plant workers aimed to examine the prevalence and association between lower back problems (LBP) and occupational risk factors. Outcome was defined using a guided questionnaire and a functional rating index. Exposure to occupational risk factors was determined using self-reported questionnaires and workstation analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated significant adjusted odds ratios (OR) for prolonged 90° trunk flexion (OR 2.16; CI 1.15-4.05); manual handling (1.89; 1.17-3.08); load carriage (1.54; 1.08-2.19); and lifting (4.61; 1.37-15.47). The findings openUP (August 2007) illustrate regional and occupational specifics of risk for LBP, and indicate that selfselection or adaptation to task-specific demands could possibly lead to observations of ergonomically relevant risk factors, which do not necessarily yield statistically significant associations with LBP. The findings further support multi-modal preventative approaches.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of low‐back pain in textile fishing net manufacturing

“…Furthermore, the present study revealed that stooping and lifting were potential factors in LBP. This finding conformed with those of previous studies, which found an association between stooping and lifting and the prevalence of LBP (Hoogendoorn et al, 2002; Miranda et al, 2008; van Vuuren et al, 2007). The last work characteristic significantly associated with prevalence of LBP was high (mental) concentration in work.…”

“…The section regarding work‐related factors was developed based on a literature review covering reaching, prolonged standing and walking, prolonged sitting, prolonged floor sitting, high concentration during work tasks and pushing and pulling tasks, and association with the occurrence of LBPs (Hoogendoorn et al, 2002; van Vuuren et al, 2007). Direct observation of workers in local factories was also made as a basis for identifying candidate work factors in LBPs and for inclusion in the survey.…”

Common work-related musculoskeletal strains and injuries

“…2 International statistics indicate an increasing incidence. 5 Neck pain occurs in between 15-44% of the general community, but is reported as affecting between 50-60% of office workers. 1 Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common and disabling WMSDs, 6 affecting up to 25% of active workers.…”

Potential Development for Self-care of Low Back Pain People

“…อาการปวดหลั ง (Low back pain) เป็ น กลุ ่ มอาการที ่ สร้ างความร� าคาญและเป็ นสาเหตุ หนึ ่ ง ที ่ ท� าให้ แต่ ละปี มี ผู ้ ที ่ ไม่ สามารถท� างานได้ จนต้ อง หยุ ดงาน [1]…”