The impact of operating heavy equipment vehicles on lower back disorders

Abstract

Literature reviews examining the relationship between heavy equipment vehicle (HEV) operation and the development of musculoskeletal disorders have generally been qualitative in nature and have not employed an evidence-based assessment procedure. This research determines the extent to which whole-body vibration/shock and working postures are associated with lower back and neck disorders among HEV operators, while accounting for individual (i.e. age, gender, prior history of back or neck disorders) and occupational (i.e. material handling, climatic conditions, psychosocial factors) confounders. Published articles were obtained from a search of electronic databases and from bibliographies in the identified articles. A critical appraisal of these articles was conducted using an epidemiological appraisal instrument (Genaidy et al. 2007). The meta-analysis was conducted using statistical techniques employing fixed-effect and random-effect models. Eighteen articles reporting observational studies satisfied the inclusion criteria adopted for this research. The methodological qualities of the published studies ranged from marginal to average. The meta-relative risk was found to be 2.21, indicating that operators exposed to driving HEVs are at more than twice the risk of developing lower back pain in comparison to those not exposed to driving HEVs. Therefore, it seems possible that there is a causal relationship between working as a HEV operator and development of lower back disorders. Prospective cohort studies are urgently needed to confirm the outcomes of this evidence-based methodology (based in part on the meta-analysis) and the biological plausibility should be further explored. The reported findings point to a need for improved ergonomic design of HEVs.

Common work-related musculoskeletal strains and injuries

“…In heavy equipment vehicle operators, LBP has been associated with steady-state whole-body vibration, as well as mechanical shocks induced by tough rides and high accelerations. 8 According to the Euro Back Unit Project, short-term LBP is back pain that affects the individual for less than 30 days in a year. 23 Methods used to treat acute LBP include medical, physiotherapeutic and/or chiropractic care.…”

“…7 Risk factors associated with the development of WMSDs include static work postures (trunk and neck twisting, stooping and deep sideways trunk bending), whole-body vibration, shock, physical work demands such as walking, pulling and lifting, climatic conditions, and psychosocial factors. 2,8,9 Obesity and decreased physical activity have also been associated with the development of WMSDs. 10,11 WMSDs can affect virtually all parts of the body, but the back, neck and shoulders and upper limbs account for more than 50% of cases.…”

Research Using Virtual Reality: Mobile Machinery Safety in the 21st Century

“…Epidemiologic studies have shown that heavy machinery operators are more likely to have low back problems than workers who are not exposed to whole body vibration [1,2]; this association has been further substantiated in a recent meta analysis which identified that operators exposed to driving heavy equipment vehicles are at more than twice the risk of developing lower back pain compared to individuals that are not exposed to driving heavy equipment vehicles [3]. Due to the high prevalence of heavy machinery in mechanized societies, between 4% and 7% of the work force in North America and Europe is exposed to potentially harmful levels of whole-body vibration [4,5].…”

Vibration and shock exposure of maintenance-of-way vehicles in the railroad industry

“…Poor ergonomic cab design and operator's body posture, inadequate seat support and muscle fatigue have been described as co-factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders of the spine in vehicle operators (Jorgensen et al, 2007;Pope et al, 1999;Waters et al, 2008). A review employing the Bradford-Hill criteria for assessing evidence of causation suggested that the evaluated data and studies support a causal link between back disorders and both driving occupations and whole-body vibration (Teschke et al, 1999).…”