Lower back problems and work-related risks in a South African manganese factory.
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 degrees 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 illustrate regional and occupational specifics of risk for LBP, and indicate that self-selection 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.
van Vuuren
Bernard
B
Department of Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences, LC de Villiers Sport Centre, University of Pretoria, South Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa. bernard.vanvuuren@up.ac.za
van Heerden
Hendrik J
HJ
Becker
Piet J
PJ
Zinzen
Evert
E
Meeusen
Romain
R
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008345:Manganese; D008669:Metallurgy; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011187:Posture; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis
D008345:Manganese