Measuring low back injury risk factors in challenging work environments: an evaluation of cost and feasibility.
BACKGROUND
Measuring low back injury risk factors in field research presents challenges not encountered in laboratory environments.


METHODS
We compared the practical application of five measurement methods (observations, interviews, electromyography (EMG), inclinometry, and vibration monitoring) for 223 worker days in 50 heavy-industry worksites in western Canada. Data collection successes, challenges, costs, and data detail were documented for each method.


RESULTS
Measurement success rates varied from 42.2% (seatpan accelerometer) to 99.6% (post-shift interview) of worker days assessed. Missed days for direct monitoring equipment were primarily due to explosive environments, workplace conditions likely to damage the equipment, and malfunctions. Costs per successful measurement day were lowest for interviews (approximately 23 dollars), about 10-fold higher for observations and inclinometry, and more than 20-fold higher for EMG and vibration monitoring.


CONCLUSIONS
Costs and successful field performance need to be weighed against the added data detail gained from monitoring equipment when making choices about exposure assessment techniques for epidemiological studies.
School of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4. cmtrask@interchange.ubc.ca
Catherine
C
Trask
Kay
K
Teschke
Judy
J
Village
Yat
Y
Chow
Peter
P
Johnson
Nancy
N
Luong
Mieke
M
Koehoorn
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002170:Canada; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004576:Electromyography / Q000191:economics; D006804:Ergonomics; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008669:Metallurgy; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics; D016272:Occupational Health; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014732:Vibration