BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints among construction workers. METHODS: An initial questionnaire was sent to a cohort of bricklayers, carpenters, and pavers in 2000. Workers who reported no musculoskeletal complaints were selected (n = 539) and divided into groups that either used or did not use ergonomic measures. The incidence of low back complaints among members of the two groups was re-assessed with a follow-up questionnaire administered in 2005. RESULTS: A total of 12.4% of the construction workers reported regular use of ergonomic measures at baseline and during follow-up. The 4.5-year incidence of regular or sustained low back complaints was 17.3%. Frequent use of ergonomic measures was associated with a 15% (RR = 0.85; 95% confidence interval = 0.46-1.55) reduced risk of reporting regular or sustained low back complaints among construction workers after a 4.5-year period. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find a statistically significant primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints. Sustained use of effective ergonomic measures among a large group of young construction workers is necessary to provide possible evidence for a significant and relevant primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints in the long term. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints among construction workers. METHODS: An initial questionnaire was sent to a cohort of bricklayers, carpenters, and pavers in 2000. Workers who reported no musculoskeletal complaints were selected (n = 539) and divided into groups that either used or did not use ergonomic measures. The incidence of low back complaints among members of the two groups was re-assessed with a follow-up questionnaire administered in 2005. RESULTS: A total of 12.4% of the construction workers reported regular use of ergonomic measures at baseline and during follow-up. The 4.5-year incidence of regular or sustained low back complaints was 17.3%. Frequent use of ergonomic measures was associated with a 15% (RR = 0.85; 95% confidence interval = 0.46-1.55) reduced risk of reporting regular or sustained low back complaints among construction workers after a 4.5-year period. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find a statistically significant primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints. Sustained use of effective ergonomic measures among a large group of young construction workers is necessary to provide possible evidence for a significant and relevant primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints in the long term. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Authors: Steven J Wurzelbacher; Alysha R Meyers; Michael P Lampl; P Timothy Bushnell; Stephen J Bertke; David C Robins; Chih-Yu Tseng; Steven J Naber Journal: J Safety Res Date: 2021-09-17
Authors: Julitta S Boschman; Henk F van der Molen; Judith K Sluiter; Monique Hw Frings-Dresen Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2012-10-13 Impact factor: 2.362