| Document ID (ISN) | 104993 |
| CIS number |
06-307 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0271-3586 - American Journal of Industrial Medicine |
| Year |
2005 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
van Vuuren B.J., Becker P.J., van Heerden H.J., Zinzen E., Meeusen R. |
| Title |
Lower back problems and occupational risk factors in a South African steel industry |
| Bibliographic information |
May 2005, Vol.47, No.5, p.451-457. 53 ref. |
| Abstract |
The objective of this study was to identify occupational risk factors associated with the prevalence of low back (LB) problems in a semi-automated South African steel plant. The design consisted of an analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study among a group of 366 workers. Outcome of LB problems were determined using a guided questionnaire and a functional rating index; exposure to occupational risk factors was determined using a self-reported questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated significant adjusted odds ratios (OR) for twisting and bending (OR 2.81), bulky manual handling (OR 5.58), load carriage (OR 7.20), prolonged sitting (OR 2.33), kneeling and squatting (OR 4.62) and working on slippery and uneven surfaces (3.63). The findings confirm the multifactorial etiology in idiopathic LB problems, and emphasize the importance of multiple intervention strategies in industrial settings. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
South Africa; steelworks; risk factors; backache |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
subjective assessment; aetiology; symptoms; slippery floors; cross-sectional study; work posture; manual handling; questionnaire survey; manual lifting |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Belgium; South Africa |
| Subject(s) |
Metal production and metalworking
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Occupational medicine, epidemiology
Industries and occupations
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Iron and steel industry
|
