Low back pain among residential carpenters: ergonomic evaluation using OWAS and 2D compression estimation

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2007;13(3):305-21. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2007.11076731.

Abstract

Occupational low back pain (LBP) remains a leading safety and health challenge. This cross-sectional investigation measured the prevalence of LBP in residential carpenters and investigated ergonomic risk factors. Ninety-four carpenters were investigated for LBP presence and associated risk factors. Ten representative job-tasks were evaluated using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and ErgoMaster 2D software to measure elements of posture, stress, and risk. Job-tasks were found to differ significantly for total lumbar compression and shear at peak loading (p < .001), ranging from 2 956 to 8 606 N and 802 to 1 974 N respectively. OWAS indicated that slight risk for injury was found in 10 job-tasks while distinct risk was found in 7 of the 10 job-tasks. Seven of the 10 job-tasks exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) action limit of 3 400 N for low back loading. The point prevalence for LBP was 14% while the annual prevalence was 38%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Ergonomics
  • Facility Design and Construction*
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / epidemiology*
  • Lumbosacral Region
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Spinal Cord Compression / epidemiology
  • Spinal Cord Compression / physiopathology
  • Task Performance and Analysis*