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Lower Back Problems and Work-Related Risks in a South African Manganese Factory

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Abstract

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° 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.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the management, in particular Piet Myburgh, and the workforce of the specific manganese plant under study for their cooperation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences, LC de Villiers Sport Centre, University of Pretoria, South Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

    Bernard van Vuuren & Hendrik J. van Heerden

  2. Department Human Physiology & Sports Medicine, Faculty LK, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1000, Brussels, Belgium

    Bernard van Vuuren & Romain Meeusen

  3. Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, Private Bag X 385, Pretoria, South Africa

    Piet J. Becker

  4. Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

    Piet J. Becker

  5. Department of Movement Education and Sportstraining, Faculty LK, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1000, Brussels, Belgium

    Evert Zinzen

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  1. Bernard van Vuuren
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Correspondence to Bernard van Vuuren.

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van Vuuren, B., van Heerden, H.J., Becker, P.J. et al. Lower Back Problems and Work-Related Risks in a South African Manganese Factory. J Occup Rehabil 17, 199–211 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-007-9073-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-007-9073-4

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