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Low-back and shoulder complaints among workers with pushing and pulling tasks
Marco J M Hoozemans1, Allard J van der Beek, Monique H W Fring-Dresen
1Coronel Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|November 16, 2002
Summary
Work-related pushing and pulling significantly increase the risk of shoulder complaints. However, the link between these physical tasks and low-back complaints appears limited, based on this study.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Ergonomics
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Background:
- Low-back and shoulder complaints are common in the workforce.
- Work-related pushing and pulling are potential risk factors for these complaints.
- Objective assessment of exposure is crucial for accurate risk evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between self-reported and objectively assessed exposure to work-related pushing and pulling.
- To examine the association with low-back and shoulder complaints.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 829 workers, including those with and without physically demanding tasks, was recruited.
- Exposure to pushing and pulling was assessed via questionnaires and objective observation (TRAC system) in a subsample.
- Prevalence of low-back and shoulder complaints was assessed at baseline and after 1 year using Cox regression analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between pushing and pulling exposure and low-back complaints.
- Significant associations were observed for shoulder complaints with both self-reported and objectively measured duration of pushing and pulling.
- Medium exposure to observed pushing and pulling frequency also showed a significant association with shoulder complaints.
Conclusions:
- A strong relationship exists between pushing and pulling tasks and the development of shoulder complaints.
- The evidence linking pushing and pulling to low-back complaints is currently limited.
- Objective assessment methods are valuable for understanding occupational risk factors.