The longitudinal relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and the incidence of low back complaints

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.

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.

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.

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.