Effects of working postures on low back pain

The prevalence of back pain in a sample of 100 employees in a clothes factory was studied and predisposing factors especially working postures were analyzed. The employee's ages were 17-40 years (mean 28 years). Durations of employment were between 1 month to 21 years (mean 9.4 years). Working time per day was 8 h. The subjects included 18 males and 82 females. The prevalence of back pain was 38%. Working activities like lifting, pulling and pushing, bending and sitting were highly associated with low back pain. Standing and walking were also associated but with a lower prevalence.