Correlation between manual lifting of loads and low back pain in workers of a supply center of vegetables and fruits

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between manual lifting of loads and low back pain in workers at a vegetables and fruit supply center. For that, data were collected on the variables associated with the tasks of lifting loads performed by 49 workers and the characteristics of low back pain. Pain intensity and degree of functional disability were evaluated by Numerical Visual Scale (NVS) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), respectively. The risk of developing low back pain was assessed by the NIOSH Lifting Equation and Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP). The prevalence of low back pain in workers was 73.6%. In the evaluation of the risks associated to the task, it was observed that the workers raised loads with weight above the recommended one, which consequently caused multidirectional static compression forces on the L4/L5 and L5/S1 discs of the workers’ spine higher than the limits stipulated in literature. In these analyzes, strong correlations were found between work done and self-reported low back pain (p < 0.001). In general, it is expected that the risk factors identified in this study will sensitize the managers so that the ergonomic propositions were performed systematically.