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

Abstract

Background: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.