Occupational low back pain of delivery workers in commercial merchandise establishment

Abstract

Delivery workers in a general merchandise store, which mainly deals with food and groceries, were assessed with regard to their occupational environment in order to study the risk factors for back pain and other difficulties. Then, the data were analyzed for planning and development of the preventive measures. The samples were composed of 365 males (31.4 years of age on average) in 1997, 360 males (31.9) in 1998, and 362 males (32.1) in 1999. Based on the assessment results, exercise routines at workplace were created and instructed. The workers also received instruction on work methods and postures, and a test of physical strength and fitness was performed. In addition, training of the leader, assessment of back pain, and exercise classes for back pain relief were carried out. As a result, cases with back pain were decreased from 62.7% to 47.2%. A physical examination by a physician demonstrated that the ratio of cases without symptom of back pain was increased from 30.5% to 90.2%. A test of physical strength and fitness revealed that muscular strength and muscle tenacity were significantly improved. Although the merchandise company previously tried to reduce the back pain of the workers by means of improving the occupational environment and introducing labor-saving machines, there was no significant improvement. After introducing the preventive measures and exercise, marked improvements were attained. This success is considered to be achieved by detailed investigation of the working situation, prevention and cure, and education of the workers. The establishment of comprehensive support system appeared to be important.