Prevalence of back discomfort and estimates of back load in two manufacturing facilities

摘要

This study evaluated the associated between the prevalence of back discomfort and estimates of back load posed by nine jobs in two manufacturing facilities. Prevalence of back discomfort experienced was estimated through self-administered questionnaires. A total of 266 questionnaires were distributed to workers randomly selected form nine jobs in two factories. Workers were asked to rate on a 0-5 scale of the discomfort level they experienced in the back for a one-month period before and at the time of the survey. The return rate for each job ranges from 57/100 to 10/100. Overall, 14.5/100 of the survey respondents experienced some discomfort in the back.