Van Vuuren, Bernard J.Van Heerden, Hendrik J.Becker, Piet J.Zinzen, EvertMeeusen, Romain2007-09-142007-09-142007-03Van Vuuren, B, Van Heerden, HJ, Becker, PJ, Zinzen, E & Meeusen, R 2007, 'Lower back problems and work-related risks in a South African Manganese factory', Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 199-211. [http://www.springerlink.com/content/105365/]1053-048710.1007/s10926-007-9073-4http://hdl.handle.net/2263/3485An analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study carried out among 109 manganese plant workers aimed to examine the prevalence and association between lower back problems (LBP) and occupational risk factors. Outcome was defined using a guided questionnaire and a functional rating index. Exposure to occupational risk factors was determined using self-reported questionnaires and workstation analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated significant adjusted odds ratios (OR) for prolonged 90 degrees trunk flexion (OR 2.16; CI 1.15–4.05); manual handling (1.89; 1.17–3.08); load carriage (1.54; 1.08–2.19); and lifting (4.61; 1.37–15.47). The findings illustrate regional and occupational specifics of risk for LBP, and indicate that self-selection or adaptation to task-specific demands could possibly lead to observations of ergonomically relevant risk factors, which do not necessarily yield statistically significant associations with LBP. The findings further support multi-modal preventative approaches.253092 bytesapplication/pdfenSpringer Verlag. The original publication is available at www.springerlink.comNon-specific back painOccupational riskManual labourSouth AfricaBackacheOccupational diseasesOveruse injuriesPostprint Article