According to a study published on bmj.com, back injuries are not prevented by telling people the correct way to lift heavy objects.
Back pain can be the cause of much distress and is a common complaint among workers involved with lifting heavy objects. Employers in the United Kingdom must be sure to provide training that advises workers on specific lifting techniques and on how to handle heavy loads correctly. However, this recent meta-analysis finds no evidence that the training and advice given to workers has any effect.
The research team analyzed eleven studies with the following properties.
- Eight studies focused on health workers who handled lifting patients
- Three studies followed baggage handlers and postal workers
- All participants worked at jobs that strained the back
- All participants could potentially lessen strain through proper training
- No participants were actively treating current back pain
After evaluating the eleven studies, the researchers found no difference in back pain when comparing groups who received training and groups who did not. When comparing a group that received training and a group that received a less-extensive video to watch on pack pain, there was no effect on back pain noted. One trial concluded that there was no significant difference in reported back pain between a group that received training and a group that received back belts. No significant difference was found between groups that received training versus physical exercise. In another trial, there was no difference in back pain when comparing a group that received nothing and one that received training and an assistive device.
Explaining their findings, the researchers suggest that workers do not really change their habits for training to have an impact or the techniques taught in training do not actually reduce the potential for back injury. They propose that new ways of preventing back pain due to lifting can be the result of more research on how the back responds to stress at work and the development of back pain.
The article is accompanied by an editorial written by Niels Wedderkopp, an Associate Professor at the Back Research Center in Ringe, Denmark. He suggests that the best way for some people to deal with back pain is to change jobs and carefully stay active in daily life in order to “regain command of their back and their occupation.” He also warns that advice to stay active may not be the optimal for people whose work involves heavy lifting.
Effect of training and lifting equipment for preventing back pain in lifting and handling: systematic review
Kari-Pekka Martimo, Jos Verbeek, Jaro Karppinen, Andrea D Furlan, Esa-Pekka Takala, P Paul F M Kuijer, Merja Jauhiainen, Eira Viikari-Juntura
bmj.com, January 31, 2008
doi:10.1136/bmj.39463.418380.BE
Written by: Peter M Crosta, MA