Manual Handling of Heavy Loads and Low Back Pain: Results of the 2018 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey

Abstract Background: In Germany and other European countries, many occupations still involve manual handling of loads (MHL), an activity that puts the musculoskeletal system at risk of low back pain (LBP). This study aims to describe the frequency of MHL as well as the association between MHL and LBP. Methods: Data was collected in telephone interviews conducted as part of the 2018 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey.The analyses have been limited to full-time workers (>35 h/week) aged between 15 and 67. The frequency of MHL has been analysed descriptively. The analysis of the association between MHL and the prevalence of LBP over the last 12 months is based on robust log-linear Poisson regression that results in prevalence ratios (PR). The main regression model has been adjusted for gender, age, working hours, and working conditions. Adjusted estimates for the prevalence of LBP were calculated based on regression analysis. Results: The sample consists of n = 14,249 subjects (61.5% men, 38.5% women, median age 49 years). Of these, 52.9 % say they are exposed to MHL at work. In the regression model, subjects who said they were “often” exposed to MHL reported more frequently LBP than those subjects who said they were “never” exposed to MHL (PR = 1.41 CI [1.32; 1.50]). Postestimation of the prevalence of LBP began with 47.1 % for subjects who said they were “never” exposed to MHL and rose to 66.4 % for subjects who indicated they were “often” exposed to MHL. Conclusions: The 2018 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey emphasizes that MHL is still common in the German workforce and shows a significant association to LBP. Prevention policies for avoiding MHL remain vital. Key words: Manual handling of loads, low back pain, working conditions, BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey