Risk factors of low back pain amongst port crane operator in Malaysia

Abstract

Low back pain was reported as the main case for the musculoskeletal disorder among port crane operators. This paper investigated the risk factors of LBP and identified the root causes of low back pain amongst port crane operator in Malaysia. Modified Nordic questionnaire, structured interviews with four quay crane operators, direct vibration measurement were used to collect the data. Then, the data were analysed using SPSS version 14 and ergonomics assessment named Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). From the results, univariate analysis indicated that there was significant association between duration of exposure with low back pain (p < 0.001). Binomial logistic regression showed that those operators who were exposed to current working conditions of more than 5 years were 7 times more likely to stop work due to low back pain. However, there was no significant association found between characteristics and low back pain. Combination effect of long term exposure to whole-body vibration and postural stress might increase the risk of low back pain. In conclusion, operators of quay crane are at risk of having low back pain due to the exposure of working conditions. The findings may help port crane operators to improve their awareness on risk of low back pain.