Citation

Hyytiainen K, Saarela KL. J. Occup. Accid. 1990; 11(3): 157-170.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Four methods (analysis of occupational accident reports, interview in connection with reported incidents, questionnaire on risk factors and observational safety analysis) to identify occupational risk factors for low back injuries were studied in sedentary and manual work. The reports to the insurance companies covered only accidental low back injuries and did not contain detailed information about factors leading to accidents. A great variety of information about risk factors was obtained through interviewing self reported cases. However, motivation to participate in the study was low and the method was time-consuming. Opinions on risk factors for low back accidents were also gathered by means of a questionnaire but the information obtained in this way was rather superficial. The safety analysis, carried out by a physician and an engineer observing the work and interviewing the employees and the foremen, provided a great variety of information about risk factors for low back injuries as well as prevailing work conditions and the demands of the work. If observers can be adequately trained this method could be recommended for general use in identifying risks for low back injuries.