Occupational factors affecting sick leave attributed to low-back pain

Scand J Work Environ Health. 1998 Apr;24(2):145-52. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.292.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the occupational factors that cause workers to take sick leave attributed to low-back pain.

Methods: Twice, with a 24-month interval, 117 white- and 189 blue-collar employees from 2 metal industry companies completed a questionnaire on recurrent low-back pain and exposure to potential risk factors (biomechanical loads, physical environment, psychosocial factors) at work. Sick leave was monitored for the period between the questionnaires.

Results: Low-back pain was predicted by exposure to harmful biomechanical loads among both white- and blue-collar workers [odds ratio (OR) 4.1 and 4.7, respectively), stress among white-collar workers (OR 2.4), and draft among blue-collar workers (OR 2.3). The take-up of sick leave was predicted by exposure to harmful biomechanical loads [rate ratio (RR) 1.7]; for sick leaves attributed to low-back pain the rate ratio was 3.1. Lack of recognition and respect at work predicted sick leave attributed to low-back pain (RR 2.0), but not sick leave attributed to other disorders.

Conclusions: Recurrent low-back pain is preceded by reports of harmful biomechanical loads at work among white- and blue-collar workers, by stress among white-collar workers and by draft among blue-collar workers. The environmental and psychosocial factors under study did not modify the relation between biomechanical loads and recurrent low-back pain. Sick leave attributed to back disorders is preceded by exposure to biomechanical loads at work and by a lack of recognition and respect at work among blue-collar workers. Biomechanical loading seems to be the most important occupational factor predicting both recurrent low-back pain and sick leave attributed to back disorders. Lack of recognition and respect at work appear to affect sick leave attributed to back disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Low Back Pain / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sick Leave*
  • Social Environment
  • Weight-Bearing
  • Workload