Low Back Pain and Upper-Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in French Postal Workers Driving Light-Duty Vehicles for Mail and Parcel Delivery

Bibliographic Data

ID15499334
AuthorsAnca Radauceanu (0000-0001-9869-3594, Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, corresponding author), Michel Grzebyk (0000-0001-6522-7554, Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, corresponding author), Stéphanie Boini (0000-0003-0420-3166, Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), Mathieu Dziurla (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), Jean-Jacques Atain-Kouadio (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), Agnès Aublet‐Cuvelier (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), Agnès Aublet-Cuvelier (Working Life Department, French Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS), 1, Rue du Morvan, CS 60027, CEDEX, 54519 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France)
Year2023
Volume20
Issue3
Pages2509-2509
Publication date2023-01-31
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph20032509
PMID36767879
OpenAlexW4318818896
LanguageEN
References cited43

Occupational driving of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) became increasingly important in parcel delivery faced with the explosive growth of e-commerce. Since musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent the most reported driving-related health problem, we aimed to analyze the risk of low back pain (LBP) and upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) associated with driving LDVs for parcel delivery. In 306 postal workers exposed to driving and 100 unexposed workers, information on occupational driving, physical/psychosocial constraints, and work organization were collected via a questionnaire. MSDs were assessed using the Nordic Questionnaire, 14 additional questions regarding LBP, and a standardized clinical examination for UEMSDs. Statistical modeling consisted of multivariable logistic regression for UEMSDs and the item response theory approach for LBP. UEMSDs were associated with the distance of rural rounds and inversely associated with urban/mixed delivery rounds. Handling heavy loads was associated with LBP, and high physical demands during delivery rounds were related to MSDs. Karasek dimensions and mobbing actions were associated with MSDs. Work recognition, driving training, using an automatic gearbox, and the utilization of additional staff during peak periods were inversely associated with MSDs. Our results suggest that the distance driven in rural settings and high physical demands were associated with MSDs, while some organizational factors could protect from MSDs

Alternative medicine · Environmental health · Injury prevention · Logistic regression · Low back pain · Musculoskeletal disorder · Occupational safety and health · Physical medicine and rehabilitation · Physical therapy · Poison control · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation · Occupational Health and Safety Management

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access