Low Back Pain (LBP) incidence, ergonomics risk and workers’ characteristics in relations to lbp in electronics assembly manufacturing

Aims: Electronics industry workers might have increased the risk of low back pain (LPB). This cohort study aimed to investigate LBP incidence and provide a baseline of ergonomic factors and workers’ characteristics associated with LBP. Methods: A six-month monitoring phase was designed using 196 electronic workers to identify LBP incidence. Baseline data were collected for ergonomic risk by RULA and lighting intensity measurement. Personal factors and work stress were surveyed by job content questionnaires (JCQ). Results: Ergonomic risk related to sitting posture was indicated at inspection with lamp (66.7%; change needed). High risk was shown among standing workers at punching and E-check processes. The lighting intensity did not meet the recommended standard in the arm range zone 2 of inspection and E-check stations. Dissatisfaction was reported due to work stress, workload, work rhythm, and job control. The six-month LBP incidence was 52.5%. Work experience less than three years (RR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.031.90) and chronic diseases (RR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.091.82) were significantly correlated with LBP incidence. Conclusions: Ergonomic and lighting conditions at E-check and inspection should be improved, and the promotion of short break exercise during shiftwork period is suggested. LBP should be closely surveilled in workers who had less job experience and underlying diseases.