Low back biomechanics during manual materials handling of beer kegs

2017 Fall.Includes bibliographical references.Biomechanical risk factors such as heavy loads and awkward trunk postures have been associated with occupational low back pain. Those same risk factors are commonly experienced among workers handling beer kegs. The present study used a 3-dimensional motion capture system as a tool to investigate the low back biomechanics during keg handling at a working brewery. Specifically, five workers transferred spent kegs from a pallet to a conveyor to be cleaned and filled with beer in the present study. Data was collected during the portion of the shift workers handled kegs. Low back angular displacements were assessed during keg handling at two heights. Kegs originated from a high or low position and were defined as a high or low lift. Kinematic data from the study was used to estimate compressive and shear forces at the lumbosacral joint from a 2-dimensional static biomechanical model. Repeated measures analyses were performed with each low back angular displacement variable as a function of lift condition. Differences in low back biomechanics between high and low lifts were identified. During low lifts, torso flexion was significantly greater than high lifts. The magnitudes of flexion achieved during low lifts significantly exceeded those of high lifts. Differences between left axial rotation where significant with larger magnitudes of rotation occurring during high lifts. A broader range of angular displacements was observed in high lifts. In both lifting conditions, estimated kinetics exceeded recommended action limits, potentially putting workers at an increased risk for developing low back pain. Work design (lift condition) influenced low back motion during keg handling. Data collection during operational hours was feasible due to the portability and small design of inertial measurement units. Results from the study can help improve workplace design in a craft brewery, reduce risk, and create safer work

Bibliography of communication and research products 2014

This publication is a compendium of NIOSH publications and reports produced during calendar year 2014. Citations are listed by category including: I. Journal Articles; II. Book or Book Chapters; III. NIOSH Numbered Publications; IV. Proceedings; V. Abstracts; VI. Control Technology Reports; VII. Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Reports; VIII. Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Reports; and, VIII. Health Hazard Evaluation Reports; IX. Ebola Interim Guidance Products. Author and National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) indexes are also included.Suggested citation: NIOSH [2015]. NIOSH bibliography of communication and research products 2014. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2015-112.NIOSHTIC No 20046111Foreword -- Introduction -- Journal articles -- Books or book chapters -- NIOSH numbered products -- Proceedings -- Abstracts -- Control technology reports -- Fatality assessment and control evaluation reports -- Fire fighter fatality investigation and prevention reports -- Health hazard evaluation reports -- Ebola interim guidance products -- Author index -- National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) index