M Ghasemi , F Dehghan , A Rezasoltani , H Shaikhzadeh ,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (2 2005)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to detect the level of the workers’ knowledge and their function regarding the care of lumbar spine. Some researchers have reported that increased knowledge of the workers, even when they have received specific training, does not cause any major changes in their back’s health and function. However, some research has shown a significant relationship between increased knowledge and improved worker function. Other research has shown that Back School instruction is effective in raising the level of knowledge in workers.
This research was carried out using two questionnaires that assessed the level of knowledge and function of workers in a car company. The questions were designed in four groups relating to: (1) goods and load properties and methods of carrying and handling, (2) worker’s posture at work, (3) physical exertion, (4) tools and conditions of the workplace. Measures of outcome included the workers&apos function and the knowledge.
We found that the workers&apos knowledge fell into one of 3 categories: low (%11), moderate (57%), and high (%32). We also found that %52 of workers had weak function, while %18 had moderate, and %2 had high function levels. Twenty-eight percent of workers showed function levels below that of the “low” category.
In brief , our research showed that the level of the workers’ knowledge of the appropriate methods of work in relation to their back was in an acceptable range. However, this function level was associated with low knowledge levels. No significant relationship was found between the workers’ knowledge levels and their functional improvement.
