Assessment of the type of farmers' low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Spinal overload among blue-collar workers occurs most frequently in the lumbar spine. Long-lasting spinal overload results in pain syndromes leading to limitations in everyday and professional life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research included 106 adult males working as farmers for at least 10 years. The control group included 50 male white-collar workers. Four research tools were used: an interview questionnaire, a questionnaire assessing pain intensity and limitations in everyday functioning of study participants, a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) measuring pain intensity and Oswestry Disability Index. RESULTS: The research revealed that as many as 86% of the farmers (91 individuals) experienced low back pain. In the control group only 64% of all the white-collar workers complained of pain in this part of the spine. The farmers defined their low back pain as constant pain or stiffness significantly more often. In addition, they reported hip pain radiating to one or 2 legs and experienced chronic and acute back pain more frequently. The total time in which they experienced this pain was usually 11-20 years. The correlation between pain intensity measured on a numeric scale and the level of disability of farmers was revealed. CONCLUSIONS: The research revealed that individual farmers complained of low back pain significantly more often. The pain was usually defined as constant pain, chronic pain, acute pain or hip pain radiating to legs. Med Pr 2018;69(4):355-364.

Assessment of musculoskeltal system pain complaints reported by forestry workers.

INTRODUCTION: According to the European Occupational Diseases Statistics (EODS-2005) diseases related with musculoskeletal disorders occupy the first position on the obligatory list of occupational diseases. These disorders most frequently occur in the agriculture-hunting-forestry sector in such countries as: Finland, Holland, Germany, France and Spain (data: EU-OSHA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a selected group of males - 414 forestry workers, employees of the State Forests, aged 25-65, mean age 48. The control group were 119 office workers aged 23-64, mean age 45.8. The basic research instrument was a questionnaire designed by specialists concerning pain complaints occurring in 7 areas of the motor system: neck, arms, upper and lower back, hips, knees and feet. RESULTS: The results of the survey showed that in the selected group of forestry workers, among 7 investigated areas of the motor system, the most frequently reported pain complaints involved the lower part of the spine (272 persons, 65.7% of the total number of respondents). In the control group such pain complaints occurred in 55.5% (66) of office workers (p = 0.04). Forestry workers most often described this pain as permanent, radiating to the leg, or as an acute pain. According to the frequency of reporting pain, the area of the knees was placed on the second position (214 foresters; 51.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The work of a forester which consist, among other things, in relocation on foot or by vehicle over long distances along an uneven terrain and in various weather conditions, is a risk factor of the occurrence of musculosceletal disorders concerning the low back and knees.

[Complaints of low back pain among private farmers exposed to whole body vibration]. / Dolegliwosci bólowe w dolnej czesci kregoslupa u rolników indywidualnych narazonych na dzialanie wibracji ogólnej.

BACKGROUND: Work-related lower back disorders, which involve the lumbo-sacral region, as well as injuries of the lumbar section of the spine, are a serious and constantly growing problem in Europe. Whole body vibration is one of the major hazardous factors suspected of the development of back pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered a selected group of males, 98 farmers (aged 55.3 +/- 10.1) from the area of 7 communes in the Lublin Region, engaged in the mixed agricultural production (plant-animal). The control group consisted of 40 academic workers (university and research institute employees) aged 48.9 +/- 9.6 years. A questionnaire concerning low back pain (in the lumbar region) designed by the researchers of the Institute of Rural Health in Lublin was used as a major research tool. The degree of farmers' exposure to whole body vibration was evaluated based on the parameter known as a cumulative vibration dose (d) (years x m2 x s(-1)). RESULTS: The measurements showed that the cumulative vibration dose for the selected group of farmers (98) remained within the range of 2.90-9.68 (years x m2 x s(-1)), in the time interval between 15-50 years of work in conditions of exposure to vibration. The survey confirmed that private farmers exposed to whole body vibration considerably more frequently complained of back pain (92 farmers, 94% of the total number of respondents), than academic workers (control group not exposed to whole body vibration (25 researchers, 63%); p < 0.0001. Also the frequency of back pain in all the three time intervals of employment (15-25, 26-35, 36-50 years) is significantly higher in the group of farmers than in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of back pains experienced by farmers during the entire period of occupational activity increases with a growing dose of whole body vibration (p = 0.005). In the incidence of chronic pain an upward tendency was observed (statistically insignificant).

[Preliminary evaluation of musculoskeletal pain disorders reported by private farmers]. / Wstepna ocena dolegliwosci bólowych ze strony ukladu miesniowo-szkieletowego, zglaszanych przez rolników indywidualnych.

BACKGROUND: According to the data recorded by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, nearly 24% of employees from the EU-25 countries complain of back pain, while 22% report muscular pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered a selected group of 58 male farmers, inhabitants of 7 districts in the Lublin region, engaged in the mixed agricultural production (plant-animal), aged 54.9 +/- 10.1. The control group comprised 41 researchers of the University of Life Sciences and the Institute of Rural Health, aged 48.9 +/- 9.6. The basic research instrument was a self-designed questionnaire on pain complaints occurring within the motor system: in the lower and upper parts of the spine, and in the region of the neck and shoulders. RESULTS: The results of the survey showed that of the four regions of the motor organs examined, the farmers reported most frequently pain complaints in the lower part of the spine (54 farmers; 93.1% of the total number of respondents), whereas in the control group, pain in this region was reported by 63.4% of researchers (p = 0.0002). Lower back pain most often occurred in farmers during their entire occupational life (64.8%), while in the control group this type of pain had occurred in the last 12 months (57.7%). Farmers described this pain as permanent, radiating to one or both legs, whereas in the control group these were short-lasting episodes (less than 14 days).

Studies of farmers' annual exposure to whole body vibration on selected family farms of mixed production profile.

The objective of the study was to recognize and evaluate the annual exposure of private farmers to whole body mechanical vibration on selected family farms of mixed production profile (plant-animal). The scope of study covered the carrying out of time schedules of agricultural activities, and measurements of the frequency weighted vibration acceleration (m/s(2)), expressed as effective values (r.m.s.) for each of three spatial directions on the seat surface within the period of the whole year. The basic vibration parameter was vibration dose (d). The following values were determined: total monthly vibration dose, mean equivalent daily vibration dose, and mean equivalent daily vibration acceleration. The highest values of the total monthly vibration dose (d) were observed in April and August (55.3-56.7 m(2)/s(4).h). The mean equivalent of daily vibration acceleration showed the highest values in four months of the year: April, August, September and October (0.49-0.60 m/s(2)); the average value of this parameter for the whole year reached the level of 0.44 m/s(2) - below the standard. Due to the occurrence in agricultural vehicles of mechanical shocks (mean values of maximum vibration acceleration: 0.82-1.00 m/s(2); exceeding the standard), and exceeding of the daily exposure action value, proper steps should be undertaken with respect to the protection of private farmers against risk resulting from exposure to mechanical vibration while performing work activities.

[Low back pain among farmers exposed to whole body vibration: a literature review]. / Bóle pleców w dolnej czesci kregoslupa wsród rolników eksponowanych na wibracje ogólna--przeglad pismiennictwa.

A literature review was performed for the years 1990-2007. It covered reports addressing the problems associated with the prevalence of low back pain and musculoskeletal disorders among farmers. In addition, the anticipated relationship between low back pain and whole body vibration in farmers was evaluated based on 12 reports for the years 1987-2009. The review confirmed that the prevalence of back pain is significantly higher in farmers exposed to whole body vibration than in the control group (not exposed to vibration). The frequency of back pain is related with whole body vibration, as well as with prolonged sitting position, wrong body posture and physical work load (especially lifting and carrying loads). The prevalence of these symptoms increases with the increased vibration dose and duration of exposure. Disorders in the lower section of the spine were associated with age, accidents (concerning the back), cumulative dose of whole body vibration, and overload due to wrong body posture. Long-term exposure affecting the whole body is harmful to the skeletal system (degeneration of the spine). The results of the study suggest that the repeated or constant exposure to mechanical shocks may increase the risk of low back pain. The investigations confirmed that there is a dose-response type of relationship between exposure to whole body vibration and pain in the lumbar section of the spine.

Assessment of annual exposure of private farmers to whole body mechanical vibration on selected family farms of plant production profile.

The objective of the study was evaluation of an annual exposure of private farmers to whole body mechanical vibration on selected family farms of plant production profile. The study covered 15 family farms, using arable land of the size of 10-50 ha (22.3 ha on average), engaged mainly in plant production, and equipped with tractors, tractor-mounted agricultural machinery, with a partial contribution of self-propelled machines. The scope of the study covered the carrying out of time schedules of agricultural activities, and measurements of effective values (RMS) for vibration acceleration (equivalent), frequency corrected, on the seats of farm vehicles in 3 spatial directions of vibration (X, Y, Z). The measurements were made while performing various basic field and transport work activities during the period of the whole year. The study showed (plant production) that the degree of whole body mechanical vibration load among farmers during the whole year depends on the vibration level and duration of exposure to this factor. The highest values of the total vibration dose (d) occur both during summer-autumn months (August, September, October and November), and in spring (April, May). The mean equivalent of daily vibration acceleration shows the highest values during 4 months of the year: April and May (0.52 m/s(2)), and in August and September (0.56-0.57 m/s(2)); the average value of this parameter, for the whole year, reaches the level of 0.45 m/s(2). Considering the fact of the occurrence of mechanical shocks in agricultural vehicles (high maximum accelerations values registered: 0.81-1.01 m/s(2); standard exceeding), and exceeding of the daily exposure action value, proper steps should be undertaken with respect to the protection of private farmers against risk resulting from exposure to mechanical vibration while performing work activities.

[Assessment of annual exposure of private farmers to the whole body mechanical vibration on selected family farms of animal production profile]. / Ocena calorocznej ekspozycji rolników indywidualny na drgania mechaniczne oddzialujace na cale cialo w wybranych gospodarstwach rodzinnych o profilu produkcji zwierzecej.

BACKGROUND: Besides noise, mechanical vibration of a general effect (whole body vibration), is an important physical risk factor that occurrs in the farmers' work environment. The vibration occurs on the seats of agricultural vehicles in motion, during the performance of specified field and transportation work tasks. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study covered the measurements of time schedules of agricultural activities, and effective values (RMS) for frequency of weighted vibration acceleration (equivalent), frequency corrected, on the seats of farm vehicles in three spatial directions of vibration (X,Y,Z) throughout the year. The basic vibration parameter was the dose (d). The following values were determined: total monthly vibration dose, mean equivalent daily vibration dose and mean equivalent daily vibration acceleration. RESULTS: The highest values of the total monthly vibration dose occur both during summer-autumn months (August, September), and in spring (April, May). The mean equivalent daily vibration acceleration shows the highest values during four months of the year: April and May (0.50-0.53 m/s2), and August and September (0.47-0.50 m/s2); the average value of this parameter, for the whole year, reaches the level of0.37 m/s2. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the fact that mechanical shocks occur in agricultural vehicles (mean maximum accelerations values registered: 0.86-0.99 m/s2; standard exceeding), and the threshold level of vibration exceeds the required values, adequate steps should be undertaken to protect private farmers against the risk resulting from exposure to mechanical vibration while performing their work.

[Relationship between the level of total exposure to noise among private farmers and the degree of hearing loss]. / Ocena zaleznosci miedzy poziomem calkowitego narazenia zawodowego na halas rolników indywidualnych a wielkoscia ubytków sluchu.

BACKGROUND: In Poland, the problem of noise risk among farmers has been poorly recognized and underestimated by the decision-making circles. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between exposure to noise during the whole period of employment and degree of hearing loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The scope of the study covered the dosimetric measurements of noise, time-schedules of farming activities, and hearing examinations in a selected group of 44 farmers. The basic acoustic parameter was the dose during the whole period of employment. The analysis of the state of hearing in private farmers was based on three mean values defined as pure tone average (PTA) for frequency high frequency average (HFA) for frequency and the Cabinet Ordinance of 2002 (mean pure tone average for frequency). The relationship between hearing loss and the dose during the whole period of employment was investigated by means of linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The studies of the annual exposure to noise among private farmers showed that there is a high noise risk during the summer-autumn period, which covers three months (August, September, October). The degree of hearing impairment significantly increased with age and the dose during the whole period of employment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study allow predicting the upward tendency to hearing loss during occupational noise exposure of farmers to.

[Analysis of annual exposure to noise among private farmers according to production profile]. / Analiza calorocznej ekspozycji na halas rolników indywidualnych w zaleznosci od profilu produkcji.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was the recognition and evaluation of annual exposure to noise among private farmers on selected family farms of three different profiles of agricultural production (plant, animal and mixed). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on time schedules of agricultural work activities and dosimetric measurements conducted during the whole year, 2 acoustic parameters were determined: total exposure to noise in individual months of the year and equivalent daily exposure to noise. RESULTS: The studies showed that in the case of farms carrying out plant production the highest value of total exposure to noise occurred during the summer-autumn months (July, September, October) and in winter (December, January). On farms of animal production profile the highest values were noted in summer-autumn months (August, October) and winter-spring months (January, March, May, June). On mixed production farms high values occurred in summer-autumn months (August-November) and in April. The distribution of equivalent daily exposure values during the whole year was similar. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicated that the greatest noise load occurs on farms carrying out plant and mixed production, whereas the lowest values concerned farms of animal production profile. These values considerably exceed standard values.

Preliminary recognition of whole body vibration risk in private farmers' working environment.

The objective of the study was the preliminary recognition of whole body mechanical vibration risk among farmers in the rural work environment. The study covered 15 farms using cultivated land of the size of over 10 ha, carrying out mixed production (plant-animal), equipped with agricultural tractors, and a basic set of tractor-mounted agricultural machinery, with a partial contribution of self-propelled agricultural machines. The scope of the study covered the measurements of effective vibration RMS acceleration (equivalent, maximum, minimum, peak) frequency corrected on the seats of agricultural vehicles in the three spatial directions of vibration (X, Y, Z). These measurements were realized while performing various field and transport work activities during the period of the whole year. A analysis of the peak, maximum and minimum vibration accelerations confirms that in the agricultural occupational environment there occurs a considerable variation of the vibration values registered. This is also evidenced by high values of the Crest Factor, sometimes exceeding a score of 10. Analysis of the registered equivalent values of vibration acceleration (frequency corrected) from the hygienic aspect showed that vibration occurring on the seats may create risk for farmers' health while performing such work activities as: tending and raking of hay, fertilizers spreading, soil aggregation, grass mowing and cultivation. Analysis of the spatial distribution of the measured, frequency corrected vibration accelerations indicates that considerably the highest acceleration values occur in the vertical plane (direction-Z). Literature data clearly confirm an unfavourable effect of whole body vibration present in agricultural vehicles on discomfort and the occurrence of back pain in the operators, especially in the low back region (lumbar spine), as well as degenerative changes in the spine.

Characteristics of annual exposure to noise among private farmers on family farms of mixed-production profile.

The objective of the study was the recognition and evaluation of annual exposure to noise among private farmers on farms engaged in mixed (plant-animal) production. The study covered 16 family farms using land of the size 13-30 ha (20.4 ha on average). The farms were equipped with agricultural tractors (2.4 tractors on average), selected workshop machinery, saws for logging and machines for the production of fodder. The following basic parameters were applied for the hygienic evaluation of noise: total monthly exposure and mean equivalent daily exposure expressed in Pa2 h. The study indicated that the highest values for total monthly exposure to noise were observed in 5 months, i.e. September, October, August, November and April. High total exposure values obtained in the summer-autumn months (August-November) are associated with the performance of such work activities as: harvesting of cereals and root plants, and cultivation of soil (characterised by the emission of sounds of high levels), with prolonged exposure to this factor and a large number of workdays in these months. In April, however, the occurrence of high total exposure values was due to intensive field activities (ploughing, harrowing, sowing), and prolonged exposure to this factor. In the seasons of the year analysed, high equivalent exposure values were observed within the range: 5.53-6.61 Pa2 h. Mean value for this parameter for the whole year reached the value of 4.27 Pa(2) h (standard exceeded 4.3 times). This value is equivalent to a mean exposure level equal to 91.3 dB. The results of studies of annual exposure to noise obtained by some other authors are close to the data presented in this report, and confirm that the degree of noise load clearly depends on the type of agricultural production and type of machines applied.

Evaluation of annual exposure to noise among private farmers on selected family farms of animal production profile.

The aim of the study was the recognition and evaluation of annual exposure to noise among private farmers on family farms of animal production profile. The study covered 16 family farms using arable land of the size of 14-50 ha (25.8 ha on average), equipped with agricultural tractors (working with a set of agricultural machines), machines for the production of fodder, workshop machines and woodworking saws. Based on the precise working time schedules concerning agricultural activities and dosimetric measurements conducted during the whole year, two acoustic parameters were determined: total exposure in individual months and equivalent daily exposure. The study showed that the highest values of the total monthly exposure to noise occurred in two summer-autumn months (August, October) and during four winter-spring months (January, March, and May, June). High values of the total exposure observed in the summer-autumn season result from the performance of intensive field and transport work activities, with prolonged duration of work and a large number of workdays in these months. The occurrence of high total values of the total exposure in winter-spring months, however, is associated with logging wood for winter (saws) and intensive repair work activities. In the seasons of the year analysed, high values of equivalent daily exposure were obtained, within the range: 4.20-4.86 Pa(2) x h. The average value of this parameter for the whole year reached the value: 3.61 Pa(2) x h (standard exceeded 3.6 times). This value is equivalent to the mean level of exposure to noise equal to 90.5 dB. In consideration of the moderate accuracy of mean values obtained and small degree of variability of the results, the data acquired in this study may be used in practice by proper State services for the evaluation of noise risk among private farmers specializing in animal production.

[Comparative analysis of occupational hearing loss risk among private farmers with reference to decision-making criteria contained in the cabinet ordinances (current and previous)]. / Analiza porównawcza ryzyka zawodowego ubytku sluchu wsród rolników indywidualnych w odniesieniu do kryteriów orzeczniczych zawartych w rozporzadzeniu rady ministrów (aktualne i poprzednie).

BACKGROUND: Noise present in the agricultural environment constitutes a significant risk for the hearing organ among private farmers. The change of the principles concerning diagnostic and decision-making procedures give rise to specific consequences of an ethical, social, medical, economic or political nature. The aim of the study was to perform a comparative analysis of the occurrence of the occupational hearing loss risk among private farmers, with reference to two different decision-making criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The assessment of the state of hearing in farmers, previously carried out in a selected group of 128 people, was the major research material. A comparative analysis of hearing loss and the evaluation of the risk of occupational hearing impairment was conducted on the basis of two different decision-making criteria set forth in the Cabinet Ordinances of 2002 and 1983, supplemented with the Instruction of the Minister of Health issued in 1987. In the evaluation of hearing loss the following aspects were considered: selected age and employment duration intervals as well as selected audiometric frequencies and types of the diagnosed hearing loss (total or corrected). The analysis of occupational risk, however, was based on specified frequencies of standard-exceeding hearing loss (standard: 30 dB or 45 dB). RESULTS: The analysis showed that the total hearing loss increased with farmers' age, whereas corrected loss was not age-ndependent. An increase in hearing loss independent on the duration of employment was observed only up to 30 years of employment; beyond this period a decrease in hearing loss (total and corrected) was noted. Standard-exceeding hearing loss, according to the 1983 decision-making criterion occurred considerably more often (11 cases; 8.6%), compared to that based on the 2002 criterion (8 cases; 6.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Bearing in mind that the greater corrected hearing loss occurs among younger people, it is recommended to apply corrected hearing loss in the evaluation of the degree of hearing impairment. Due to more frequent hearing loss within the range of high frequencies (4 and 6 kHz), and to provide the required distinctiveness of speech (tone), the frequency of 4 kHz should be applied in calculations of mean values. The comparative analysis of hearing loss inclined us to presume that the 1983 diagnostic procedures and decision-making criterion (corrected values; frequencies: 1, 2 and 4 kHz, standard: 30 dB) should be reinstated to ensure a proper protection of workers against noise.