Priority approaches of occupational safety and health activities for preventing low back pain among caregivers

Objectives: The incidence of occupational low back pain (LBP) is high among caregivers. The use of care equipment and training about care methods could prevent LBP among caregivers. However, in care facilities in Japan, these measures are not adequately employed. Moreover, the care facilities have faced issues regarding poor staffing in recent years. The present study investigated the relationship between LBP and occupational safety and health activities (OSHAs) for preventing LBP among caregivers and aimed to validate the priority approaches of OSHA. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in care facilities for the elderly in Japan. Questionnaires for administrators and caregivers were distributed to 1,000 facilities and 5,000 caregivers, respectively. Questionnaires completed by 612 facilities and 2,712 caregivers were analyzed. Results: No direct association was observed between severe LBP and OSHA, but indirect association was done. A significant relationship was noted between severe LBP and the care methods. Direct factors causing severe LBP were lifting a resident using human power and taking an unsuitable posture. These care methods were associated with the following OSHAs: promoting the use of care equipment, training about care methods, and consultation regarding the use of care equipment and employing an appropriate care method with the person in charge. Conclusions: These OSHAs decreased lifting a resident using human power and taking an unsuitable posture, which are the primary risk factors of LBP. Therefore, these OSHAs should be implemented as priority approaches to prevent LBP among caregivers in care facilities for the elderly.