SPRAIN STRAIN BACK INJURIES IN NEW-SOUTH-WALES UNDERGROUND COAL-MINING

Data on all NSW underground mine one day lost time injuries over the period 1st July 1986 to 31st December 1988 were analysed (n = 14956). An analytical cross-sectional study of all sprain/strain back injuries (SSBI) in relation to other sprain/strain injuries and all other injuries showed the following: (1) SSBI contributed 20.6% of all injuries in underground coal mining. (2) SSBI frequently recurred. (3) SSBI accounted for more lost days per injury than other sprain/strain injuries and other injuries. (4) 67.6% of SSBI were a result of over-exertion and 21.0% the result of a fall. (5) 31.2% of SSBI involved handling. (6) Mining equipment was involved in 64.3% of SSBI. Results of more detailed analyses of SSBI in relation to age, time into shift, occupation, time of accident, agency of accident, agency of injury and equipment use are presented and appropriate preventive strategies are discussed.