1. Falls from tripping or slipping
Assessment tests to predict work injuries in waste collector workers
M. Gervasi, A.R. Calavalle, D. Sisti, F. Campisi, M. Sborgia, F. Sappa, M.B.L. Rocchi
Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
Aim: This study is aimed at assessing the relationship between individual work injury incidence and the physical fitness level in operators working in urban differentiated waste collection.
35%
Falls from tripping or slipping
Methods: A sample of 43 male workers (age 46,3±8; weight 93,5±19,4; height 176,7±7,1) underwent, in three separate days to: A) a body composition analysis (Bioimpedance method, BIA vector); B) a postural balance control in the bipedal posture by a force platform, under eyes opened and closed conditions, in both directions, antero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML); C) two core stability tests (front and back plank) and a leg and back maximal isometric force (leg & back strength test). All the measured parameters (by a PCA ANALYSIS) have been compared with reference values reported in the ACSM guidelines or in the recent literature.
Results: The subjects showed an average BMI value of 29,9±5 (for ACSM, type I obesity corresponds to a BMI of 30-34,9); the body composition analysis showed an average Body Fat of 24,8%±10,1 (in the ACSM Fitness Categories for Body Composition, % BF, ranging from 24,2 to 26,6 in men aged is Poor); postural balance control showed high ML and AP amplitude spectral windows at long periods (>5 seconds); the core stability log ratio (0,7±1,8) was significantly lower with respect to the expected value (Calavalle A.R. et al. 2013). On the other hand, maximal leg and back isometric force were very high (percentile), being 227,7±57,8 and 183±42, respectively. The relative data about job related injuries highlight that 35% of the total is due to falls.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Fig. 1: Body mass index classification (ACSM Guidelines 2013)
Fig. 2: Differences in core stability log ratio
PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALISYS
Conclusions:
National statistics of injuries among waste collector workers are due by fall risks (35%). It is confirmed by our sample injuries data ( ). The results of PCA Analysis showed that a high Body Mass Index have a negative influence in ML and AP sway directions, in according with international literature. Moreover our data highlight that low core stability and high leg strength levels negatively affected postural balance.
These results provide clear indications on the goals to be pursued in order to reduce fall related injuries. These are: weight loss, improved core stability levels and increased proprioceptive capabilities.
PC1- PRINCIPAL COMPONENT 1
M-L long term balance
Lower limb strength
PC2- PRINCIPAL COMPONENT 2
A-P directions
Unknown variable
PC3- PRINCIPAL COMPONENT 3
Equilibrio in direzione ML e AP
BMI
Log FRONT/REVERSE
Reference: Blaszczyk, J.W. et al. (2009). Effects of excessive body weight on postural control. Journal of biomechanics. Jun 19: