Abstract
This study examined the effects of waste container handling on surface electromyographic activity of the erector spinae, infraspinatus and upper trapezius muscles, trunk kinematics (position, velocity and acceleration) measured in three planes (lateral, sagittal and transverse), spinal loading at the L5/S1 region and low back disorder (LBD) risk. Eleven field technicians at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) were asked to manipulate 30 and 55 gallon waste drums and carry a 5 gallon carboys in their workplace. Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in muscle load on the erector spinae during drum handling activities. Loading and unloading the 55-gallon drums required more force from all muscle groups than the 35-gallon drums. Muscle peak load did not show a significant difference between 35 and 55 gallon drum rolling. For carboy transport, peak muscle activity is greater for all muscle groups with the two carboy carry. The calculated LBD risk also recognized the same activities as being most “at risk.” This data was used by the participatory team to focus their interventions and determine handling limits.
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