Manual management of loads and low back pain in Latin America workers

Abstract

In Latin America, absenteeism due to low back pain has become a significant public health issue. It is primarily associated with males between the ages of 30 and 45, and is caused by activities such as handling heavy loads, overexertion, inadequate postures, and forced or abrupt changes in position. These factors lead to work incapacity, which economically impacts both companies and workers. Many companies require tasks that involve frequent lifting and manual transport of loads, which places a physical strain on workers and often leads to work-related accidents and illnesses, particularly affecting lumbar health.
This bibliographic review analyzed 20 articles on low back pain, of which five were selected for further examination. These articles focused on the connection between low back pain and load handling activities, highlighting how such injuries are linked to manual load handling and repetitive tasks.