, An Examination of Manual Handling Risks and Lower Back Pain Among Warehouse Workers in Borno State
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Background of the Study
Warehouse operations in Borno State rely heavily on manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling heavy loads. These activities, often performed without sufficient ergonomic support or mechanized aids, expose workers to significant physical strain. The nature of manual handling increases the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries, with lower back pain emerging as one of the most prevalent occupational health issues. Lower back pain not only reduces workers’ efficiency but also leads to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher medical costs (Adeyemi & Musa, 2023).
In many warehouses across Borno State, safety protocols and ergonomic practices are inadequately implemented. Workers are frequently required to handle heavy items without proper training or assistive devices, leading to improper lifting techniques that further exacerbate the risk of lower back injuries. Recent studies have indicated that the absence of structured manual handling procedures and ergonomic interventions directly correlates with a higher incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (Ibrahim et al., 2024). Moreover, the economic implications of these health issues are profound; reduced productivity and increased health-related costs can have a cascading effect on the overall efficiency of warehouse operations.
There is growing global emphasis on occupational health and safety, yet localized studies in regions like Borno State remain sparse. The need for targeted research is crucial to identify the specific risk factors associated with manual handling in these environments. By understanding the dynamics of manual tasks, their associated risks, and the prevalence of lower back pain, stakeholders can develop and implement tailored interventions. Such measures may include ergonomic training, the introduction of assistive devices, and the redesign of workflow processes to minimize physical strain (Omar & Bello, 2025). This study aims to bridge the gap by evaluating current manual handling practices, determining the prevalence of lower back pain, and proposing effective strategies to reduce manual handling risks among warehouse workers in Borno State.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical role warehouse workers play in the supply chain, there is a marked deficiency in addressing the ergonomic hazards inherent in manual handling tasks in Borno State. Workers are often exposed to strenuous activities without proper training or the availability of mechanized lifting aids, leading to an increased risk of lower back pain. The problem is compounded by the lack of comprehensive data on the extent of manual handling risks and their direct correlation with musculoskeletal disorders in this region. As a result, many warehouse workers suffer from chronic lower back pain, which not only affects their health and quality of life but also diminishes overall workplace productivity.
This study is necessitated by the observed gap in empirical research focused on manual handling practices and the prevalence of lower back pain among warehouse workers in Borno State. The absence of robust safety measures and ergonomic interventions in these settings creates an environment where injuries are common, yet underreported. Additionally, while global literature supports the effectiveness of ergonomic improvements, there is limited localized evidence to guide policy and practice in Borno State’s warehouses. Consequently, managers and policymakers face challenges in justifying investments in ergonomic equipment and training programs without clear, region-specific data. Addressing this problem is essential not only for improving individual worker health but also for enhancing the operational efficiency of warehouses, reducing healthcare costs, and fostering a safer working environment.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the current manual handling practices among warehouse workers in Borno State.
2. To determine the prevalence and severity of lower back pain among these workers.
3. To recommend effective ergonomic interventions and safety measures to mitigate manual handling risks.
Research Questions
1. What are the predominant manual handling practices among warehouse workers in Borno State?
2. What is the prevalence of lower back pain in this population?
3. How effective are current ergonomic interventions in reducing manual handling risks and associated lower back pain?
Research Hypotheses
1. There is a significant association between manual handling practices and the prevalence of lower back pain among warehouse workers in Borno State.
2. Inadequate training and lack of assistive devices increase the risk of lower back pain.
3. Implementation of ergonomic interventions reduces the incidence of lower back pain among warehouse workers.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on warehouse workers in selected facilities within Borno State, Nigeria. It will examine those directly involved in manual handling tasks and exclude administrative personnel. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data, potential sampling bias, and the cross-sectional design, which may not capture long-term effects of ergonomic interventions.
Definitions of Terms
• Manual Handling: The physical process of lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads by hand.
• Lower Back Pain: Discomfort or pain in the lumbar region, often resulting from physical strain or injury.
• Ergonomic Interventions: Measures implemented to adapt the work environment to the worker’s needs, thereby reducing strain and injury.
• Warehouse Workers: Employees engaged in the storage, handling, and movement of goods within a warehouse setting.
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