DO MANUALLY POWERED SOIL AUGERS PRESENT ERGONOMIC-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER (MSD) RISKS AMONG ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS?

Abstract

This research examined the associations between the use of manually powered soil augers by environmental health (EH) professionals and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). While previous studies have investigated occupational injuries related to repetitive strain and manual labor, there was limited research specific to the use of soil augers by professionals working in environmental health. This study included statistical analyses of survey responses from 60 participants regarding their age, years of experience, soil type, and conditions (presence of roots, rocks to auger through) they typically work in, workload (number of soil borings and depth of borings), and number of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) they have experienced. Soil survey data from each county in North Carolina were analyzed, and the percentage of soils with relatively high clay content (Soil Groups III and IV), which require more torque to turn the auger, was calculated. The data were used to quantify which portions of the state may require more torque to turn the auger, potentially leading to more MSDs. The number of site visits and septic permits issued in each county of North Carolina was summarized to estimate spatial differences in where most of the work using soil auger was performed.

Most (95%) participants reported experiencing at least one MSD, with commonly cited ailments associated with the lower back, shoulders, and wrists. There were significantly more MSDs reported by those who worked in soils where they had to auger through extensive roots and rock more than 30% of the time. Most (63%) participants who worked in multiple regions of the state reported that Piedmont was the most difficult place to work. The Piedmont region had the highest percentage of soils with Group III and IV textures, and counties in the Piedmont had the highest number of site visits and septic permits issued per county. Thus, counties in the region of the state with the highest clay content are where participants auger the most boreholes.

Most survey respondents indicated that their MSDs were directly related to manual auger use and reported receiving little or inadequate training. Despite the high frequency of lower back and elbow disorders, very few respondents indicated the use of back-related or elbow-related personal protective equipment (PPE). These findings suggest that the participants, particularly those in the Piedmont region with a prevalence of higher clay content soil, rock, and roots, may be at greater risk of developing MSDs. Future research is suggested to explore how intervention strategies, such as ergonomic tool modifications and training programs, may influence the health of EH professionals.