Assessment tests to predict work injuries in waste collector workers

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. 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, a body composition analysis (Bioimpedance method, BIA vector), a postural balance control in the bipedal posture under eyes open and closed conditions (force platform), two core stability (front and back plank test) and a leg and back maximal isometric force (leg and back strength test). All the measured parameters have been compared with reference values reported in the ACSM guidelines or in the recent literature. Then, they have been related with the incidence of National work injuries data. 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 40–49 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. Conclusions: The level of physical fitness of waste collectors showed that Type I obesity and low core stability levels, in combination with the inability to keep for long periods the bipedal position, lead to a postural instability causing an increased fall risk. These results provide clear indications on the objectives to be pursued in order to reduce fall related injuries. These are: weight loss, improved core stability levels and increased proprioceptive capabilities.