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RESEARCH: Kari-Pekka Martimo, Jos Verbeek, Jaro Karppinen, Andrea D Furlan, Esa-Pekka Takala, P Paul F M Kuijer, Merja Jauhiainen, and Eira Viikari-Juntura Effect of training and lifting equipment for preventing back pain in lifting and handling: systematic review BMJ 2008; 336: 429-431 [Abstract] [Full text]

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There is more to lifting than preventing back pain

Anne E mcIntyre, Anita Atwal, Christine Craik   (12 February 2008)

There is more to lifting than preventing back pain 12 February 2008
Anne E mcIntyre, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy Brunel University, UB8 3PH, Anita Atwal, Christine Craik Send response to journal: Re: There is more to lifting than preventing back pain	This systematic review by Martimo et al is of interest as it considers an important aspect of health and safety practice for those involved in high risk moving and handling. However, it is with some concern to read that the researchers seem to recommend a “no lifting” policy based on the data synthesis in their review. We would suggest that this review provokes more questions than answers. Training in lifting and handling of employees is rarely carried out in isolation in the prevention of musculo-skeletal injury under the Health and Safety regulations of many countries (e.g. Moving and Handling Operations Regulations: European Community Directive 1992). Therefore the inclusion of other variables in the systematic review or in the interpretation of results would have been of value (for example individualised risk assessment of the workplace, qualification and profession of trainer) along with further scrutiny of the content and process of training provided in the studies reviewed. The consideration of other potential outcomes such as compliance and adherence to training in conjunction with incidence of back pain would have been of relevance before suggesting that a “no lift” policy should be recommended. Such a recommendation is an oversimplification of a complex situation, especially in health and social care where the rehabilitation needs and human rights of service users are important factors in moving and handling decision-making. Competing interests: None declared