ABSTRACT
Manual handling is a severe problem in developing and underdeveloped countries. Work related disorders has increased dramatically in these countries and workers are exposed to much worse conditions due to inadequate safety system, lack of awareness, lack of training of occupational safety, health and lack of ergonomic standards. A significant problem associated with manual handling activities involving loading and unloading tasks is the fact that they are the primary cause of overexertion injuries. Loading and unloading tasks include diverse activities such as lifting, lowering, holding, pushing, pulling, carrying and turning of weights etc. The types of back injuries most frequently reported are strains and sprains, dislocation (herniation) of the lumbar disc, fracture, joint inflammation (mostly L4/L5 and L5/S1; occasionally other joints such as the shoulder and hip), laceration of muscle tissue, contusion, and nerve (sciatic) involvement, often leading to activity limitation and workplace accidents.
