O-198 IMPACT OF A WORK REHABILITATION PROGRAM ON FITNESS TO WORK AMONG WORKERS WITH CHRONIC LOWER BACK PAIN -A CASE OF KANSANSHI MINE, ZAMBIA

Abstract

Chronic low back pain is a significant occupational health problem impacting a worker’s activities of daily living and work participation. At Kansanshi Mine a work rehabilitation pain management program was developed aimed at disability management, functional optimization and return to work for employees with chronic lower back pain. A phased, 1-year structured, goal oriented and biopsychosocial approach modelled program was established in March 2022 and delivered within the mine lease by a multi-disciplinary team. Clients’ functional activities and fitness to work were assessed at enrolment and periodically using Functional Capacity Evaluations and comparing FCE results with job demands as indicated on the occupational risk exposure profile. Client attended x3 weekly group exercises sessions, individual & fortnight group psychotherapy sessions and monthly group information education counselling sessions. Permission to review program data was obtained from company management. Sixty-seven (67) employees with LBP were seen as of December 2022, mean age 41 years, males 94% and heavy mobile equipment operators 59%. A 30 % reduction in number of employees with low back pain issued with work restrictions was observed between 2021 and 2022. On fitness to work outcome, 50% of employees enrolled while on restricted and alternative duties and 25% on sick leave improved their fitness to work status to normal duty. Chronic low back pain was commonest among heavy mobile equipment operators. A work rehabilitation pain management program can improve functional capacity and fitness to work outcomes. Employers should consider establishing work rehabilitation facilities as previously recommended in literature.