Physical activity levels and injury prevention knowledge and practice of a cohort of carpentry students

The levels of physical activity and knowledge about postures and practices in carpentry students have not been extensively investigated. This study will inform occupational health practitioners about carpentry students’ physical activity levels and workplace practices, so that back care and injury prevention education can be included in the curriculum. Data were collected from 51 participants using a questionnaire that asked about levels of physical activity and knowledge and practice for injury prevention. On average 6.4 hours of physical activity was performed weekly outside of work and/or study hours by 86% of participants. Most participants identified components of a safe lifting technique (‘bend knees’ 76%; ‘back straight’ 45%). They reported that heavy loads were frequently lifted (51% often/always lifted weights of 20–30kg independently and 69% rarely using the assistance of a co-worker or lifting device). Although participants had a basic knowledge of common lifting strategies for back care and injury prevention, weights lifted independently were frequently over the deemed safe lifting level. The findings indicate that carpentry students have a basic knowledge of injury prevention and lifting techniques but do not necessarily implement their knowledge into practice.