This report seeks to provide managers, supervisors and safety and health professionals with a greater understanding of Low Back Pain (LBP) and low back disability (work time lost due to LBP). The report attempts to improve one's understanding of the many factors that influence LBP, provides the latest research information related to its causes, and describes methods that have proven to be effective in preventing LBP and disability.

The Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) of the U. S. Department of Energy commissioned the National Research Council (NRC) to undertake a study on required technologies for the Mining Industries of the Future Program to complement information provided to the program by the National Mining Association. Subsequently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also became a sponsor of this study, and the Statement of Task was expanded to include health and safety. The overall objectives of this study are: (a) to review available information on the U.S. mining industry; (b) to identify critical research and development needs related to the exploration, mining, and processing of coal, minerals, and metals; and (c) to examine the federal contribution to research and development in mining processes.