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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-11-2007 | Original Article

Differences in physical workload, psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders between two groups of female hospital cleaners with two diverse organizational models

Authors: Jeannette Unge, Kerstina Ohlsson, Catarina Nordander, Gert-Åke Hansson, Staffan Skerfving, Istvan Balogh

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 2/2007

Abstract

Objectives

To clarify if differences in the physical workload, the psychosocial factors and in musculoskeletal disorders can be attributed to work organizational factors.

Methods

The physical workload (muscular activity of m. trapezius, positions and movements of the head, upper arms and wrists and heart rate) was assessed in 24 female hospital cleaners working in a traditional work organization (TO) and in 22 working in an extended one (i.e. with an enlarged work content and more responsibilities; EO). The psychosocial work environment was assessed as job demand, decision latitude and social support in 135 (TO) and 111 (EO) cleaners, and disorders of the neck and upper extremity by a physical examination.

Results

The EO group was associated with lower physical workload, in terms of heart rate ratio (23 vs 32; P < 0.001), head and upper arm positions and movements (right upper arm, 50th percentile, 35°/s vs 71°/s; P < 0.001) and wrist movements (20°/s vs 27°/s; P = 0.001), than the TO group. The EO group reported higher decision latitude and lower work demand than the TO one, while we found no difference in social support. The prevalence of complaints and diagnoses in neck/shoulders were lower in the EO group (diagnoses 35% vs 48%; P = 0.04). Moreover, the prevalence of subjects with at least ten physical finding in elbows/hands was lower in the EO group (10 vs 29; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Hospital cleaners have a high prevalence of neck and upper limb disorders and a high physical workload. Comparing two groups of cleaners, with differences in the way of organizing the work, lower physical workload, more beneficial psychosocial factors and a better musculoskeletal health was found in the group with an extended organization. Hence, the differences found can be attributed to the organizational factors.

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Title: Differences in physical workload, psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders between two groups of female hospital cleaners with two diverse organizational models
Authors: Jeannette Unge
Kerstina Ohlsson
Catarina Nordander
Gert-Åke Hansson
Staffan Skerfving
Istvan Balogh
Publication date: 01-11-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 2/2007
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-007-0208-x

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Differences in physical workload, psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders between two groups of female hospital cleaners with two diverse organizational models

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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