Original article

Scand J Work Environ Health 2003;29(5):363-377    pdf

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.743 | Issue date: Oct 2003

Excessive physical demands in modern worklife and characteristics of work and living conditions of persons at risk

by Karlqvist LK, Härenstam A, Leijon O, Schéele P; MOA Research Group

Objectives This study attempted to identify work and leisure-time conditions and life-style factors associated with excess metabolic levels (metabolic demands exceeding one-third of a person`s aerobic capacity) at work among men and women.

Methods The study focused upon psychological, ergonomic, and physically loading factors and chemical and physical environmental conditions. Data were obtained through self-reports, interviews, workplace analyses, technical measurements, and observations. Gender-specific calculations were used in univariate analyses and in stepwise logistic regression models for excess metabolic level.

Results The study focused upon psychological, ergonomic, and physically loading factors and chemical and physical environmental conditions. Data were obtained through self-reports, interviews, workplace analyses, technical measurements, and observations. Gender-specific calculations were used in univariate analyses and in stepwise logistic regression models for excess metabolic level.

Conclusions Metabolic demands in worklife today remain high. The women who exceeded the recommended metabolic level at work in this study were characterized by low pay, poor health, and children at home, in addition to high physical load and psychosocial strain at work. These characteristics indicate a group with few possibilities to leave a hazardous job for a less physically demanding one. The men who worked at an excess metabolic level seemed to be characterized more by a life-style common in some male-dominated work cultures with monotonous work.

This article refers to the following texts of the Journal: 1999;25(5):387-403  2000;26(1):7-19
The following articles refer to this text: 2007;33(6):401-404; 2010;36(5):357-365; 2010;36(6):466-472; 2019;45(3):267-279