IDENTIFICATION OF HIGH-RISK GROUPS AMONG MAINTENANCE WORKERS IN A STEEL COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AND WORKLOAD

To determine priorities for ergonomic improvements in five maintenance departments of a steel company, a study was carried out to identify g roups with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems or a high exp osure to unfavourable musculoskeletal workload. All workers were asked to complete a standardized questionnaire on musculoskeletal symptoms and musculoskeletal workload. Response rate in the five departments va ried between 60 and 80% (n = 436). Symptoms of low back and neck-shoul der (12-month prevalence rates of 53% and 36%, respectively) were most common, but not higher in comparison with a reference soup of 396 nun -sedentary workers. Self-reported exposure rates to physical and psych osocial loads as well as poor climatic conditions were comparable with the reference group; only exposure to vibration was higher. Significa nt differences were seen between the five departments as well as betwe en task groups with the departments. Several task groups with relative ly high symptom rates and high exposure levels could be identified. It is concluded that a questionnaire survey can constitute a valuable co ntribution to the selection of high-risk task groups that need ergonom ic intervention.