PHYSICAL WORKLOAD OF AMBULANCE ASSISTANTS

The physical workload of ambulance assistants was assessed by means of the Ovako Working posture Analysis System (OWAS) observation method a nd a Work and Health Questionnaire (WHQ) for measuring perceived workl oad. In addition, a biomechanical model was applied to several specifi cally strenuous conditions that were simulated in a laboratory situati on. Bad postures were identified for a number of activities: 16% to 29 % of a work shift was spent in harmful positions. Strenuous situations occur particularly during rides in emergency situations. The results of observed and perceived workload are generally in agreement. A numbe r of practical recommendations are made. They concern, for example, th e equipment in ambulance cars, training of ambulance assistants and ad aptations in working procedures.