Physical overload at work (Organizational factor for workers with an MSD)

Interpretation of the “Physical overload at work” factor

Physical overload at work negatively influences RTW or sickness absence duration.

Definition of the “Physical overload at work” factor

Short definition: Physical overload at work refers to workers’ exposure to biomechanical factors. These factors include mainly repetitive physical work, poor postures, the handling of heavy loads and exposure to vibrations, and are associated with the presence of tissue impairments (Vézina et al., 2011).

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Physical overload at work negatively influences RTW in workers with an MSD (Bosman, Twisk, Geraedts et Heymans, 2019; Hansson et Hansson, 2000; Hara et al., 2018; Lötters et Burdorf, 2006; Reme, Hagen et Eriksen, 2009; Steenstra et al., 2015). Physical environments can vary greatly, depending on the workplace and types of tasks performed there. The upper extremities and the back are body parts that can be subject to particularly heavy use in certain environments. Physical demands on the upper extremities can include, among others, positions where the hands are above shoulder level, precision work or heavy exertion. Regarding physical constraints on the back, these include, for example, positions where the back is tilted or that involve standing all the time (Vézina et al., 2011).

Physical overload at work can cause tissue impairments through overuse of muscles and tendons. Several elements may be relevant when assessing the impact of physical overload. For one, the physical demands of the tasks in terms of their intensity, duration and frequency, have to be considered. For another, it is also important to consider certain conditions in the workplace, such as the training given to employees, the technical apparatus and equipment made available to them, and the work pace required (Stock, Nicolakakis, Messing, Turcot et Raiq, 2013). According to the  “job demands-resources model”  (Demerouti, Bakker, Nachreiner et Schaufeli, 2001), the presence of a physical overload at work is associated with certain physiological and/or psychological costs for workers (e.g. psychosomatic disorders, physical fatigue, exhaustion).

Bosman, L. C., Twisk, J. W. R., Geraedts, A. S. et Heymans, M. W. (2019). Development of Prediction Model for the Prognosis of Sick Leave Due to Low Back Pain. J Occup Environ Med, 61(12), 1065-1071. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001749

Demerouti, E., Bakker, A. B., Nachreiner, F. et Schaufeli, W. B. (2001). The job demands-resources model of burnout. J Appl Psychol, 86(3), 499-512.

Hansson, T. H. et Hansson, E. K. (2000). The effects of common medical interventions on pain, back function, and work resumption in patients with chronic low back pain: A prospective 2-year cohort study in six countries. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 25(23), 3055-3064. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200012010-00013

Hara, K. W., Bjørngaard, J. H., Jacobsen, H. B., Borchgrevink, P. C., Johnsen, R., Stiles, T. C., . . . Woodhouse, A. (2018). Biopsychosocial predictors and trajectories of work participation after transdiagnostic occupational rehabilitation of participants with mental and somatic disorders: a cohort study. BMC Public Health, 18(1), 1014. doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-5803-0

Lötters, F. et Burdorf, A. (2006). Prognostic factors for duration of sickness absence due to musculoskeletal disorders. Clin J Pain, 22(2), 212-221. doi: 10.1097/01.ajp.0000154047.30155.72

Reme, S. E., Hagen, E. M. et Eriksen, H. R. (2009). Expectations, perceptions, and physiotherapy predict prolonged sick leave in subacute low back pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 10 139. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-10-139

Steenstra, I. A., Busse, J. W., Tolusso, D., Davilmar, A., Lee, H., Furlan, A. D., . . . Hogg-Johnson, S. (2015). Predicting time on prolonged benefits for injured workers with acute back pain. J Occup Rehabil, 25(2), 267-278. doi: 10.1007/s10926-014-9534-5

Stock, S., Nicolakakis, N., Messing, K., Turcot, A. et Raiq, H. (2013). Quelle est la relation entre les troubles musculo-squelettiques (TMS) liés au travail et les facteurs psychosociaux?. Survol de diverses conceptions des facteurs psychosociaux du travail et proposition d’un nouveau modèle de la genèse des TMS. Perspectives interdisciplinaires sur le travail et la santé(15-2).

Vézina, M., Stock, S., Funes, A., Delisle, A., St-Vincent, M., Turcot, A., . . . Arcand, R. (2011). Description de l’environnement organisationnel et des contraintes physiques à l’emploi principal. Enquête québécoise sur des conditions de travail, d’emploi, de santé et de sécurité du travail (EQCOTESST) 233-322.

Tools for measuring the “Physical overload at work” factor