Abstract
Higher physical demands at work are associated with health outcomes such as discomfort, disorders and sick leave. Variations in work exposure patterns, introduced by multifunctional jobs and ergonomic interventions, bring confounders into the complex relation between occupational risks and musculoskeletal disorders. This study compared whole-body rating of perceived exertion (RPE), discomfort, ergonomic workplace analysis (EWA) and sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders, among workers exposed to diversified work. The results showed that EWA performed by the observer differed from workers' ratings. There were no differences between groups of workers taking or not taking sick leave regarding RPE and discomfort at their current workstations. Workers significantly discriminated between progressive workload levels, and RPE scores for specific tasks were nonlinear during shifts. These differences might be associated with exposure variability. Thus, in the context of diversified work, the RPE scale seems more appropriate for evaluating acute effects of work variability.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
