Skin and respiratory problems
Lifting and working positions
| Man was created to move around and consequently can endure quite a lot of strain. However, it is important to find a balance between the expectations of the work efforts of the individual, and the amount of strain that the individual person is exposed to without the risk of injury. A body needs to exercise, but if a working position is very strenuous, it is only possible to work in this position for a short period of time. As the employer, you must, together with your employees, ensure that work is arranged so that it is possible to change position and vary the movements. |
In particular, heavy lifting and bad working positions cause problems for the body, especially bones, muscles, limbs and tendons. This may for instance be due to insufficient space causing the employee to work in awkward working positions, do work standing up or while walking without the possibility of variation, and lift heavy boxes (e.g. between stockroom and serving rooms).
Problems can also easily occur if pregnant women have to do heavy lifting or lengthy work while standing or walking.
You should also be aware that special rules apply for children and young people. You may read more about this in the section “Children and young person's work/Physical strain”