Physical work load factors

The database of physical work load factors can be used to map work load factors possibly associated with work disability and to plan preventive measures

Description

The database of physical work load factors or job exposure matrix provides information of exposure to physical load factors by occupation for men and women. The job exposure matrix can be used to identify occupational groups with a high risk of work disability and to plan preventive ergonomic measures. It can also be used for the assessment of work ability and need for vocational rehabilitation.

The data are based on interviews, where the persons were asked about the occurrence of the most important physical load factors in their work. The data were received for altogether 401 occupations and thereby cover 90% of all occupational groups. The interviewed persons were a representative sample of the Finnish population. The data were gathered in 2000.

What do the measures tell?

The job exposure matrix comprises altogether nine physical load factors. The figure on the right side tells, what proportion of men or women in the occupation are exposed to the work load factor in question. The desired occupational group can be chosen from the dropdown menu. The information can also be found for men and women in the total population.

The figure on the left side contains information on exposure to the combinations of two work load factors. Altogether eight combinations can be seen. Exposure to a combination of work load factors typically increases the risk of work disability. You can identify the different occupations by clicking the dots. When clicking a dot, the values of all nine physical load factors in the occupation in question can be seen. The genders can be identified based on colors.

The figure has been divided into four quadrants according to the risk. Persons in occupations with the lightest shading are rarely exposed to either of the physical load factors. In occupations belonging to the darkest quadrant persons are likely exposed to both work load factors, while in the occupations in the remaining two quadrants persons are likely exposed only to one of the work load factors.