Health hazards related to ergonomic work conditions

Health hazards related to unsuitable ergonomic work conditions among female employees in Sweden are reviewed. The statistics on reported occupational strain injuries form an important source of information on prevention. The report rate is higher among men than among women, but in some high risk occupations the figures are similar. Reported cases concerning neck, arm and shoulder disorders constitute a larger proportion among women. This finding probably reflects differences in work load characteristics, women more often performing repetitive monotonous work tasks in the manufacturing industry. Serious ergonomic problems exist for women in the service sector although the statistical evidence for increased morbidity is not yet available.