Physical stress and strain in catering work on the Baltic car ferries

Physical stress and strain was investigated in the work of cabin cleaner, waitress/waiter, domestic assistant, assistant cook and store assistant. During one work shift the heart rate and bad work postures were registered. The maximal oxygen consumption and the physical condition of the test subjects were assessed by a submaximal ergometer test. The cardiovascular system was subjected to the greatest load in the work of the cleaner and store assistant but the relative strain was higher in cabin than in the work of the store assistant. The highest peaks occurred during lifting or load carrying, stair climbing, floor cleaning and bed making. Unphysiological work postures occurred during about half of the cleaner's, dishwasher's and assistant cook's working time. The catering work on the car ferries is physically more strenuous on both the cardiovascular and the musculoskeletal system than the comparable work on land.