[Occupational health-related organization of work in large laundry facilities]

In the ergonomic assessment of work in 14 large laundries, it is primarily constrained posture due to working conditions and uniform overstrain that are highlighted objectively. Accordingly common are complaints about back problems, leg pain, severe fatigue, headache and nervousness (42-70%). The added work difficulties most objected to include heat (rate of mention in flatwork operations 80%), dust, dirt, odors (in sorting operations 75%), constant standing and walking (in several areas of work 70-80%), too great exertion of the arms (in sorting and folding operations 50-67%), and noise (depending on area of work 33-73%). On the basis of these results, attempts at resolving these problems to improve the organization of work in large laundries were developed. These include for example, an adequate capacity to adjust the working surfaces, suitable seats and aids for standing, installation of platforms, and further measures to reduce overstrain.