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Work load during floor cleaning. The effect of cleaning methods and work technique
K Søgaard1, N Fallentin, J Nielsen
1National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Physiology, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Summary
Mopping and scrubbing both create high cardiovascular and shoulder muscle loads for cleaners. Neither method is less strenuous, with mopping potentially causing more shoulder strain and stereotypical muscle activation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Physiology
Background:
- Floor cleaning is a physically demanding task.
- Understanding the physiological and biomechanical loads associated with different cleaning methods is crucial for worker well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cardiovascular and muscle load levels between mopping and traditional scrub and cloth methods for floor cleaning.
- To assess the impact of these methods on shoulder muscle activity and back posture.
Main Methods:
- 12 experienced female cleaners were divided into two groups: mopping (n=6) and scrubbing (n=6).
- Measurements included heart rate, oxygen consumption, rating of perceived exertion, trapezius muscle electromyography, and video analysis of posture.
- Data were collected during actual floor cleaning tasks.
Main Results:
- Both methods resulted in high cardiovascular load (53% of maximal oxygen uptake) and significant shoulder muscle load (up to 54% maximal voluntary contraction).
- Mopping showed a trend towards higher shoulder load and more stereotypical trapezius muscle activation, suggesting increased fatigue potential.
- Cleaners spent 65% of the time with their backs flexed forward over 20 degrees, though this was less in the mopping group.
Conclusions:
- Mopping is not a less strenuous alternative to traditional scrubbing and cloth methods.
- Both cleaning techniques impose substantial physical demands, highlighting the need for ergonomic interventions to reduce occupational risks.