Fysioterapeuten (Jun 2004)
Muskelplager i fiskeindustrien i Nord-Norge
Abstract
The Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway have explored the extent of musculo-skeletal pain in the seafood-processing industry in Northern Norway. For several years, physiotherapists have provided the industry with knowledge about the unhealthy consequences of monotonous work. Still, few changes have been made and why this is the case? The study is a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. A questionnaire was distributed to all employees in 118 plants with a response rate of 49,8 percent. In addition, 16 employees were strategically chosen and interviewed. 65 percent of the workers reported neck and shoulder pain, and 56 percent reported back pain last year in all investigated cohorts. Monotonous work was reported as the most common workload combined with pain. Focus on the socialisation of new employees, work performances and habits, work expansion, and securing a good work environment in times of increased demands, are discussed as preventive efforts to reduce the level of muscle pain among workers
