Duration and intensity of occupational lifting and risk of long-term sickness absence: Prospective cohort study with register follow-up among 45 000 workers

Abstract

This large sample of 45 000 workers showed a positive exposure-response association between lifting load at work and register-based long-term sickness absence (LTSA), as well as increased risk of LTSA when lifting duration exceeded half of the workday. Older workers were particularly at increased risk. These findings may substantiate both upstream and downstream interventions to reduce the risk of LTSA.

Association of objectively measured lifting load with low-back pain, stress, and fatigue: A prospective cohort study

“…Given that MSD are costly for both employees, employers, and society ( 6 , 7 ), the present results underscore the importance of work environmental initiatives for reducing the lifting loads at work to prevent LBP and long-term sickness absence among warehouse workers. In support of this notion, we recently found heavy lifting tasks to increase the risk of long-term sickness absence in an exposure-response manner among 45 000 workers from the general working population in Denmark performing lifting work, ie, the heavier objects lifted, the higher risk of long-term sickness absence ( 35 ). Additionally, lifting for a large part of the workday increased the risk of long-term sickness absence ( 35 ).…”

“…In support of this notion, we recently found heavy lifting tasks to increase the risk of long-term sickness absence in an exposure-response manner among 45 000 workers from the general working population in Denmark performing lifting work, ie, the heavier objects lifted, the higher risk of long-term sickness absence ( 35 ). Additionally, lifting for a large part of the workday increased the risk of long-term sickness absence ( 35 ). Consequently, initiatives to improve the physical working environment is crucial to prevent musculoskeletal health problems and maintain productivity.…”