Musculoskeletal disorders, psychological distress, and work error of supermarket cashiers

Abstract

BackgroundHuman physiological and psychological states may influence work performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships among the musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), psychological distress, and work error of supermarket cashiers. There were 443 Chinese supermarket cashiers surveyed in this study. Among these cashiers, 431 valid samples were obtained. The study surveyed the MSDs, psychological distress of supermarket cashiers with MSDs Likert scale and Symptom Checklist‐90 (SCL‐90) scale, respectively. The data of work error of each cashier was provided by the supermarkets managers. The increasing working years of Chinese supermarket cashiers were connected with increased MSDs. Significant differences were observed in MSDs and work error of cashiers from different supermarkets (different in checkout design). The physiological health and psychological distress of supermarket cashiers are important to work performance and require serious attention. Good checkout counter design with flat conveyor is helpful to reduce cashiers’ MSDs and work error.