Evaluation of Physical Workload Standards/Guidelines from a Nordic Perspective

Abstract

This paper presents the background and main conclusions from a draft report prepared for the Nordic Council of Ministers. Twenty-four standards/guidelines concerning physical work load were selected for a detailed review, and evaluated with the aim of providing recommendations concerning standards suitable for a possible Nordic implementation. A framework of criteria for identifying scientifically “good” and practically efficient standards was established and three key areas were identified in the evaluation procedure: efficacy, scientific coherency, and usability. Prior to the evaluation the standards were divided into two groups according to their level of accuracy: (a) Standards presenting quantitative guidelines for specific exposures with precise and numerical accept criteria, and (b) Process type standards presenting mainly qualitative guidelines and focussing on a program approach. In general the evaluation was most favorable for the process type standards and provided some support for the view that future regulatory actions against work-related musculoskeletal disorders will be most successful if an integrated ergonomics program approach is adapted.