Overview
ABSTRACT
Despite technical advances that have alleviated the most arduous tasks, physical activity remains one of the main causes of occupational accidents and diseases. Work physiology forms the basis for studying the functional adaptation of an organism subjected to this form of stress. Pathologies associated with general physical activity in the workplace are specifically linked to traumatic risks, musculoskeletal risks (upper limb MSDs, low back pain) and cardiovascular risks. Factors influencing these risks are not only related to the individual, but also to the physical and psycho-social environment, work organization and biorhythms. Physical activities in the workplace can be assessed through observation, subjective assessment of employees or metrological methods. Prevention is aimed at reducing physical activity-related stress by modifying work situations.
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Read the articleAUTHORS
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Jean-Pierre Meyer: Physician in the Man at Work Department at the French National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS), Vandœuvre
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Emmanuelle Turpin-Legendre: Physiologist, Department of Man at Work, National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS), Vandœuvre, France
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François Cail: Physiologist, Department of Man at Work, National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS), Vandœuvre, France
INTRODUCTION
Despite technological advances that have lightened the burden of even the most arduous tasks, physical activity remains one of the main sources of occupational accidents and disease. Occupational physiology studies the adaptation of an organism's functions to this constraint. Pathologies linked to general physical activity in the workplace include traumatic risk, musculoskeletal risk (upper limb RSI, low back pain) and cardiovascular risk. These risks are influenced not only by the individual, but also by the physical and psychosocial environment, work organization and biological rhythms. Prevention aims to reduce the constraints associated with physical activity by modifying work situations.
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Occupational risk prevention
Context
Bibliography
Standards and norms
ISO/DIS Draft International Standard ISO/DIS 8996 – Ergonomics – Determination of metabolic heat production. Geneva, 2002.
AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation)
X 35-002 Anthropometric models of the male and female population (July 1982). This standard gives the dimensions of the various body segments for both sexes and for 3 classes of individuals: tall, medium...
Regulations
Labor code and standards
Labor Code
General principles of prevention (L. 4121-1 to L. 4121-5; R. 4121-1 to R. 4121-4)
Article L. 4121-1
"The employer takes the necessary measures to ensure the safety and protect the physical and mental health of workers.
These measures include :
...
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