Physical Working Conditions over Time: a Repeated Cross-sectional Study in German Employees

Overview

Journal J Occup Med Toxicol

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Environmental Health

Date 2024 Jun 10

PMID 38858744

Authors

Johannes Beller

Julia Grasshoff

Batoul Safieddine

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine time trends in physical working conditions across and within occupational groups in Germany between 2006 and 2018.

Methods: Logistic regression analyses were conducted using data from the BIBB/BAuA Employment Surveys in 2006, 2012, and 2018, with a total sample size of 59,006 participants. The study investigated changes in various self-reported occupational exposure measures over time, along with demographic shifts in the workforce.

Results: The results showed overall improvements in most occupational exposure measures during the study period, alongside an aging and upskilling workforce. However, exposure to awkward postures, microorganisms, and, to a lesser extent, noise increased. Substantial variation was observed between occupational groups, with more favourable trends among white-collar high-skilled and blue-collar low-skilled workers, and less favourable trends among white-collar low-skilled and blue-collar high-skilled workers.

Conclusions: While trends in physical working conditions in Germany are partly promising, some exposures are worsening, and substantial inequalities between occupations persist. As occupational exposures remain common, there is still a need for targeted interventions to improve working conditions, particularly in higher-risk occupations.

Citing Articles

Sociodemographic differences in low back pain: which subgroups of workers are most vulnerable?.

Beller J, Sperlich S, Epping J, Safieddine B, Hegewald J, Tetzlaff J BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024; 25(1):852.

PMID: 39462332 PMC: 11515217. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07970-5.

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