Introduction

Excellent employee health is vital to the effective operation of any organization. More and more people are realizing that physical workload has a direct impact on the health of employees. The purpose of this article is to highlight the relationship between physical workload and health and to provide information on how to minimize the negative impact of such workload on the body.

Types of physical workload

Physical workload can be diverse and depends on the type of work performed. They include, among others:

1. Carrying and lifting heavy objects

Carrying and moving heavy objects is one of the main sources of stress for workers. Repeated heavy lifting can lead to injuries to the musculoskeletal system.

2. Monotonous work
Work that requires constantly repetitive movements can also lead to various diseases. Monotony and lack of variability in the activities performed can lead to traumatic injuries.

3. Prolonged work in an uncomfortable position
Work that requires holding one position for long periods of time can lead to various ailments. For example, sedentary work for long hours can lead to back pain.

Health effects of physical workload

Inappropriate working conditions, particularly those involving heavy physical strain, can lead to a number of negative health effects. Among the most common effects of physical workload are:

1. Damage to the musculoskeletal system
Lifting heavy objects for long periods of time can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal injuries, such as contusions, sprains or strains of muscles and ligaments.

2. Overtraining syndrome
Work that requires constant physical exertion can lead to overtraining syndrome, which is characterized by chronic fatigue, weakness of the body and reduced physical performance.

3. Back problems
Improper posture during work can lead to back pain and various conditions, such as herniated discs and spinal degeneration.

Ways to minimize the negative impact of physical workloads

To minimize the negative impact of physical workload on health, it is worthwhile to take appropriate preventive measures. Attention should be paid to:

1. Load balancing
When lifting heavy objects, it is important to evenly distribute the load over the entire body. It is also important to use appropriate equipment and techniques, such as knee straps or support belts.

2. Adjusting the workstation
It is important to provide employees with a proper ergonomic workstation. Chairs should be comfortable, desks should be at the right height, and the screen monitor should be placed at the right distance and height relative to the worker's eyes.

3. Regular breaks
It is necessary to provide workers with regular breaks during which they can relax their muscles and musculoskeletal system. Regular stretching and simple exercises can help minimize the negative effects of physical strain on the body.

Summary

Physical workload is a serious threat to workers' health. Worrying research results on the effects of such strain on the body are causing many organizations to take appropriate measures to minimize the negative effects of physical strain on health. With appropriate preventive measures, such as adapting workstations to ergonomics and taking regular breaks, it is possible to reduce the risk of various ailments associated with physical workload.