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The Evaluation of physical demands associated with postal workers
SUCHANOVÁ, Markéta
Evaluation of physical burden on selected professions at the post office The current trend of working conditions tends to reduce the proportion of physically demanding work, but leads to an increased psychological stress in staff members. However, there are professions, such as those involved in postal services, that are still exposed to considerable physical burden. This thesis provides a basic view of health consequences of excessive physical load and manual handling of burdens, it describes specifics of the postman / postwoman profession, specifics in the staff members working in interior post services and those who work at postal counters in terms of physical burden. The objective of this thesis was to survey the physical burden connected with manual load handling at the post office in Jindrichuv Hradec. The thesis also aims at finding out rehabilitation possibilities for post office staff and proposing ways how to improve the current situation. A questionnaire enquiring about post office staff members´ awareness of musculoskeletal diseases prevention, evaluation of their own health condition and symptoms of fatique caused by physical activity, is a crucial component of my thesis. The results of the questionnaire survey were analyzed and reported in graphs and tables. Measurements of weight and cumulative weight of manually manipulated loads and the workers´ heart rate before and after the physical stress were carried out. I have found that postmen and postwomen and interior post services staff are exposed to great physical strain and frequent handling heavy loads, that in some cases exceed hygienic limits. It was also found that 65% of post office staff were not aware of the claim on financial contribution to rehabilitation massage. The hypotheses stated were confirmed. 1. Post office staff members are exposed to excessive physical strain while handling heavy load 2. The level of post office workers{\crq} knowledge on musculoskeletal disorders prevention is not sufficient. I suggest mechanization, use of mechanical devices and removal of architectural barriers to be introduced. Furthermore, I suggest to include training to handle loads in a correct way to prevent back disorders.
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