Not all harm comes from accidents. Awkward postures, repetitive movements, heavy loads and constant pressure also make people ill. This lesson deals with the body and the mind.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affect muscles, tendons, joints and the spine: lower back pain, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and shoulder pain. They are among the most common complaints of working people. The main causes are:
- lifting or carrying heavy loads;
- awkward postures, or postures held for a long time, standing or sitting;
- repetitive movements;
- work without breaks and at a high pace.
The law requires the employer to adapt the work to the person: design of the workstation, choice of equipment and methods, easing monotonous and repetitive work (Lei n.º 102/2009, article 15(2)(g)).
Manual handling of loads
Decreto-Lei n.º 330/93 (Decree-Law 330/93) sets out the rules. The order is: first avoid manual handling (use mechanical aids such as trolleys, pallet trucks or cranes), then reduce the risk and inform and train workers. In practice:
- assess the load before lifting it: weight, shape, whether there is somewhere to grip it;
- get close to the load with your feet apart and bend your knees, keeping your back straight;
- lift with your legs, without twisting your trunk; move your feet to change direction;
- keep the load close to your body;
- ask for help or use a mechanical aid when the load is heavy or bulky;
- clear the way before carrying.
Screen work
Decreto-Lei n.º 349/93 (Decree-Law 349/93) lays down the rules for work with display screen equipment. Common measures:
- screen at eye level, at a comfortable distance, without glare;
- adjustable chair with lumbar support, and feet resting on the floor;
- keyboard and mouse placed so that the wrists stay straight;
- breaks or changes of activity throughout the day;
- attention to eye strain and access to eye tests, which the employer must provide for those who use screens regularly.
Psychosocial risks
Psychosocial risks come from the organisation of work and from relationships at work. They can cause stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and burnout, as well as physical illness. Examples:
- work overload, impossible deadlines, excessive pace;
- lack of autonomy or of clarity about what is expected;
- long hours, little rest, pressure to be always available;
- lack of support from managers and colleagues;
- violence, threats, discrimination and harassment.
The law requires the employer to ensure that psychosocial risk factors do not constitute a risk to safety and health (Lei n.º 102/2009, article 15(2)(f)). The Código do Trabalho (article 29) prohibits harassment, that is, unwanted behaviour, in particular behaviour based on a discriminatory factor, with the aim or the effect of disturbing or embarrassing the person, affecting their dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile or humiliating environment. As a rule, the worker is entitled to a daily rest of at least 11 consecutive hours between two working periods (article 214).
What to do
- Talk to your manager, to the workers' representatives for OSH or to the OSH service about what is causing problems.
- Keep records of episodes of violence or harassment and ask for support.
- Seek medical and psychological help, and talk to the occupational doctor.
- A complaint can be made to the ACT.
- Respect your colleagues: do not take part in humiliation, even as a joke.