Musculoskeletal disorders and stress in checkout cashiers 2005

As a complement to an investigation of work movements, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and stress at work was investigated among checkout cashiers in a number of shops belonging to the same company during May 2005. The disorder prevalence was assessed by a NMR-questionnaire form. The stress load was assessed by a stress-energy questionnaire according to Kjellberg and Iwanowski. In addition, questions about stressing factors at work were put. Fifty cashiers from seven shops in a metropolitan area filled in the questionnaire. The cashiers had an average age of 24 years. In spite of this the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was quite high. The stress-energy results showed a picture of experienced stress in many subjects but positive energy readings in most subjects. Several operations were experienced as physically straining, especially lifting heavy objects. The behaviour of the customers was the major course for stress. Unfriendly or tardy behaviour, piling up products, complaints about and return of products were mentioned. Bad design or function of the computer system or other technical equipment were other sources of stress. Regarding the interaction with the customers the payment situation was an activity causing irritation. Purpose: To study physical and psychological burden on the cashiers in grocery stores.