Job demands, physical fitness, work ability, and age of vehicle inspectors

The aim of this field, laboratory, and questionnaire study was to quantify and compare job demands, physical fitness, and work ability of aging (over 45 years) and young male vehicle inspectors. Dynamic and perceived job demands were moderately low, whereas static load on the neck-shoulder region was high due to bent and/or twisted head and neck postures which occurred at an average of 42% of working hours. Physical job demands were about equal for aging and young subjects. Aging subjects had lower aerobic and muscular fitness than young ones. A reduced work ability was detected in 14% of the aging inspectors. Technical and organizational measures are necessary to reduce static load and fixed repetitiveness of the job. Furthermore, individual physical training is recommended to maintain work ability of both the aging and young vehicle inspectors.