The main ergonomic risk factors leading to MSDs and associated with cleaning tasks are [5] [52] [55]:
Awkward working postures, especially for the back and arms, for example when reaching and
stooping, or when the work is performed in confined places, such as in public transport, which forces
awkward postures;
Application of high forces (e.g. scrubbing, squeezing, moving and controlling (power) equipment);
Repetitive movements - sometimes performed during up to one hour - and insufficient resting
periods;
Lifting and carrying loads (especially in industrial cleaning);
Static workload, for example when working with arms over shoulder level over longer period of time
to clean dust, or forced by the use of equipment for example when high-pressure spraying;
Poor ergonomics design (shape, size, adjustment and angle) of equipment and equipment handles.
Cleaners are exposed to a combination of risk factors of different nature. In addition to the ergonomic
risks mentioned above, cleaning work is often also characterised by a high work intensity – high
workload, working under time pressure, difficulties in keeping up with work - a poor work organisation
and high psychological demands (see also section 4.4), which are all factors associated with the
development of musculoskeletal disorders [55] [56] [57].