Life is hard for France’s 650 000 food distribution workers. A study done by 350 occupational doctors among 5 000 supermarket employees found that 60% have backache and 30% suffer from wrist and shoulder pain. The problems stem from poorly designed work stations, carrying heavy loads, deep display counters, and stretching and bending to reach top and bottom shelves. A full 90% of workers also report performing repetitive movements.

French Employment Minister Gérard Larcher pointed to “soaring musculoskeletal disorders, reported cases of which have risen sixfold in 10 years, compared to threefold in the general scheme”. But this sharp rise in MSD appears to result from greater recognition of the disease. Work accident frequency rates “have not gone down, and are still 20 points above average”, lamented the minister.

“There are high levels of physical strain in the sector, with major physical constraints resulting in reported musculoskeletal disorders for 85% of employees”, was the verdict of one doctor from CISME, the occupational health institute that coordinated the survey.

The study also flags up strong “time pressure”, with 80% of employees claiming that they have to rush their work, and half unable to take breaks when they want. 40% of employees are “strained and tense”, although this is “below the national average of around 60%”, notes the doctor.

• The survey (in French)

Source: agency reports