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. 2024 Jun 10;19(1):24.
doi: 10.1186/s12995-024-00423-8.

Physical working conditions over time: a repeated cross-sectional study in German employees

Johannes Beller  1 , Julia Graßhoff  2 , Batoul Safieddine  2
Affiliations

Physical working conditions over time: a repeated cross-sectional study in German employees

Johannes Beller et al. J Occup Med Toxicol. .

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine time trends in physical working conditions across and within occupational groups in Germany between 2006 and 2018.

Methods: Logistic regression analyses were conducted using data from the BIBB/BAuA Employment Surveys in 2006, 2012, and 2018, with a total sample size of 59,006 participants. The study investigated changes in various self-reported occupational exposure measures over time, along with demographic shifts in the workforce.

Results: The results showed overall improvements in most occupational exposure measures during the study period, alongside an aging and upskilling workforce. However, exposure to awkward postures, microorganisms, and, to a lesser extent, noise increased. Substantial variation was observed between occupational groups, with more favourable trends among white-collar high-skilled and blue-collar low-skilled workers, and less favourable trends among white-collar low-skilled and blue-collar high-skilled workers.

Conclusions: While trends in physical working conditions in Germany are partly promising, some exposures are worsening, and substantial inequalities between occupations persist. As occupational exposures remain common, there is still a need for targeted interventions to improve working conditions, particularly in higher-risk occupations.

Keywords: Inequality; Occupational Health; Trends; Working conditions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Trends in physical working conditions
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Trends in physical working conditions in occupational groups. Notes. WC-HS = White-Collar High-Skilled Occupational Group; WC-LS = White-Collar Low-Skilled Occupational Group; BC-HS = Blue-Collar High-Skilled Occupational Group; BC-LS = Blue-Collar Low-Skilled Occupational Group
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