National Survey on Working conditions: Data for Reflection

Abstract

This work presents some data of relevance from the National Survey on Working Conditions, carried out in Spain in 1993. A cross-section survey was undertaken on a representative sample of the Industry and Services sectors (3,148 workers), both through an individual interview which took place at their places of work, and a questionnaire. The study revealed that preventive activities are few and far between. Only 11,8% of the companies carried out surveys into the risk of occupational accidents and/or illnesses. This datum contrasts with the high incidence among workers of exposure to the risk of accidents (59%), noise (33%) or the inhaling of chemical substances (32%). Furthermore, approximately 50% of workers spend at least a quarter of their work time in a static posture or making repetitive hand-arm movements. It is estimated that 60% are exposed to high work rates or repetitive tasks of short duration. Where the question of morbidity is concemed, 60% of workers suffer from posture problems associated with their work. In this study, a comparison is made between these findings per activity sector, together with a detailed analysis of morbility. Finally, it should be borne in mind, that the subjectivity in the responses and answers, which is inherent to any qualitative survey, should not be regarded as a negative aspect. The way in which the worker perceives and experiences his or her work environment, provides essential information for the preventionists.