AUTHOR=Sala Emma , Lopomo Nicola Francesco , Tomasi Cesare , Romagnoli Francesco , Morotti Alberto , Apostoli Pietro , De Palma Giuseppe 

TITLE=Importance of Work-Related Psychosocial Factors in Exertion Perception Using the Borg Scale Among Workers Subjected to Heavy Physical Work

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.678827

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2021.678827

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Objective. This study aimed to analyse the role of several environmental and time variables, as well as individual and psychosocial factors, on the perception of exertion, expressed by using the Borg scale, while performing manual tasks. 
Materials and methods. We enrolled 56 subjects working in logistic sector that were interviewed on the perceived exertion required to execute a task of manual lifting of heavy loads, by using the Borg scale. The interviews were carried out during different shifts, at different times during the shifts and during several different months of the year. We also assessed the anthropometric characteristics of the workers, length of service, any musculoskeletal diseases and physical activity. Workers were also interviewed using the structured OREGE questionnaire, in order to evaluate the main symptoms of stress and work-related psychosocial risk factors.
Results. Overall, the subjective perception of the force exerted by the workers exposed to manual handling of very heavy loads was moderate. The rating attributed using the Borg scale shows no correlation with any of the investigated variables. 100% of the workers denied to suffer from symptoms of stress, whereas in terms of psychosocial factors, the workload was globally perceived as positive. 
Conclusion. The study results support the hypothesis that optimal work conditions - from a psychosocial point of view – reduce the subjective perception of exertion by workers even if exposed to a high level of risk of biomechanical overload.