Affiliations: National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo,
Norway | Lia HMS, Trysil, Norway | Sogn og Fjordane University College, Songndal,
Førde and Sandane, Norway
Note: [] Corresponding author: Einar Jebens, National Institute of
Occupational Health, PO box 8149 dep., NO-0033 Oslo, Norway. Tel.: +47 2319
5217; Fax: +47 2319 5204; E-mail: einar.jebens@stami.no
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Early retirement is an increasing problem in the
construction industry. There is limited information about causes leading
employees to leave working life early. We have compared construction workers
present situation with their perception of future demands at work to avoid
early retirement. METHODS: All 87 employees in a medium-sized Norwegian construction
company participated in the study. All were men and answered questionnaires on
health and pain, work ability, mechanical exposure, psychosocial conditions,
and demands regarding future working conditions. RESULTS: Most workers showed good work ability, irrespective of age.
Many reported high levels of mechanical exposure at work. The level of
musculoskeletal pain was higher in the middle-aged (30–50 year old) age
groups and seniors aged over 50 years than among the youngest workers less than
30 years of age. All workers reported that good health was important for
continued working. Most workers stated that future work must not be too
physically demanding. Many workers reported relatively low job satisfaction;
consequently an interesting job was rated as important for continuing work.
Good social conditions were a high priority. CONCLUSIONS: According to the examined construction workers, good
health and reduced levels of mechanical exposure at work are essential to avoid
early retirement.
Keywords: Senior workers, postponed early retirement, Mechanical exposure, work ability, musculoskeletal pain
