[Physically demanding work increases the risk of long-term sickness absence].

In the year 2000, 5357 employees were interviewed on physical work environment and various co-variates. They were followed for 18 months in order to identify people receiving sickness benifits for eight weeks or more. 348 persons (7%) developed long-term sickness. 56% were women. Risk of long-term sickness absence was increased by extreme bending or twisting of the neck or back, working mainly standing or squatting, lifting or carrying loads, and pushing or pulling loads. Three significant interactions of physical and psychosocial work environment risk factors were found among women.