Ergonomic study of neuropsychic impairment in relation to health status in printing occupations

: The exertion and risk factors in relation with the state of health, with the psychophysiological reactivity and with the adaptation and fatigue symptomatology were studied by means of complex psychological, psychophysiological, medical) methods in two professional groups that perform an activity implying important mental and sensorial components: monotasterers and correctors, from three polygraphic enterprises and two publishing houses, totalling 167 subjects (74 monotasterers and 93 correctors). The ergonomic work analysis demonstrated that the exertion and risk factors are conditioned both by the contents of work and by the working environment. The occupational exertion is more complex in monotasterers (mental, sensorial and physical) and predominantly sensorial (visual) in correctors. The work hazards are especially brought about by overstraining of the attention and of the visual analyser, with consequences both on the health of workers and on the quality of production. The investigation of the state of health, of the psychophysiological reactivity, as well as of the adaptation and fatigue symptomatology has detected maladjustment and fatigue phenomena, with impairments of the psychosomatic balance, more marked in monotasterers. The suggestions regarding improvement measures were directed both towards aspects of medico-psychological prophylaxis and elements of corrective ergonomics.