Table 4 Exposures, Questions and Non-exposed/Exposed. The Occupational Mechanical Job Exposure Index

Heavy lifting (> 20 kg)

Do you have to lift something that weighs more than 20 kg daily, and in the case of how many times per. day?

“Yes, at least 20 times per. day”, “Yes, 5–19 times per. day”, “Yes, 1–4 times per day”, “No”

0 = Not exposed (No),

1 = Exposed (≥ 1–4 times)

Hands above shoulder height

Do you work with your hands raised at shoulder height or higher? – “yes” or “no”

If “yes” – Can you estimate how much of the workday you do this? “almost all the time”, “about 3/4 of the time”, “about half the time”, “about 1/4 of the time”, “very little part of the time”

0 = Not exposed (no or very little of the workday),

1 = Exposed (≥ 1/4 of the workday)

Heavy physical work

Do you work so hard that you breathe faster? – “yes” or “no”

If “yes” – Can you estimate how much of the workday you do this? “almost all the time”, “about 3/4 of the time”, “about half the time”, “about 1/4 of the time”, “very little part of the time”

0 = Not exposed (no or very little of the workday),

1 = Exposed (≥ 1/4 of the workday)

Neck flexion

Do you work with your head forward bending? – “yes” or “no”

If “yes” – Can you estimate how much of the workday you do this? “almost all the time”, “about 3/4 of the time”, “about half the time”, “about 1/4 of the time”, “very little part of the time”

0 = Not exposed (no or very little of the workday),

1 = Exposed (≥ 1/4 of the workday)

Squatting/kneeling

Do you have to squat or kneel when you work? – “yes” or “no”

If “yes” – Can you estimate how much of the workday you do this? “almost all the time”, “about 3/4 of the time”, “about half the time”, “about 1/4 of the time”, “very little part of the time”

0 = Not exposed (no or very little of the workday),

1 = Exposed (≥ 1/4 of the workday)

Forward bending

Do you work in forward-leaning positions without supporting yourself with your hands or arms? – “yes” or “no”

If “yes” – Can you estimate how much of the workday you do this? “almost all the time”, “about 3/4 of the time”, “about half the time”, “about 1/4 of the time”, “very little part of the time”

0 = Not exposed (no or very little of the workday),

1 = Exposed (≥ 1/4 of the workday)

Awkward lifting

Do you have to lift in awkward positions? – “yes” or “no”

If “yes” – Can you estimate how much of the workday you do this? “almost all the time”, “about 3/4 of the time”, “about half the time”, “about 1/4 of the time”, “very little part of the time”

0 = Not exposed (no or very little of the workday),

1 = Exposed (≥ 1/4 of the workday)

Standing/walking

Do you work standing or walking? – “yes” or “no”

If “yes” – Can you estimate how much of the workday you do this? “almost all the time”, “about 3/4 of the time”, “about half the time”, “about 1/4 of the time”, “very little part of the time”

0 = Not exposed (≤ 1/4 of the workday),

1 = Exposed (≥ 1/2 of the workday)