Physical workload

Physical workload assessment and measurement

We measure and assess local muscular load, overall physical load, working postures and manual handling of loads directly at your premises. You receive a report, a proposed work categorisation and measures that can be put into practice.

Why you must deal with physical workload

Under Section 38 of Act No. 355/2007 Coll., the employer must ensure that physical workload is assessed, arrange workplaces according to ergonomic principles, observe the limits for overall and local physical load and for handling loads, and introduce measures to reduce increased load.

Amendment from 15 July 2026: the health risk assessment of physical load must be carried out in cooperation with the occupational health service by 31 December 2027. The deadline will start to apply once new implementing regulations are issued; until then Decree No. 542/2007 Coll. applies.

Poor ergonomics costs a company even without an inspection:

  • more sick leave and higher staff turnover
  • occupational diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome or problems with the spine, joints and tendons
  • fines from the regional public health authorities and the Labour Inspectorate
  • lower quality and productivity due to rapid employee fatigue

What we measure and assess

Local muscular load

For repetitive hand movements, for example on assembly lines, we measure muscular effort and movement frequency instrumentally using surface electromyography (EMG). How the measurement works (in Slovak).

Overall physical load

For work involving large muscle groups in construction, logistics or heavy industry, we measure heart rate and evaluate energy expenditure.

Working postures

Using a time study and measuring the angles of the trunk, neck and limbs, we determine whether postures are acceptable, conditionally acceptable or unacceptable.

Manual handling of loads

We weigh the loads, count the frequency and total weight per shift and take into account the distance, lifting height, gender and age. More about the limits (in Slovak).

Proposed work categorisation

Based on the measured values, we prepare a proposal for classifying work into categories 1 to 4 for the public health authority.

Ergonomic audit

We assess the layout of workplaces and propose technical and organisational solutions.

The most common risky postures

  • working deeply bent forward or with a significantly twisted trunk
  • working kneeling, squatting or lying down, for example when welding or carrying out repairs
  • working with hands above shoulder level during ceiling installations
  • prolonged rigid sitting or standing without the possibility of changing position

How cooperation works

  1. Initial consultation. We familiarise ourselves with your production and identify the job positions to be assessed.
  2. Methodology and quote. We propose whether an indicative assessment is enough or instrumental measurement is needed, and prepare a quote.
  3. Measurement on site. Measurements take place during a normal shift so that we obtain real data.
  4. Report and measures. We prepare a physical workload assessment report and a clear proposal of measures.

What measures we propose

  • handling equipment: lifting tables, balancers, trolleys, manipulators
  • adjusting the weight or size of packaging from suppliers
  • changing the workplace layout and shortening carrying distances
  • adjusting the height of work surfaces and replacing tools
  • adjusting work and rest schedules and rotating job positions

Frequently asked questions about physical workload

Which companies must have a physical workload assessment?

Every employer whose employees do physically demanding work, make repetitive hand movements, handle loads or work in unsuitable postures. Assessing physical workload is an obligation under Section 38 of Act No. 355/2007 Coll.

What is the difference between overall and local physical load?

Overall physical load affects large muscle groups, for example when carrying heavy sacks. Local muscular load concerns smaller muscle groups, typically the forearm and hand, and is especially dangerous with a high frequency of repetitive movements, for example screwing on a production line.

By when must the health risk from physical load be assessed?

The amendment to Act No. 355/2007 Coll. effective from 15 July 2026 requires the assessment to be carried out in cooperation with the occupational health service by 31 December 2027. This deadline will only start to apply once new implementing regulations are issued; until then Decree No. 542/2007 Coll. applies.

Can the RÚVZ carry out an unannounced inspection?

Yes. Public health authorities also carry out unannounced inspections and can impose a fine if the physical workload assessment is missing.

What is the output of the measurement?

A physical workload assessment report, a proposal for classifying work into categories and a proposal of specific technical and organisational measures.

Will the measurement disrupt our production?

No. We measure during a normal shift to obtain real data. Employees work as usual.

Find out whether your people are working above the limits

Measurement, report, proposed categorisation and measures. You get an exact quote within 24 hours.

Tailored quote

     We will prepare a quote promptly

        INFO LINE

    Michal, manažér obchodu HASPO

    Michal

    Sales manager

    Phone
    +421 918 505 584

    Tailored quote

         We will prepare a quote promptly


      You get a 10% discount on each additional service you order.

          INFO LINE

      Michal, manažér obchodu HASPO

      Michal

      Sales manager

      Phone
      +421 918 505 584

      4 branches · all of Slovakia

      Visit us

      We are close to you in Bratislava, Košice, Banská Bystrica and Vranov nad Topľou.

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