Objective:

To describe health problems and working conditions perceived by workers of Navarra, Spain.

Methods:

Conduct of the Third Survey of Working Conditions and Health in Navarre. We administered the Seventh Spanish National Survey of Working Conditions questionnaire by personal interviews conducted in the workers’ homes between October 2014 and December 2014, and using a three-stage stratified sampling approach, by economic activity, work establishment size and gender. A total of 2744 interviews were completed, with a confidence level of 95.5% and P=Q, error ± 1.99.

The analysis was weighted by the sampling variables. The results were summarized as percentages for qualitative variables and point estimates for quantitative variables.

Results:

Among the postivie findings, 85% of respondents were well informed of job risks, 68% had access to a health and safety representative, 50% underwent risk assessments and 60% received periodic medical examinations.

Among the notable self-reported occupational risk factors were exposure to loud noise (16%), chemicals (33%), accident-prone situations (76%), repetitive movements (62%), awkward postures (41%) and biological agents (11%).

Issues of concern include a high percentage of overtime work (44% of men and 39% of women), feelings of being overworked (30.6% and 29.4%, respectively) and exposure to abusive behaviors (11.7% for verbal abuse), especially among women, healthcare workers and teachers.

The most prevalent health problems were musculoskeletal (49% reporting back pain) and issues related to work stress (20%).

Conclusions:

The current working conditions in Navarre feature improved preventive services, persistence of traditional occupational risk factors and emergence of new issues such as violence and work stressors.

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