Methods for measuring physical workload among commercial cleaners: A scoping review

Commercial cleaning work is labor intensive. Previous research and insurance claim data show that it exposes workers to physical risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In particular, high workload during the job-planning and operation phases is directly relevant to MSDs risks. Thus, an understanding of methods used to assess physical workload is essential. This scoping review summarizes the methods used in studies to evaluate physical workloads among commercial cleaners. A literature search and screening of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, as well as full-text reviews led to the selection of 48 studies. Most of these studies used direct measurements, and many applied more than one workload measurement method. Moreover, previous studies have examined the effects of tasks, environments, and tools on workload. This scoping review describes the advantages and disadvantages of various methods for both researchers and safety practitioners in the commercial cleaning industry. This review may inform future research and injury reduction efforts on study designs and workload measurement methodology. •Research methods assessing physical workload among cleaners were reviewed.•The number of studies investigating workload increased in the most recent decade.•Methods are used to measure external and internal exposures, and acute responses.•Most studies used direct measurements to measure physical workload.•Several studies applied multiple methods to measure physical workload.