Rationalization in garages in the Netherlands and its effects on occupational health

In this study, various hypotheses were tested in relation to car mechanics working in a sample of domestic car garages in South Limburg, The Netherlands. These concerned the negative relationships between the degree of control over the work process, and occupational strain, blood pressure, skin disorders and problems in the locomotor system. The relevant intermediate variables used were task latitude, social support from supervisor and colleagues, and positive appreciation (which were expected to weaken the major hypothesized relationships), and time pressure, mental load, and involuntary task interruption (which were expected to strengthen the major hypothesized relationships). The analysis also included the possible effects of age and seniority. Controls based on craft methods, blood pressure and skin disorders were measured through observation. The effect of controls based on craft methods, and occupational strain were demonstrated. Effects were also shown of occupational strain on diastolic blood pressure and on problems in the locomotor system, and of positive appreciation on non-contact skin disorder.