Father Christmas at serious risk as he herds his reindeer, says new research
December 12th 2008

Millions of children could go without their Christmas presents if Father Christmas becomes one of the 9 in 10 reindeer workers to develop serious health problems. New research published in the scientific journal Occupational Medicine shows that reindeer herders have a higher risk of developing health problems such as back pain and hand and wrist injuries than other blue collar workers. The research also shows that these problems are significantly worse amongst the same ‘sami’ reindeering communities than 15 – 20 years ago.

The study compared the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems amongst reindeer herder communities with employees from areas such as the construction, mining and coal industries - workers who traditionally have frequently suffered from these problems themselves. Herders complained of pain and discomfort from their work – with back, neck and shoulder symptoms being the most common. Like workers in many other professions, their symptoms are probably associated with socio-economic pressures leading to greater work intensity and psychological strain.

“These problems affect all industries, not just reindeer herders and manual workers. We all experience aches and pains as part of daily life, but it is important to prevent more serious incapacity, by working safely and dealing effectively with work demands that put us under stress” said Dr Tony Stevens, President of the Society of Occupational Medicine. “Muskuloskeletal problems prevent workers from fulfilling their potential and living full and healthy lives. They also place a huge finanacial burden on the economy. If more people had access to appropriate occupational health services these human and financial costs could be reduced.”

With Father Christmas and his reindeers working to a particularly arduous deadline, the Society of Occupational Medicine have issued five top tips so that he and other workers can reduce the risks of developing similar work related problems:

1. Whatever your job, vary your daily activities as much as possible. This is important for office workers who should avoid prolonged spells at the keyboard.

2. Use equipment and aids properly to reduce manual handling loads.

3. Know the symptoms. These include pain, stiffness, aching, swelling, stiffness and numbness or pins and needles. The earlier you get help the better the outcome.

4. Seek medical advice if you experience symptoms and tell your manager.

5. Keep fit, taking exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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