Perceived work ability and individual characteristics as predictors for early exit from working life in professional cleaners

Professional cleaners have many work-related problems, which threat their health and work ability. In 1991, the sample of 96 female professional cleaners participated in the intervention study developing their occupational ergonomics and individual resources. In 2003, 75 of them participated in the follow-up study. The aim of the study was to investigate perceived work ability and individual characteristics as predictors for early exit from working life in professional cleaners. According to the present 12-year follow-up study, the Work Ability Index (WAI) and obesity seemed to be powerful predictors for the early exit from working life in female professional cleaners.