SAŽETAK: Iako razne vrste zanimanja različito utječu na ljudsko zdravlje, nepravilni načini držanja tijela i bolovi u leđima povezuju veliki broj radnika i zanimanja. Bolovi u leđima česta su pojava i kod radnika u trgovinama. Njihov posao prvenstveno je okarakteriziran velikim brojem ponavljanja spuštanja i podizanja trupa prilikom slaganja robe. Upravo zato je, u jednom velikom trgovačkom lancu u RH, proveden projekt u području kineziologije rada u obliku sustavnog učenja radnika o pravilnim načinima rukovanja teretima, a s ciljem prevencije bolova u leđima. Ovo istraživanje dio je tog projekta. Uzorak ispitanika čini skupina od 234 zaposlenika koji rade u trgovinama. U sklopu projekta provedene su teorijsko-praktična predavanja na kojima su radnici ispunili anketne upitnike. Anketni upitnici obrađeni su metodama deskriptivne statistike. Utvrđeno je kako 58,02 % ispitanika osjeća bol u donjem dijelu leđa na prvom mjestu, a na prvom, drugom ili trećem mjestu bol u donjem dijelu leđa osjeća 73,11 % ispitanika. Bol u leđima i/ili vratu na prvom mjestu ima 84,90 % ispitanika, a na prvom, drugom i/ili trećem mjestu zajedno bol u leđima i/ili vratu osjeća zapanjujućih 92,45 % ispitanika. Utvrđeno je i kako 86,79 % ispitanika ima automatiziran nepravilan način rukovanja teretima u obliku istaknutog zaobljavanja leđa prilikom rada. Od 100 % ispitanika koji zaobljavaju leđa 94 % ispitanika ima bolove u leđima i/ili vratu, a samo 6 % ispitanika nema bolove u leđima i/ili vratu. Ovo istraživanje sugerira kako nepravilni načini držanja tijela za vrijeme rada fizičkih radnika snažno utječe na pojavu bolova u leđima i vratu. Zaključuje se kako tehnika dizanja tereta s poda nije ništa drugo do motoričko znanje koje se mora naučiti. Međutim, prvo se treba prepoznati potreba sustavnog upoznavanja radnika s pravilnim načinima držanja tijela prilikom rukovanja teretima. Cilj je primarna i sekundarna prevencija bolova u leđima i vratu kao i očuvanje radne sposobnosti radnika. SUMMARY: Although different types of occupations exert different impacts on human health, back pain occurs in a very large number of workers in many occupations. Back pain is common among the workers in shops whose work tasks are characterized by a large number of repetitions required in lifting and lowering loads. Preventing back pain was the reason for a large commercial chain in the Republic of Croatia to implement this project in the field of occupational kinesiology. They carried out a systematic training scheme intended to teach their workers correct manual handling techniques. This investigation is part of that project. The sample of participants was made up of 234 employees working in stores. As part of the project, theoretical and practical lectures were conducted asking the employees to complete suitably designed questionnaires. Using the methods of descriptive statistics, this study found that 58.02% subjects had low back pain (LBP) in the first place. 73.11% subjects had LBP in the first, second and/or third place. 84.90 % subjects had back and/or neck pain in the first place. First, second, or third place back and/or neck pain afflicted an amazing 92.45% subjects. It was also found that 86.79% subjects practiced improper mechanics of movement in load lifting, exhibiting strong spine flexion during lifting. Of 100% subjects with pronounced spine flexion, 94% have back and/or neck pain and only 6% of the subjects have no back and/or neck pain. This research suggests that improper lifting techniques practiced by manual workers strongly affect the development of back and neck pain. It was concluded that the proper technique for lifting heavy loads from the floor is a motor skill that must be learned. However, first we must recognize the need for systematic education of workers on load lifting. The ultimate goal is primary and secondary prevention of back and neck pain, as well as preservation of work ability.