The aim of this study was to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms, quality of life and tasks perceived as most tiring by health care workers performing a patient transfer service for a city hall administration in the countryside of São Paulo state. A questionnaire was used for collecting demographic and occupational data; an instrument derived from the "Nordic Questionnaire"; a questionnaire to evaluate quality of life (SF 36) and the BORG scale. In this study, 82% workers reported at least one musculoskeletal symptom over the twelve previous months. Quality of life was affected in the following aspects: pain, social aspects, and vitality. Workers felt that all tasks related to patient transfer required intense physical effort which compromised their musculoskeletal system.