Work - Volume 17, issue 1

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 1-1, 2001

Authors: Vroman, Kerryellen | MacRae, Nancy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: It is women who are predominantly affected by musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities (MSD/UE), especially those disorders attributed to repetitive strain or cumulative trauma. This study focuses on a female sample of supermarket employees and the effects of stress acquired from their non-work environments on the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms. Stress and life events were shown to be positively associated with the presence of UE disorders and measures of intensity, duration, and frequency of pain. …A multifactorial model for explaining the development of MSD/UE in female workers is proferred, while the significance of understanding the inter-relational nature of women's lives is underscored. Additionally, the study lends credence to the physiological underpinning of stress. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 3-9, 2001

Authors: Friesen, Margaret N. | Yassi, Annalee | Cooper, Juliette

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into stakeholder perspectives on barriers and facilitators for return-to-work (RTW). Qualitative methodology with purposive sampling was employed. A total of 55 participants, representing a wide spectrum of stakeholders and industry, were interviewed in individual or group format. Interview transcripts were …coded, categorized according to themes, and placed within a framework which reflected the dynamic interaction of individuals and the structural systems or context of those individuals. Findings indicated that perceived barriers to RTW included delays of all types in processing or delivery of information or treatment, and ineffective communication among stakeholders. Facilitators to RTW included establishment of RTW programs in the workplace, effective communication and teamwork, as well as trust and credibility among stakeholders. The interdependence of organizational structures and human interactions was evident in successful RTW programs which emphasized teamwork, early intervention, and communication. Differing stakeholder perspectives, however, especially on issues such as worker attitudes and participation, must be acknowledged and addressed if more injured workers are to be successful in returning to full employment. Show more

Keywords: occupational health, rehabilitation, return-to-work, qualitative research

Citation: Work, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 11-22, 2001

Authors: Masso, Josephine Di | Avi-Itzhak, Tamara | Obler, Doris Richard

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this outcome study is to assess the effectiveness of one clubhouse program model, Connections Clubhouse. The study was conducted on 117 randomly selected members attending Connections Clubhouse from January 1998 to June 1999. The study examines the effect of attendance rates on members' employment attainment and status, and on rate of hospitalization recidivism. Rate of hospitalization recidivism was conceptualized as the difference between number of hospitalizations after enrollment and before enrollment in the …program. It is hypothesized that adult psychiatric patients, with a high rate of attendance at Connections Clubhouse, will demonstrate (a) a high rate of employment attainment and more advanced employment status; and (b) a low rate of hospitalization recidivism as compared to those with a low attendance rate. As hypothesized, the proportion of members with a high rate of attendance with no employment of any kind was significantly lower than the proportion of members with a low rate of attendance. Though less pronounced, the proportion of members with a high rate of attendance holding a more advanced employment status was significantly higher than the proportion of members with a low rate of attendance. As expected, the recidivism rate of members with a high rate of attendance was significantly lower than for members with a low rate of attendance. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 23-30, 2001

Authors: Willey, Marc S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study used two dimensional biomechanical analysis to examine the effects of back belts and lifting load on selected lifting kinematics during a simulated patient transfer. A human manikin placed in a sitting position was attached to a customized lifting apparatus which controlled the lifting load and direction of the manikin. Eighteen female participants, between the age of 21 and 27, completed six lifts (sit to stand transfers) of the manikin. Three lifts were completed at …the 30 lb load condition (no belt, belt 1 and belt 2) and three lifts were completed at the 50 lb load condition (no belt, belt 1 and belt 2). A doubly two way ANOVA found a significant main effect for the belt condition, F(12,6)=10.06, P=0.002 . There was no significant effect for load and no interaction existed between belt and load. The results revealed a significant decrease in trunk flexion when participants wore the wider (nine inch) belt during the 30~lb lifts when compared to the no belt trials. No significant differences were found in trunk flexion means with the narrower width (six inch) belt. No significant differences were found in trunk spinal flexion with either belt condition during the 50 lb lifts. There were no significant differences found in either of the belts in the means of lifting time, knee flexion, elbow flexion, forward displacement of the lifter's center of mass, and the lifter's maximum center of mass velocity. The results suggest that wider back belts may be more effective at reducing spinal flexion during patient lifting under moderate load conditions when compared to narrower back belts and to no-belted controls. Show more

Keywords: posture, occupational health, ergonomic aids

Citation: Work, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 31-38, 2001

Authors: Cant, Rosemary | O'Loughlin, Kate | Legge, Varoe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Stereotypes of older people suggest that they may experience more sickness and injury therefore may not be as productive as younger employees. The present paper attempts to test these stereotypes and reports research into patterns of sick leave in different age cohorts and attitudes towards the use of sick leave. The research was carried out at two case study sites. Managers were interviewed and focus groups were held with workers. A complex pattern was found, suggesting …structural issues such as sick leave entitlements, workplace organisation, and flexible work patterns interacted with managers' and workers' attitudes, age, gender and family responsibilities. Flexible workplace hours, and part payment for unused sick leave and insecurity of employment appeared as important factors in reducing absenteeism. The most striking finding was that older workers past pensionable age took the least sick leave. Older workers were careful to conserve sick leave as a `cushion' for serious illness. Workplace pressures especially those resulting from the failure of management to replace absent workers resulted in work pressure on peers and thus reluctance of workers to take leave. Show more

Keywords: absenteeism, workplace organisation, age, gender

Citation: Work, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 39-48, 2001

Authors: Sullman, Mark J.M. | Biggs, Herbert C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: An industry specific rehabilitation programme was developed to cater for the special requirements of the New Zealand logging industry. The aims of the rehabilitation programme were to: reduce the amount of time lost due to injury, reduce the number of lost time injuries, and overall, to reduce the direct costs associated with logging injuries. The programme was field-tested on a logging company. The rehabilitation programme was effective for reducing the average amount of time lost due …to injury and also for reducing the cost of the injuries. Although there were a number of factors that may have had an impact upon these results, this research provides evidence that this rehabilitation programme was effective for reducing the severity and cost of injury to the New Zealand logging industry. Show more

Keywords: forestry, logging, injury prevention

Citation: Work, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 49-55, 2001

Authors: Durand, Marie-José | Loisel, Patrick

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Therapeutic Return to Work is a work rehabilitation program linking graded work exposure with functional restoration therapy for chronic low back pain. This study evaluates the impact of the program on stable return to work (RTW) and compares it with the impact on RTW of three frequently used ways of management of back pain (normative comparison). At two year follow-up, 93% participants of the Therapeutic Return to Work program were working. This rate was higher than …in the comparison groups. Although limited by its norm-referenced evaluation design, the results of this study indicate the importance of placing the work site in the center of the of work rehabilitation process. In this program occupational therapists make full use of the client's natural environment. Show more

Keywords: back pain, rehabilitation, return to work, workplace

Citation: Work, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 57-63, 2001

Authors: Rolander, Bo | Bellner, Anna-Lena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: {\it Objectives:} (1) To identify perceived musculo-skeletal disorders and intensity of pain among the employees in the non-private dental clinics; (2) To assess perceived psychosocial and physical work conditions on the localization and intensity of musculo-skeletal disorders and pain. {\it Study design:} A questionnaire, comprising four sections (demographic, self-reported psychosocial and physical work conditions, self-reported disorders from the musculo-skeletal system, self-reported intensity of pain on nine different localization on the body) was mailed to …391 employees. Of these, 338 reported musculo-skeletal disorders. In this latter group, 239 reported work as the cause. These employees completed the questionnaire. {\it Results:} The greatest amount of pain was reported for the cervico-brachial region. Among all participants, a response pattern was found where the physical work demands were very high, the psychosocial work demands fairly high, the work climate supportive, and the control over work moderate. At an occupational group level, theoretical inconsistencies were identified in terms of a lack of anticipated relationships, especially for the dentist groups. {\it Conclusions:} For a scientific and social purpose, more research, which identifies relationships between work-related musculo-skeletal pain and dos-response [8], effort-reward [16], and demand-control [12] aspects of the working conditions, is clearly needed. Show more

Keywords: physical and psychosocial work conditions, dos-response model, effort-reward model, demand-control model, musculo-skeletal disorders and pain

Citation: Work, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 65-73, 2001

Authors: Robbins, Jill E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The prevalence of violence in the United States has begun to take its toll on the youth in schools. As children spend the majority of their waking hours in school, it is there that programs to prevent violence should be implemented. Various factors compiled from the literature including traits of children ``at risk'', lack of adult supervision, and architectural barriers, are identified as contributing to on-campus crime. Skills training for educators, school officials, parents, and children, …in addition to reduction of architectural barriers, are discussed as methods to promote awareness and prevention. Implications for occupational therapy practitioners are discussed. Show more

Keywords: safety awareness, children at risk, architectural barriers, conflict resolution

Citation: Work, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 75-82, 2001