Work - Volume 30, issue 4

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 341-341, 2008

Authors: Hochwälder, Jacek

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The relation between empowerment and burnout was investigated using a two-wave and two-variable panel model. A questionnaire was completed on two occasions, one year apart, by 1,356 nurses. The paths in the model were estimated using regression analyses and the following results were obtained: (a) empowerment is a stable state; (b) higher levels of empowerment are related to lower levels of burnout, when empowerment and burnout are studied at the same point in time; (c) higher …prior levels of empowerment can be associated with higher later levels of burnout, when empowerment and burnout are studied at different points in time; (d) for assistant nurses, but not for registered nurses, prior higher levels of burnout resulted in lower later levels of empowerment, indicating a reciprocal relation between the two concepts. The results imply that what is a protective factor from a cross-sectional perspective may be a risk factor from a longitudinal perspective. Show more

Keywords: Empowerment, burnout, longitudinal study, nurses

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 343-352, 2008

Authors: Mohan, G. Madhan | Elangovan, S. | Prasad, P.S.S. | Krishna, P. Rama | Mokkapati, Anil Kumar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Global competition in manufacturing sector demand higher productivity levels. In this context, workers in this sector are set with high output targets, leading to job strain. In addition to the strain, hazardous conditions also prevail in some of the manufacturing processes like foundry activities. This paper attempts to appraise the prevalence of job strain among foundry shop floor workers in India with the help of Demands-Control model [8]. In this study, data was collected through a …survey using 49-item Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) [9], a widely used and well-validated test for job strain. Then the data was subjected to statistical analysis after ascertaining the reliability. This survey has revealed that 25% of workers in foundry were experiencing high job strain. Hazardous working conditions, limited decision making authority, etc. appear to be the main contributing factors for the higher levels of strain. Show more

Keywords: Foundry, job strain, job content questionnaire (JCQ), demands-control model

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 353-357, 2008

Authors: Zultowski, Ilyse | Aruin, Alexander

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study investigated the effect that load magnitude, load location, and the dimensions that the base of support have on postural sway in standing while wearing a backpack, single strapped bag, briefcase, or purse. Subjects were instructed to carry a load of 10% or 20% of their body weight with either their feet spaced shoulder width apart or together for a period of 45 seconds. Medial/lateral and anterior/posterior center of pressure (COP) displacement and COP velocity …were calculated. Overall, it was found that an increase in load magnitude produced an increase in postural sway and velocity of COP. In addition, a large increase in the medial/lateral COP velocity was observed when subjects carried a briefcase, single strapped bag, or purse. Additionally, a larger COP sway was recorded in conditions of standing with decreased base of support (feet together). These findings suggest the importance of considering the way we carry loads in order not only to place less strain on the body and to minimize our efforts, but to optimize postural control as well. Show more

Keywords: Backpack, posture, body sway, human

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 359-368, 2008

Authors: Ratzon, N.Z. | Mizrachi, N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: With increasing numbers of adults taking part in amateur athletic activity during leisure hours there have been indications that amateur athletic activity may have negative effects on musculoskeletal disease. A literature review focusing on musculoskeletal injuries among bowlers provided only limited references. Study objectives: Studying the characteristic of bowlers complaining of musculoskeletal disorders in general and of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders specifically, and locating the factors that statistically …predict musculoskeletal disorders among Israeli bowlers. Methods: The research population includes 98 amateur bowlers who attended two bowling clubs (cluster sampling). Musculoskeletal disorders of the research population were assessed by subjective report using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaires. Further use was made of questionnaires concerning bio-demographic data, work assessment, and the characteristics of the bowling game. Results: Sixty two percent of bowlers reported the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in one or more of their body joints during the preceding year. Regression analysis with the number of painful joints in the upper extremities as a dependent variable revealed one main predictor: the number of leagues in which the bowler participated (β = 0.22, p < 0.03). When the dependent variable was the number of painful joints in the entire body, the statistical predictor was the average achievement of the bowlers (β = 0.40, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Research findings shed light on the unique musculoskeletal disorders of bowlers. Bowlers should be instructed with regard to what are the safe limits of their leisure activities. Show more

Keywords: Bowling, leisure, musculoskeletal disorders

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 369-375, 2008

Authors: Labriola, Merete

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Aim: the aim of this study is to give an overview of the individual and workplace level factors affecting sickness absence and return to work based on international literature. Categorizing the individual and workplace level factors in a conceptual framework encompasses both sickness absence and return to work. Testing the practical use of the conceptual framework "The Dynamic Work Disability Model" in study design and interpretation of five studies in a Danish context. Methods: …The project features five prospective cohort studies focusing on associations between work environment and different sickness absence and return to work outcomes. These five studies utilize two different work environment cohorts and a national sickness absence register data. The following analyses were performed: Logistic, Cox, multilevel logistic and Poisson regressions. Results: A research project on sickness absence and return to work designed according to the "The Dynamic work Disability Model" contributed to an understanding of the proportions and basic epidemiology of work disability in a Danish labor market context. The use of "The Dynamic Work Disability Model" helped in designing and structuring the research project's sub-studies and supported a more systematic interpretation of the findings. Show more

Keywords: Conceptual framework, work disability, prospective cohort study and register data

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 377-387, 2008

Authors: Cloutier, Esther | David, Hélène | Ledoux, Élise | Bourdouxhe, Madeleine | Gagnon, Isabelle | Ouellet, François

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The health sector in Québec (Canada) is dealing with profound macro-economic and macro-organizational changes. This article is interested in the impact of these changes on the work of home health aides (HHAs) and home care nurses and their occupational health and safety (OHS). The study was carried out in the home care services (HCS) of four local community service centres (CLSC) with different organizational characteristics. It is based on an analysis by triangulation of 66 individual …and group interviews, 22 observed workdays and 35 observed multidisciplinary or professional meetings, as well as on administrative documents. HHAs are experiencing an erosion of their job because the relational and affective aspects of their work are disappearing. This may be due to an increase in their physical workload, leading to an increase in musculoskeletal problems and, to a lesser extent, in psychological health problems. Nurses are seeing an increase in the volume of invisible work that they have to do, which also has the effect of decreasing the relational aspects of their activity. The increasingly numerous psychological health problems are the consequence of this change in their profession. This study also shows that managers' decisions at the local level can reduce or increase the work constraints of HHAs and nurses. Examples of good practices for HHAs are the stabilization of clienteles and the possibility of organizing their itinerary, while for nurses, it is in how clientele follow-up tools are implemented. This article discusses the effects of government policies and decisions on the work and OHS of home care personnel. To address this subject, we use a specific analysis of the workload of home health aides (HHAs) and nurses. We will show the relationships between managers' organizational choices to respond to governmental constraints and the resulting work changes. We will also look at their consequences on occupational health and safety (OHS) and on the work of different personnel. Show more

Keywords: Change in professions, intensification, nurses, home health aides, organizational factors, OHS

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 389-402, 2008

Authors: Sesek, Richard | Drinkaus, Phillip | Khalighi, Mehdi | Tuckett, Robert P. | Bloswick, Donald S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a debilitating and expensive health problem. An inexpensive screening method that would differentiate between people who do not have CTS and those that may have CTS would be useful. The screening methodology investigated here had two phases: a structured interview and provocative vibrotactile testing (VT). The control group (n = 36) was composed of asymptomatic college students and faculty, the case group was composed of patients currently visiting an …occupational medicine clinic for symptoms consistent with CTS. The case group was subdivided into positive and negative for nerve conduction latency, NCL+ (n = 21) and NCL− (n = 13), respectively. Using a scored, structured interview, 33 of the controls and none of the symptomatic cases were identified as non-CTS. The results from the provocative flexion VT indicated that if the difference between the age corrected baseline and the threshold at 15 minutes is 15 μm or more, the subject was likely to be NCL+ (odds ratio 12.6, 95% CI 3.8 to 41.8). Further research may improve this screening methodology to not only determine whether or not a person has CTS, but also to determine the level of median nerve impingement or damage. Show more

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, vibrotactile testing, CTS screening, nerve conduction latency

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 403-411, 2008

Authors: Jakobsson, Björn | Bergroth, Alf | Ekholm, Jan | Ekholm, Kristina Schüldt | Svedlund, Marianne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Many women require vocational rehabilitation before they can return to work. The objective with the present study was to describe female clients' situation during the rehabilitation process, as it became apparent during the rehabilitation meetings with the various actors involved. The clients' diagnoses varied, but the majority was affected with musculoskeletal disorders. The meetings were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim, after which they were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The following themes emerged: …Adaptation to the rehabilitation group; client's health status; the workplace's significance for rehabilitation; and the client's decision-point. Conflict between health and work was immensely important for rehabilitation. Differences in attitude were apparent during the rehabilitation meetings, as some clients were passive and exercised less influence on the planning, than the other more active clients did. Show more

Keywords: Adaptation, group process, women, qualitative research, vocational, rehabilitation

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 413-421, 2008

Authors: Pelham, Thomas W. | Holt, Laurence E. | White, Harold

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Physical training (PT) is a significant component in the operational preparation for Canadian Forces (CF) combat divers. However, in developing the various components of a PT program, consideration must be given to the potential for increasing the risk of injury. Indeed, all PT programs should incorporate components that minimize risks of injury, thereby attempting to prevent injury. This report identifies high-risk activities associated with PT during a CF Combat Diving Course and contains recommendations for PT …modifications. Major high-risk activities identified were: inappropriate exercises, errors in exercise prescription, particularly in intensity and duration and incorrect lifting methods. From a specificity of training perspective, there is little support for the incorporation of 'dry land flutter kick' (i.e., repetitive, unsupported alternating straight leg raises), or high repetitions of push-ups, sit-ups and chin-ups in the training of CF combat diving candidates. Excessive use of these exercises, as performed during training, pose a high-risk for injury and are not recommended. Show more

Keywords: Prevention, specificity, ergonomics

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 423-431, 2008

Authors: Roelen, C.A.M. | Koopmans, P.C. | Groothoff, J.W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Job satisfaction is associated with mental health. Employees could be counselled on how they feel about their work. If specific aspects of their job are causing particular dissatisfaction, they could be assisted to appropriately change these aspects. Objective: There is no 'gold standard' indicating the aspects that should be taken into account when job satisfaction is measured. This study investigated which work factors determine job satisfaction. Method: A self-report questionnaire was sent to a random …sample of 822 out of 1908 active employees. The questionnaire examined overall job satisfaction as well as satisfaction with specific work aspects using valid single-item measures. Results: The response rate was 63%. Overall job satisfaction was 5.3 ± 1.3 on a Likert-scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). The work factors explained 54% of the variance in job satisfaction. Specific satisfaction with task variety, colleagues, working conditions, and workload were positively related to overall job satisfaction, as were career perspectives and job autonomy. Conclusion: Task variety, working conditions, workload, and career perspectives determine the greater part of job satisfaction. An instrument including these factors would provide beneficial information beyond current measures of job satisfaction. Show more

Keywords: Overall job satisfaction, specific job satisfaction, job satisfaction instruments, content of job satisfaction

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 433-439, 2008

Authors: Sandqvist, Jan L. | Gullberg, Mats T. | Henriksson, Chris M. | Gerdle, Björn U.C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the area of work rehabilitation, many decisions about future interventions for the client are based on the results of various kinds of assessments. Therefore, it is important that the assessment instruments used are adequate, useful, and reliable. The purpose of this study was to investigate the content validity and utility of the instrument Assessment of Work Performance (AWP) which is used to assess an individual's observable (working) skills during work performance, i.e. how efficient and …appropriate a client performs a work activity. A questionnaire was answered by 67 respondents who used the AWP in various work rehabilitation settings in Sweden. The result indicates content validity and utility for the AWP that supports further testing of the instrument. Show more

Keywords: Occupational therapy, measurement, instrument development, skills, MOHO

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 441-450, 2008

Authors: Bolin, Malin | Marklund, Staffan | Bliese, Paul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Using a multilevel approach, this study explores how job demands and control are dependent on the organizational context in which work is performed. The data set consisted of 3,485 employees at 51 establishments divided into 141 sub-units and belonging to 10 parent organizations. Data were collected by means of a survey answered by the employees and structured interviews conducted with operative managers at participating establishments. The results showed that a significant proportion of the variance in …job demands and control was attributed to the organization, and that the three organizational levels varied in terms of their impact on the two psychosocial dimensions. More specifically, job demands were mostly affected by the establishment level, while the sub-unit level seemed to be the most important for job control. It is concluded that in studies of working conditions, the organizational context should be considered. Show more

Keywords: Multilevel analysis, JD-C model, job demands, control, organization

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 451-459, 2008

Authors: Hultman, Barbro | Hemlin, Sven

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study analysed self-assessed quality of life (QoL), using a QoL questionnaire (Hörnquist's QLcs) covering life spheres, somatic health, mental well-being, cognitive ability, social and family life, activity, financial situation, meaning in life and a global score "entire life", for young people aged 18–24 in a population-based cross-sectional study in northern Sweden. Of these, 651 were unemployed and 2802 were in work (employed, students and in military service). Results showed that the young unemployed …exhibited poorer QoL than the young in work and the greatest difference was found regarding their financial situation. Young men rated somatic health and mental well-being higher than young women. However, QoL in other essential domains was rated higher by young women in work. Close friends and money reserve were important for all participants, no matter whether they were employed or not. The risk of being young and unemployed was greater if the person had a worse financial situation, shorter education, and fewer leisure activities with other people. Finally, it was concluded that while QoL is poorer when in unemployment – both for the young and those who are older (aged 25–64) – psychological well-being, in contrast to several previous studies, is even poorer for young people than for those who are older. This is worrying in a public health perspective and could have implications for unemployment policies for younger and less well-educated age groups. Show more

Keywords: Unemployment, young, quality of life, health

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 461-472, 2008

Authors: Vinberg, Stig

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article has a two-fold approach. First, it investigates relationships between work organizational factors, and health and performance outcomes. Second, it compares two change strategy approaches in workplace health interventions by studying changes of these factors and outcomes. The sample consisted of ten Swedish small enterprises including 102 individuals, who answered a before and after questionnaire about organizational factors and outcomes. The leaders were interviewed and answered a questionnaire about performed workplace …health interventions. Statistical methods used were reliability tests, correlation analyses and t-tests. Results indicate rather strong links between indicators of respectful leadership, creative work and team spirit, and the outcome indicators self-assessed health and judged workplace adaptability in association with customer satisfaction. The results concerning changes of determinants and outcomes (after workplace health interventions) showed significant differences between enterprises using a broad change strategy and those using an expert/problem-based strategy with the former having more favourable results. The leader interview results also point at obstacles concerning workplace change processes as lack of resources, insufficient competence and influence of external factors. The study results suggest that work organizational factors and integrated models for workplace health intervention are of importance for health and performance outcomes in small enterprises. Show more

Keywords: Small enterprises, health, performance, workplace health interventions, change strategy

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 473-482, 2008

Authors: Hennessey, Mary L. | Rumrill, Phillip D. | Fitzgerald, Shawn | Roessler, Richard

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper describes research regarding factors predicting career optimism for a group of postsecondary students with disabilities (N = 208) who were enrolled in seven colleges and universities in four states. Career optimism was defined as a student's self-confidence regarding his or her ability to choose, maintain, and advance in an appropriate career. The proposed model incorporated variables related to employment discrimination and disincentives such as perceived impact of disability on one's education and …quality of life, racial/ethnic status, gender, and presence of disability benefits. Results indicated that two aspects of "disadvantagement," specifically severity of perceived impact of disability and racial/ethnic status, were significant predictors of career optimism. Implications of the findings were discussed in terms of informational interventions, curricula, development of self-advocacy and self-determination, and research topics. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 483-492, 2008

Authors: Forcier, Lina | Lapointe, Claire | Lortie, Monique | Buckle, Peter | Kuorinka, Ilkka | Lemaire, Jacques | Beaugrand, Sylvie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A literature review revealed that cashiers are the most studied of all supermarket workers, while little is known about other types of employees. However, cashiers are far from being the only supermarket workers affected by musculoskeletal disorders. The musculoskeletal health of supermarket employees other than cashiers was therefore examined for one company. Two sources of data were used: compensation statistics (from the company's 57 corporate supermarkets) and self-reported questionnaires (administered in 4 selected …stores). These sources provided very different descriptive statistics, both in terms of the size of problems (depending on which aspects were compared, compensation statistics depicted 2 to 18 times fewer disorders than self-reports), and in terms of which body regions were most affected. There were also discrepancies with regard to identifying those departments which were most at risk (wrappers according to self-reports, delicatessen according to compensation reports). According to self-reports, 83% of workers (excluding cashiers) reported at least one musculoskeletal disorder over a 12-month period, and 32% had problems severe enough to impede regular activities. Different approaches to calculating rates were also used within each data source. Calculations using the number of hours worked annually by all workers were deemed to be the best. The significance of these results for supermarket employees and in terms of intervention and prevention in other sectors is examined. Show more

Keywords: Supermarket, musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive strain injuries, low back pain, compensable injuries, self-administered questionnaire data, Nordic Questionnaire, surveillance

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 493-510, 2008

Authors: Biron, Caroline | Brun, Jean-Pierre | Ivers, Hans

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Canadian higher education sector has undergone numerous changes during the past decades. Increased student enrolments, massive cuts in human resources and constant restructuring are changes likely to have had a considerable impact on all employees (e.g., administrative, trades, and faculty). While many studies conducted in different countries have shown that stress in universities is a problem of alarming proportions, to date, no study of the entire staff of a university has been carried out in Canada. …This research uses an approach based on the prevention and management of the sources of occupational stress to study 1086 employees of a Quebec university. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. It was found that the proportion of individuals who reported a high level of psychological distress was twice as high (40%) than that reported for a Quebec-wide sample (20%). Work overload, the relationship with one's superior and participation in decision making were systematically reported as high risks to employees' health. It was found that human resources management practices have not followed the rapid organizational changes which affected the university in the past years. The results are discussed in light of the risk management approach. Show more

Keywords: Psychological distress, prevention, risk management, higher education, occupational stress

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 511-522, 2008

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 523-523, 2008