Work - Volume 33, issue 3

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0870

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 229-229, 2009

Authors: James, Carole | MacKenzie, Lynette

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE's) are used within the occupational rehabilitation arena with the aim of assessing an individual's functional abilities in relation to work tasks. Therapists use a variety of different FCE's, both standardized and non standardized. This study aimed to investigate therapists' views on the clinical utility of FCE's in general and to identify if these differed between professional groups. A cross sectional study design was used. Health professionals who conduct FCE's and …who worked for WorkCover accredited rehabilitation providers in NSW were surveyed. Surveys were returned from 79 participants working for 65 different rehabilitation providers. Of those who replied, 82\% (n=63) were occupational therapists, 13% (n=10) physiotherapists and 5% (n=5) exercise physiologists. The mean years of professional experience was 10.9 years and the mean years of FCE experience was 5.3 years. Data were analyzed using STATA [v8.0] and the clinical utility of FCE's was considered relating to: usefulness & relevance; adaptability and flexibility; therapist perceived requirements and issues in practice. No differences were found related to the clinical utility of FCE's between professional groups or years of professional experience. The results suggest consistency and similarities in how FCE's are currently used in practice across NSW (Australia). Limitations of this study and areas for further research are suggested. Show more

Keywords: Functional capacity evaluation, clinical utility, occupational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0871

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 231-239, 2009

Authors: Darragh, Amy R. | Campo, Marc | Olson, Darcie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of occupational and physical therapy staff regarding a minimal lift policy implemented in a midwestern health system. Researchers used a qualitative focus group approach, facilitating four focus groups with 23 members of the hospital therapy staff. Transcripts of the focus groups were coded and analyzed for emergent themes. Several themes emerged from the data: Therapist risk of injury, Attitudes towards and use of equipment, Professional relationships …and teamwork, and Effectiveness of minimal lift programs: barriers and supports. In general, therapists felt they were susceptible to work-related injury because of the nature of their work, environmental factors, and the actions of others. The therapists served as trainers in the minimal lift program. They trained other staff in equipment use; were resources for staff on the floors; and they used the equipment in the context of therapeutic intervention. Equipment was seen as useful primarily for the rehabilitation of low functioning or bariatric patients. Further research about the design and effect of equipment in therapy is recommended. Show more

Keywords: Safe patient handling, occupational therapy, physical therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0872

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 241-253, 2009

Authors: Kawada, Tomoyuki | Kuratomi, Yushiro | Kanai, Tomoe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Lifestyle determinants of depressive state and a feeling of unhappiness in daily life were evaluated among the workers in Japan by adjusting obesity and age. Methods: A total of 3630 men aged 34 to 60 years from a workplace in Japan participated in this cross-sectional study conducted in 2006. The prevalence of depressive state and a feeling of unhappiness were evaluated by a questionnaire with questions pertaining to the age, body mass index, …and six lifestyle factors. The six lifestyle factors were frequency of exercise and alcohol intake per week, smoking habit, hours of sleep per day, and frequency of eating breakfast and snack per week. The associations between depressive state and/or a feeling of unhappiness and the lifestyle factors were tested by logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of depressive state and a feeling of unhappiness among the workers was 8.1% and 20.3%, respectively. The prevalence of workers who sleep at least for 6~hours on average, exercise regularly and eat breakfast everyday increased as the age of the workers increased. Depressive state and a feeling of unhappiness were significantly associated with age and a reduced duration of sleep even after adjustment for the other variables. No significant associations were found between the other lifestyle factors examined and depressive state and/or a feeling of unhappiness. Conclusions: Depressive state and/or a feeling of unhappiness were significantly associated with a reduced duration of sleep among the workers. Aging was a preventative factor of depressive state and/or a feeling of unhappiness. The effect of obesity was adjusted in this study, but the cause-effect relation between lifestyles and depressive state and/or a feeling of unhappiness should be clarified by the follow-up study. Show more

Keywords: Depressive state, unpleasant feeling, lifestyle, workplace

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0873

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 255-260, 2009

Authors: Fraser, Lyndal | McKenna, Kryss | Turpin, Merrill | Allen, Shelley | Liddle, Jacki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The continuation of older people in the paid workforce is regarded as beneficial for both the economy and older workers. While there have been attempts to encourage older people to continue working, little is understood about older workers' perspectives. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of paid workers aged 60 years and older with the aim of understanding why older people continue to work and the barriers and facilitators they encounter. Sixteen older …Australians (eight males and eight females, mean age 67 years) who participated in paid employment for at least 12 hours per month were interviewed. Thematic analysis elicited themes of benefits of work, problems encountered at work and the ways in which older people respond to these challenges. Financial considerations, the desire to contribute and the absence of competing interests were reasons given for continuing involvement in work. Older workers identified stress, lack of support, physical demands and overemphasis on qualifications as barriers to their participation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, having a passion for work, and education were factors that participants identified as supporting continued work. These findings enhance the understanding of the experiences of older workers and may have implications for encouraging workforce participation of older people. Show more

Keywords: Ageing, qualitative research, work, ageism

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0874

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 261-272, 2009

Authors: De Rijk, A. | Janssen, N. | Van Lierop, B. | Alexanderson, K. | Nijhuis, F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Introduction: On the basis of a motivational framework for return to work (RTW) after sickness absence, scales were developed to measure absentee attitudes towards RTW, perceived social norm with respect to RTW, RTW self-efficacy, RTW motivation, and the RTW attitudes of six types of key actors. Methods: Both theory and 33 in-depth interviews with sickness absentees and occupational physicians produced 95 items. A sample of 119 absentees who had reported sick for more than …one month completed these items. Absentees varied with respect to gender, age, educational level, and work sector. Results: Factor analyses and reliability analyses yielded seventeen scales with sufficient reliability (Cronbach's α: 0.60–0.86). Conclusions: The new scales appear to be valid and promising for future research on RTW. Validation in larger samples is necessary and the predictive validity should to be tested. Show more

Keywords: Return-to-work, motivation, attitude, self-efficacy, social norm, measures

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0875

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 273-285, 2009

Authors: Engström, Lars-Gunnar | Janson, Staffan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The objective of the study was to identify determinants of work presence, i.e. factors that counteract short and/or long term sickness absence. The analyses were based on logistic regression analyses on Swedish regional survey data. Individuals who had not reported sickness absence during the preceding year were compared to on one hand individuals with short term sickness absence (< 28 days) and on the other hand with long term sickness absence (> 28 days). We found …predictors of work presence in personal background as well as in work related variables. A high level of sense of coherence was found to counteract short as well as long term sickness absence. Gender specific differences were observed. Although a set of predictors common for the short and long term perspective were found the predictors in general were found to differentiate substantially with respect to short or long term sickness absence. Implications for sickness absence prevention and health promotion could be drawn from the results. Primarily different aspects of control over working situation, work satisfaction and for women a high level of sense of coherence were believed to have these implications. Show more

Keywords: Sickness absence, work presence, work related factors, sense of coherence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0876

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 287-295, 2009

Authors: Telles, Shirley | Dash, Manoj | Naveen, K.V.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The self-rated musculoskeletal discomfort, hand grip strength, tapping speed, and low back and hamstring flexibility (based on a sit and reach task) were assessed in 291 professional computer users. They were then randomized as Yoga (YG; n=146) and Wait-list control (WL; n=145) groups. Follow-up assessments for both groups were after 60 days during which the YG group practiced yoga for 60 minutes daily, for 5 days in a week. The WL group spent the same time …in their usual recreational activities. At the end of 60 days, the YG group (n=62) showed a significant decrease in the frequency, intensity and degree of interference due to musculoskeletal discomfort, an increase in bilateral hand grip strength, the right hand tapping speed, and low back and hamstring flexibility (repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc analysis with Bonferroni adjustment). In contrast, the WL group (n=56) showed an increase in musculoskeletal discomfort and a decrease in left hand tapping speed. The results suggest that yoga practice is a useful addition to the routine of professional computer users. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0877

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 297-306, 2009

Authors: Choi, Sang D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The US construction workforce is aging as millions of baby boomers move toward retirement age. Older workers make a substantial contribution to construction in terms of skills and experience. However, construction is still one of the most physically demanding occupations, hence the health implications for older workers. Descriptions of injuries, illnesses and fatalities among older workers in the US construction industry from recent literature are presented along with the practical health and safety interventions that have …been proposed including: ergonomic interventions, wellness programs, worksite housekeeping, training, and safety climate. Understanding the risks and hazards in specific industries could help identify training and intervention requirements to meet the challenges facing aging workers in these occupational groups. Show more

Keywords: Aging workforce, ergonomics, health interventions, occupational injury, construction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0878

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 307-315, 2009

Authors: Lydell, Marie | Grahn, Birgitta | Månsson, Jörgen | Baigi, Amir | Marklund, Bertil

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) account for the majority of total morbidity cases in the working-age Swedish population. These disorders are thought to be the reason given for one-third of total certified sick leave requests. In addition to the high cost to society, MSD involve both physical and emotional suffering, pain and financial and social problems for the injured persons. The aim of this study was to identify predictive multidimensional factors for sustainable return to work …(RTW) in a long-term follow-up persons with MSD. During the period 1992–1999, 385 persons participated in a rehabilitation program. Ten years later, 354 of these took part in a prospective follow-up study. The average post-rehabilitation time was ten years (range=7–13 years) and 243 persons (69%) completed a questionnaire. The "working full-time" group (n=110) and the "sick-listed" group (n=73) were included in the study. The two groups were compared in terms of predictors for RTW. Multiple stepwise logistic regression and bivariate analysis, as well as parametric and non-parametric tests, were used to identify predictive factors. The number of sick-listed days before rehabilitation, age, self-rated pain, life events, gender, physical capacity, self-rated functional capacity, educational level and light physical labor were predictors of long-term RTW. Return to work an be facilitated by planning at an early stage of the certified sick leave period using instrument that take these predictors into account. Show more

Keywords: Functional capacity, multidimensional factors, musculoskeletal disorders, pain, physical capacity, predictive factors, returning to work, certified sick leave, work capacity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0879

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 317-328, 2009

Authors: Shih, Yi-Nuo | Huang, Rong-Hwa | Chiang, Han-sun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: It is a common phenomenon for office workers {to listen to music} while executing daily routines at their desks. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between work concentration level and background music. This research would first follow examples in previous researches, and then explore the influence of background music on participants' scores on attention tests. We hope to gain a preliminary understanding of the possible influence of background music on people's focus …and concentration when doing work. Thirty-two college students were separated into three controlled groups; all were given the attention test. Group [a] listened to background music while being tested for 10 minutes; group [b] had no background music at all; and group [c] listened to the music for 10 minutes prior to the attention test. The test was conducted in a "noise free" environment. The means and error rates for each group were then calculated. The findings showed that, in comparison with "no music at all", those who listened to music prior to testing obtained higher scores in attentiveness (most probably a supplemental effect of the music), whereas those who listened to music during attention test showed extremely high level of variation in attention test scoring. Background music does affect people's job-site behavior. In fact, all three test conditions – no background music at all, background music before the work shift, and background music during work – have affected worker performance on different levels. Show more

Keywords: "piped-in" music, attention test, occupational form, occupational performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0880

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 329-333, 2009

Authors: Marshall, Russell | Porter, J. Mark | Sims, Ruth | Summerskill, Steve | Gyi, Diane | Case, Keith

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper describes research carried out at Loughborough University in the UK into the areas of 'design for all' and accessible transport. The research addresses two common needs for designers and ergonomists working towards developing more inclusive products and environments, namely data on users that is accessible, valid, and applicable and a means of utilising the data to assess the accessibility of designs during the early stages of development. HADRIAN is a computer-based inclusive design tool …that has been developed to support designers in their efforts to develop products that meet the needs of a broader range of users. Currently HADRIAN is being expanded to support transport design. This includes data on an individual's ability to undertake a variety of transport-related tasks, such as vehicle ingress/egress, coping with uneven surfaces, steps, street furniture and complex pedestrian environments. The subsequent use of this data will be supported either through a task analysis system that will allow a designer to evaluate a design for a part of the transport infrastructure (ticket barrier, train carriage etc.), or alternatively allow the designer or an end user to evaluate a whole journey. The 'journey planner' feature of the HADRIAN tool will compare an individual's physical, cognitive and emotional abilities with the demands placed upon that individual by the mode(s) of transport available and the route options selected. It is envisaged that these developments will prove extremely useful to users, designers, planners and all those involved with transport use and implementation. Show more

Keywords: Inclusive design, design for all, transport, human modelling, SAMMIE, HADRIAN

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0881

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 335-344, 2009

Authors: Dahl, Søren | Kaerlev, Linda | Jensen, Anker | Tüchsen, Finn | Hannerz, Harald | Nielsen, Per Sabro | Olsen, Jørn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Personal lifestyle and working conditions are closely linked for long haul truck drivers. We compare lifestyle related diseases in long haul drivers with other drivers of goods and the working population at large. Standardized hospital treatment ratios (SHR) for lifestyle related diseases were compared for long haul truck drivers and other truck drivers to the working population at large. The follow up group comprised of 2,175 long haul drivers and 15,060 other truck drivers. An increased …risk was found for lifestyle related diseases among truck drivers except for alcohol related diseases. We identified a strong association between hospital treatment for obesity and working as a driver and an association between diabetes and working as a driver. No major differences in lifestyle related diseases were found in long haul drivers compared to other truck drivers with the exception of a significant lower risk for alcohol-related diseases and a possibly higher risk for lung cancer in long haul drivers. It is concluded that diseases related to excess caloric intake or lack of exercise may be a problem for truck drivers. This risk is preventable and of importance both in occupational medicine as in public health. Show more

Keywords: Lifestyle related diseases, long haul truck driver, diabetes, obesity, chronic ischaemic heart disease, alcohol related diseases, lung cancer

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0882

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 345-353, 2009

Authors: Bellemare, Marie | Beaugrand, Sylvie | Larue, Christian | Champoux, Danièle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A study was conducted to identify possible solutions for redesigning a subway cab in order to improve the posture of drivers working in a restricted space. The approach used included the participation of a working group comprised of operations, maintenance, and engineering managers as well as several drivers. After 6 meetings in which different simulation techniques were used, the working group proposed changes for increasing the available space inside the cab and three seat designs. The …involvement of the actors from the three departments affected by the changes, as well as the operators, throughout the process, was a determining factor in the advancement and acceptance of the projects. The fact that 400 cars are currently in service and must be modified means that it will take several years to implement the modifications in the entire fleet. Show more

Keywords: Redesign, subway driver, participatory approach

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0883

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 355-361, 2009

Authors: Jensen, Anker | Dahl, Søren

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Major industrialised countries, like the United States, Canada, Australia and countries of the European Union (EU) have Hours-of-Service (HoS) regulations for truck drivers that stipulate duration of continuous driving and rest periods. The purported aim is the improvement of road safety by reducing fatigue and drowsiness, but the regulations can also have a strong impact on the working conditions for drivers. Better working conditions for truck drivers is one of the aims of the EU HoS …regulations, but they do not seem to fully produce the desired benefits. Truck drivers continue to have a high prevalence of back disorders, which have been linked with the time spent driving. They also have a high incidence of heart disease, which might be due to stress factors at work. Stress levels can be affected by HoS regulations, that leave the driver little job control and lead to social isolation. HoS regulations could contribute more to the improvement of working conditions of truck drivers through counteracting irregular work schedules, night driving and social isolation. Moving the focus from simple control of time spent driving or not driving to fatigue management could improve job control and working conditions for truck drivers without loss of traffic safety. Show more

Keywords: Hours of service, truck driver, fatigue, health effects, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0884

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 363-368, 2009

Authors: Leyshon, Rhysa T.

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0908

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 369-372, 2009

Authors: Leyshon, Rhysa

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0909

Citation: Work, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 373-379, 2009