Work - Volume 39, issue 3

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1169

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 201-201, 2011

Authors: Schell, Elisabet | Theorell, Tores | Saraste, Helena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Associations between self-reported~need for aesthetic improvements in the workplace and the need for ergonomic improvement and health factors were investigated to determine the possible impact of aesthetic needs on job performance. The need for aesthetic improvements were compared with the need for ergonomic improvements. All employees at a Swedish broadcasting company were invited to participate in this cross sectional study. Of those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria the participation rate was 74% (1961/2641). …Demographic data was obtained from company files and pre-validated questionnaire was used for data collections from the participants. additional questions on needs for improvement were developed, tested for repeatability, and demonstrated to be within acceptable limits. Differences between 'high rank' and 'low rank' aesthetic needs and ergonomic needs were correlated to set ups of demographic, work environmental and organisational and health variables. The perceived needs for aesthetic and ergonomic improvements showed significantly different distributions (p<0.001). Aesthetic needs were more frequently reported than ergonomic needs. There was no significant gender related difference in response distribution of aesthetic or ergonomic needs, whereas differences between occupational groups were shown (0.006 and 0.003). 'High rank' needs for aesthetic improvement were associated to psychologically demanding work, negative work stress, sleep disturbances, problems at work, musculoskeletal pain and lower age. Gender and physical training did not differ between 'high and low rank' responders regarding neither aesthetic nor ergonomic needs. Sick leave was stronger related to ergonomics. The independently tested associations with aesthetic needs were similar to, but fewer than those for ergonomic needs with regard to the variable set ups. Sixteen studied factors out of 24, showed significant difference between 'high and low rank' aesthetic needs, and 21/24 of ergonomic needs, independently tested. The study results show a relation between work place aesthetics and health and well-being. Future work health promotion and prevention may benefit from the inclusion of an assessment of workplace aesthetics. Show more

Keywords: Aesthetics, ergonomics, work environment, musculoskeletal pain, low back pain, occupational health, stress, sick-leave

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1182

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 203-213, 2011

Authors: Laberge, Marie | Ledoux, Elise

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Many overview articles, reports, book chapters and literature reviews have examined the health and safety of young workers. These sources discuss the relationships between the work conditions of young workers and the various indicators of accidents and occupational diseases. Breslin et al. [12,13] conducted two literature reviewsof quantitative studies to determine which factors best predicted work accidents and occupational disorders in young people. The present article proposes a review of young people's …occupational health and safety (OHS) factors (e.g., demographic, individual, professional, organizational, temporal and operational factors) in both qualitative and quantitative studies. Five types of problems were analyzed in greater depth, namelyMSD symptoms, respiratory, allergy and toxicological problems, mental health and well-being, alcohol and drug consumption, and fatigue. This review likewise examines related dimensions that allow us to adopt a more global perspective on this subjectby considering such elements as young people's values, their knowledge and attitudes, safety practices in companies, the safe integration of young people, and rehabilitation. A total of 189scientific articles were selected on the basis of certain criteria. These articles came from refereed OHS journals published between 1994 and 2005. Show more

Keywords: Young workers, health and safety, literature review

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1170

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 215-232, 2011

Authors: Aas, Randi Wågø | Thingb{\o}, Cathrine | Holte, Kari Anne | Lie, Kristine | Lode, Inger Anna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The rate of sick leave is higher in the public sector than in the private sector in several countries, making it essential to thoroughly investigate employees in the public sector. The following research question was investigated: How do employees on long-term sick leave (> 8 weeks) due to musculoskeletal disorders or diseases describe their work demands? Methods: This paper is from the larger Rogaland RTW case study. The informants were female employees (n=8) …in the first-line public sector with different types of musculoskeletal diseases or disorders. Qualitative interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide based on two measures: Worker Role Interview and Work Environmental Impact Scale. Data was analysed by condensing and categorizing meaning. Results: Fifty-one work demands were described, only five of which were physical demands. Demands were sometimes described as merely negative or positive for the work performance, but also as both. Most of the negative demands were emotional and cognitive challenges in mastering the work tasks. Most of the demands (n= 36) were experienced to be claimed by the employee herself, with only a few being claimed by the employer or environment (n=7) or by both (n=8). Conclusions: Eight employees in the public sector on long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal problems experienced mostly cognitive and emotional demands, and defined themselves as the work-demand claimer. The results of this study point to the importance of broadening the perspective in work rehabilitation for workers absent due to diagnosis of the musculoskeletal system. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, occupational rehabilitation, Model of Human Occupation, Worker Role Interview, Work Environmental Impact Scale

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1171

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 233-242, 2011

Authors: Sjöström, Rita | Melin-Johansson, Christina | Asplund, Ragnar | Alricsson, Marie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore experiences of sick-listed persons of not returning to work during a six-year period after participation in an extensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. Participants: The study comprised ten participants with musculoskeletal disorders, mainly neck and back pain. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed by manifest content analysis. Results: This led to identification of three primary categories and six sub-categories, which described the …participants' experiences of barriers to and possibilities of returning to work, and indicated what strategies they used to cope with everyday life. The participants described that the main barriers to returning to work were pain and somatic symptoms, fatigue, and not fulfilling the work requirements. Participants considered physical activity a key factor in coping with pain. Most participants thought that they had residual work ability, and could utilise this if they could get a modified job adapted to their own capacity. Conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of utilising residual working ability at workplaces. Finding flexible work possibilities requires an understanding and supportive attitude on the part of both the employer and the social insurance office. Show more

Keywords: Chronic pain, content analysis, musculoskeletal disorders, obstacle, work rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1172

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 243-250, 2011

Authors: Erdinc, Oguzhan | Hot, Kubilay | Ozkaya, Murat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This study documented the cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) in the Turkish language. Participants: The participant group included 48 Turkish workers. Methods: The cross-cultural adaptation included the translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert committee review and pretest stages. The adapted Turkish version of the CMDQ (T-CMDQ) was validated through self-administration of the tool and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) among participants. Results: The validity …of the T-CMDQ was good; Kappa coefficients between the responses given on the VAS and on the T-CMDQ indicated substantial to almost perfect agreement (ranged between 0.62–0.92 across body parts), and Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the VAS scores and T-CMDQ severity scale responses were all significant (ranged between 0.46–0.83 across body parts). Test-retest reliability of the T-CMDQ was satisfactory; Kappa coefficients, which ranged between 0.56–0.97 across the three scales, indicated moderate to almost perfect agreement between test-retest responses across body parts. Conclusions: This study produced the T-CMDQ with good psychometric properties, presented the first formal validation of the CMDQ and provided useful insights on the cross-cultural adaptation process of a subjective data collection tool which was originally developed in English, into the Turkish language. Show more

Keywords: Data collection tool, scale, assessment, work interference, reliability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1173

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 251-260, 2011

Authors: Yoo, In-gyu | Kim, Min-hee | Yoo, Won-gyu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This study examined the effects of wearing a tight necktie on cervical range of motion and upper trapezius muscle activity. Methods and participants: Thirty computer workers were recruited. First, the active cervical ROM of the participants while wearing or not wearing a tight necktie was measured using the CROM instrument. Subsequently, upper trapezius muscle activity was measured while working at a visual display terminal with and without a tight necktie. Results: The neck flexion, neck …extension, and lateral flexion of the subjects' cervical range of motion were significantly decreased when wearing a tight necktie compared to without it. The activity of the upper trapezius muscle significantly increased when working while wearing a tight necktie compared to without. Conclusion: It is especially important for male workers to select and tie neckties appropriately in order to prevent musculoskeletal injuries induced by limitation of cervical ROM or repetitive cumulative tension increase of the upper trapezius. Show more

Keywords: Cervical range of motion, surface EMG, computer workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1174

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 261-266, 2011

Authors: Nyberg, Anna | Holmberg, Ingalill | Bernin, Peggy | Alderling, Magnus

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional exploratory study was to investigate destructive managerial leadership in the hotel industry in Sweden, Poland, and Italy in relation to psychological well-being among employees. Methods and Participants: 554 questionnaires were collected from employees in all occupational groups within hotels. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) measured working conditions, particularly iso-strain or high work demands combined with low control and poor social support, and psychological well-being, defined in terms of …mental health, vitality, and behavioural stress. Items adapted from the Global Leadership and Organisational Behaviour Effectiveness (GLOBE) research program questionnaire measured autocratic, malevolent, and self-centred leadership styles. Differences in ratings between countries were estimated, as well as the relationship between destructive managerial leadership on an organisation level and employee psychological well-being on an individual level. The relationship between destructive leadership and psychological well-being among employees was adjusted for employees' reported iso-strain. Results: Autocratic and malevolent leadership were at the organisation level related to low vitality among employees and self-centred leadership was significantly associated with poormental health, low vitality, and high behavioural stress. Autocratic and malevolent leadership were more strongly related to iso-strain than was self-centred leadership. Variations in leadership practice between countries were seen in autocratic and malevolent leadership. Conclusion: This exploratory study suggests a significant association between destructive managerial leadership on the organisation level and poor psychological well-being among employees on an individual level. Interventions to decrease iso-strain and enhance psychological well-being among employees could be directed at an organisation level. Show more

Keywords: Organisation level, hotel industry, iso-strain, stress, health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1175

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 267-281, 2011

Authors: Liu, Margaret | Wei, Wenli | Fergenbaum, Jennifer | Comper, Paul | Colantonio, Angela

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Consequences of traumatic brain injury underscore the need to study high-risk groups. Few studies have investigated work-related traumatic brain injuries (WrTBIs) in the construction industry. Objective: To examine WrTBIs in Ontario for the construction industry compared to other industries. Methods: A retrospective study of individuals who sustained a WrTBI and had a clinical assessment as an outpatient at a hospital-based referral centre. Data were collected for a number of factors including …demographic, injury and occupation and were analyzed according to the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model. Participants: 435 individuals who sustained a WrTBI. Results: There were 19.1% in the construction industry, 80.9% in other industries. Compared to other industries, individuals in the construction industry were more likely to be male, to not have attained post-secondary education, and experience multiple traumas. WrTBIs in the construction industry were commonly due to elevated work. The construction occupations involved included skilled workers and general labourers, and compared to other industries, WrTBIs occurred most often for those employed for a short duration in the construction industry. Conclusions: Construction industry workers experience serious WrTBIs that are amenable to prevention. Use of the PEO model increased our understanding of WrTBIs in the construction industry. Show more

Keywords: Person-Environment-Occupation model, occupation, prevention, workplace safety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1176

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 283-290, 2011

Authors: King, Joanne | Cleary, Catherine | Harris, Meredith G. | Lloyd, Chris | Waghorn, Geoff

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Clients receiving public mental health services and clinicians require information to facilitate client access to suitable employment services. However, little is known about the specific employment-related information needs of these groups. This study aimed to identify employment-related information needs among clients, clinicians and employment specialists, with a view to developing a new vocational information resource. Participants: Employment-related information needs were identified via a series of focus group consultations with …clients, clinicians, and employment specialists (n=23). Methods: Focus group discussions were guided by a common semi-structured interview schedule. Results: Several categories of information need were identified: countering incorrect beliefs about work; benefits of work; disclosure and managing personal information; impact of earnings on welfare entitlements; employment service pathways; job preparation, planning and selection; and managing illness once working. Clear preferences were expressed about effective means of communicating the key messages in written material. Conclusions: This investigation confirmed the need for information tailored to clients and clinicians in order to activate clients' employment journey and to help them make informed decisions about vocational assistance. Show more

Keywords: Mental illness, supported employment, focus groups

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1177

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 291-303, 2011

Authors: Roelen, Corné A.M. | Koopmans, Petra C. | Notenbomer, Annette | Groothoff, Johan W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This study investigated whether short episodes of sickness absence were associated with job satisfaction. Participants: 199 wage earners who reported sick due to the common cold between January 2003 and April 2003. Methods: Job satisfaction was assessed on the first day of sickness absence and associated with the duration of sickness absence using a multiple logistic regression model to which demographics, working conditions, and the week day on which sick-leave was taken …were stepwise added as covariates. Results: Workers with low job satisfaction scores had higher odds (odds ratio [OR] =3.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74 to 8.51) of being > 3 days absent from work due to the common cold compared to satisfied workers. However, the duration of sickness absence due to the common cold was more strongly related to the day of taking sick-leave with workers who reported sick on Monday or Tuesday being longer absent (OR=5.36; 95% CI 1.44 to 9.90) than those who reported sick on Friday. Conclusions: When having a common cold, dissatisfied workers are longer absent from work although the duration of short episodes of sickness absence seems to be determined by the week day on which sick-leave is taken rather than working conditions or perceptions about work. Show more

Keywords: Absenteeism, sick-leave, job satisfaction, short sickness absence, the common cold, day of sick-leave

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1178

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 305-313, 2011

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

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: A depressive state and feelings of unhappiness in daily life are regarded as indispensable factors for the diagnosis of major depression. These factors are also speculated to contribute to subsequent psychological wellbeing. Methods and Participants: A total of 3190 men, aged 33 to 59 years, from a workplace in Japan participated in this one-year prospective study conducted from 2007 to 2008; 3141 men completed both evaluations (98.5%). The prevalences of depressive states and …feelings of unhappiness were evaluated using a questionnaire. After one year, psychological wellbeing was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) 12-item version. Analysis of variance and a logistic regression analysis were used for the analysis. Results: The prevalence of no depressive feelings and no feelings of unhappiness among the workers were 73.5% among men in their 30s, 76.9% among men in their 40s, and 83.2% among men in their 50s. The mean GHQ score among participants with or without of depressive feelings and feelings of unhappiness was significantly higher than that among participants who had no depressive feelings and no feelings of unhappiness (control group). In contrast, the mean GHQ score among the participants in their 50s who had only depressive feelings did not differ from that in the control group of participants in their 50s according to a multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Compared with depressive feelings, feelings of unhappiness were a stronger contributing factor to psychological wellbeing as measured using the GHQ questionnaire, especially among subjects in their 50s, in a one-year follow-up study. Show more

Keywords: Depressive state, unpleasant feelings, general health questionnaire, psychological wellbeing, prospective study, workplace

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1179

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 315-319, 2011

Authors: Kucera, Kristen L. | Lipscomb, Hester J. | Silverstein, Barbara

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: We describe medical care received through workers' compensation (WC) and union-provided insurance surrounding work-related back injuries and examine relationships between care provided and time off work among a large cohort of carpenters. Methods and Participants: Union records identified a cohort of 20,642 carpenters working in Washington State from 1989–2003 and their private health insurance claims. These data were linked to workers' compensation files from this state-run program including records of medical care. …Results: Over 74,000 WC medical encounters resulted from 2959 work-related back injuries. Eleven percent received private care for musculoskeletal back pain within 90 days of work-related injury; this proportion increased with increasing lost days. Delay to physical therapy was more prevalent among those out of work longest. The proportion of claimants with care from both systems and from private utilization only increased after the first 90 days and, for the subset with at least one paid lost work day, after return to work. Conclusions: Examination of medical care through both systems versus solely in workers' compensation provides a more complete understanding of back injury care while also demonstrating complexity. Differences in outcomes based upon treatment shortly after injury are worthy of further exploration. Show more

Keywords: Private insurance, workers compensation, return to work, delays to care

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1180

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 321-330, 2011

Authors: van den Berg-Dijkmeijer, Marleen L. | Frings-Dresen, Monique H.W. | Sluiter, Judith K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The objective was to find the factors that pose a possible health risk to OR personnel. Work-related health problems of operating room (OR) personnel were signalled by an occupational physician and preparations for the development of new Worker's Health Surveillance (WHS) were started with a systematic review of the literature. Methods: A systematic review was performed of articles in Pubmed, published from January 1991 to December 2007, concerning risks or health effects in …the working conditions of OR personnel. Results: Twenty-three articles reported that workers in the OR are exposed to infectious agents, noise, anaesthetic gases and radiation. Eleven studies reported elevated risk for (allergic) skin diseases, musculoskeletal complaints and infectious diseases. Conclusions: Factors that form a health risk for workers in the operating room are infectious agents, noise, anaesthetic gases and radiation. Health effects on workers in the OR are (allergic) skin disorders, musculoskeletal complaints and infectious diseases. Show more

Keywords: Workers health surveillance, working conditions, exposure, infection, allergy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1181

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 331-344, 2011

Authors: Park, Soo Kyung

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This study identified the prevalence of depression and explored demographic and psycho-social factors that predict depression among workers with on-the-job injuries in South Korea. Participants: Participants consisted of 549 Korean workers with injuries; 80% were males. Ages ranged from 20 to 60 years old (mean, 42.2; SD=9.27). Methods: Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire. Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression to explore predictors of depression. Depression was measured by the Korean version of the Beck …Depression Inventory and items drawn from the Work Potential Profile scale and AUDIT-K were used. Results: More than half of study participants needed professional assessment and treatment for depression. Preoccupation with health, subjective economic stability, self-image, employment status, and alcohol problems were significant predictors of depression. Conclusions: Policymakers and practitioners working with workers with injuries should be aware of the extent of serious mental health issues among such workers. There is also a need for enhanced rehabilitation services for depression treatment. Show more

Keywords: Job-related injury, workers' compensation, rehabilitation, mental health, return-to-work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1184

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 345-351, 2011