Work - Volume 39, issue 4

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1185

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 353-353, 2011

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1185a

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 355-356, 2011

Authors: Costa, Ana Filipa | Puga-Leal, Rogério | Nunes, Isabel L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this paper is to present a study on the assessment of the work ability of a group of aged computers workers. The study was developed with the goal of creating a decision making framework oriented towards the maintenance of the health and working ability of aged workers. Participants: Fifty computer workers participated in this study. They were administrative secretaries and computer technicians working mainly with office computers. Methods: The method used to …assess the work ability was the Work Ability Index (WAI). Results: 78% of the participants had good or excellent work ability and only 2% a poor one. The average WAI score was 40.5 (SD=5.761; min=27; max=49). This study confirms the decrease in work ability of workers while aging. The group overall work ability was slightly higher than the reference values develop by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Conclusions: The assessment of work ability is fundamental to make age-friendly workplaces. WAI is one tool designed to perform such assessment. The results obtained could assist the early identification of situations where employees are struggling with their work ability, thus helping to prioritize ergonomic interventions devoted to improve the working conditions, and allowing the continued employment of aging workers on their current job. Show more

Keywords: Aging worker, aging workforce, rising of life expectancy, work ability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1186

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 357-367, 2011

Authors: Jacinto, Celeste | Soares, C. Guedes | Fialho, Tiago | Ant\~{a}o, Pedro | Silva, Sílvia A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper describes a comparative analysis of the official forms used for reporting occupational accidents within the EU-27 member states. The comparison is based on two analysis grids (coding schedule) created to that effect, which incorporate a set of evaluation criteria and an interpretation key. The results obtained in the analysis allowed for attention to be drawn to the relevant attributes of such forms in terms of their content and format/structure. It also revealed the main …similarities and differences between each country, providing a complete assessment of the 27 member states. The discussion gives account of the level of implementation of the "new" Eurostat variables within the European Statistics of Accidents at Work (ESAW). Furthermore, the study shows that certain formats (structure of information fields) appear to facilitate completeness of the information collected. It has also demonstrated that the European harmonisation process is still far from completion, although the newcomer states seem to be adjusting quickly to the process. The findings of this study may bring useful insights to national authorities and European policy-makers, or to employers/enterprises wishing to implement their internal procedures aligned with the ESAW methodology. The scientific community is another interest group, whose research relies on official statistics, preferably comparable across all countries. Show more

Keywords: European harmonisation, accident reporting systems, Eurostat variables, occupational accidents

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1187

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 369-378, 2011

Authors: Kuhl, Klaus | Dobernowsky, Mario

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: PIMEX was used to motivate workers to actively improve their working conditions. Participants: The Kooperationsstelle has applied the method in several companies across different sectors. In this article, exemplary case studies are presented. Methods: PIMEX uses video recording and monitoring of indicators by sensors and transducers attached to the workers. These register and record the part of the work process where they were exposed to risk factors and to what extent. …The observations are stored on a notebook computer and can be repeated and replayed instantly. Results: In all cases, workers started experimenting with modifying the workflow, the extraction system and its positioning, their working posture and the PPE. Modifications were tested several times and the resulting exposure differences were analysed until a satisfactory reduction was achieved. Selected records were then used for regular training sessions, which contribute to the long-term effect. Specialists within the companies were contacted at a later date and they have confirmed the long lasting effect. Conclusions: PIMEX has proved in these cases to be an excellent method for convincing employees to change their behaviour and to adhere in the long-term to the newly-evolved work processes and preventive measures. Show more

Keywords: Picture mixed exposure, employee behaviour, sustainable changes in behaviour

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1188

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 379-384, 2011

Authors: Arezes, Pedro M. | Miguel, A. Sérgio | Colim, Ana S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: There are several methodologies to assess the risk involved in Manual Materials Handling (MMH). The aim of this study was to identify the knowledge and use of risk assessment methods among Portuguese Health and Safety (H&S) practitioners. Participants: The study involved the participation of 331 H&S practitioners and other related prevention professionals. Method: An e-mail invitation to complete an online survey was sent to all Portuguese registered H&S practitioners. The previously …developed and validated questionnaire included three different sections: (1) company characteristics; (2) description of types of MMH tasks performed; and (3) the respondents' use of and knowledge about risk assessment methods for MMH tasks. Results: The answers obtained were collected from almost 350 companies. The characteristics of the companies showed that there is a predominance of external and internal H&S services for Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and large companies, respectively. The NIOSH equation, Key Indicator Method (KIM) and Manual Assessment Chart (MAC) were identified as the most used and recognised risk assessment methods. Conclusion: Questionnaire results show that an important number of Portuguese H&S practitioners recognise some methods but have difficulty applying them correctly. Some practitioners reported that they had never used any type of risk assessment method. Show more

Keywords: Risk, assessment, methods, practices

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1189

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 385-395, 2011

Authors: Lima, Tânia M. | Coelho, Denis A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Twelve recently built office work stations, where jobs imply continued use of information and communication technologies, were analyzed for ergonomic risk factors. Based on a literature review of ergonomic recommendations for computer and general office work, a checklist was devised for assistance in identifying inadequate ergonomic situations, a process that was informed by pain complaints information. RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) was selected to estimate the risk of MSDs, considering the criteria of …applicability and appropriateness to the case studied. This method was applied by an occupational health and safety technician to the most critical job observed in the workplace. Criticality was estimated through observations aided by the systematic use of a checklist tailored to the specific office scenario. Recommendations for change were provided for implementation in all workplaces in the office, in order to improve work conditions, and guide the setup of a MSD prevention training program. Show more

Keywords: Physical ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, assessment of ergonomic hazards, office work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1190

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 397-408, 2011

Authors: Larsson, J. | Landstad, B.J. | Wiklund, H. | Vinberg, S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Introduction: Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts have not been widely used to monitor workplace health and work environments. This research and effort to develop a more accurate and easy to use management control system for employee health is important from a humanistic, societal and economic standpoint, as well as complying with laws that regulate work environments. Objective: The purpose of the study is to design and discuss control charts as an early warning system for workplace health outcomes to …promote workplace health management. Another purpose is to discuss relevant factors in the concept of the Out-of-Control Action Plan (OCAP) as a response when a chart warns that the workplace process may be malfunctioning. Participants: Two Swedish organizations were selected as case study organizations: a department at a university and an elderly care operation in a municipality. Methods: This study was explorative and should be seen as a starting point in learning how to use control charts for workplace health management. Self-assessed general health and new sick-cases per employee were selected as indicators for the control charts. Results: An integrated early warning system with Cumulative Sums- and Shewhart-charts are presented to show a possible method as to how an early warning system can be structured through the use of statistical control charts. Conclusions: The conclusion of this study is that control charts, along with well-designed implementation, make up a powerful and useable managerial early-warning system which promotes workplace health and helps to prevent sickness absence. Show more

Keywords: Statistical Process Control, Shewhart chart, workplace health management, sickness absence, general health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1191

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 409-425, 2011

Authors: Corbière, Marc | Lanctôt, Nathalie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to identify the key components of supported employment (SE) programs needed to help people with serious mental illness obtain and maintain competitive employment. Participants and methods: Via convenience sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 69 employment specialists and ninety-nine (99) clients who successfully obtained employment through SE programs in three Canadian provinces. Results: The findings describe five themes important to getting a job and to keeping a job: 1) philosophy of the program, …2) programmatic SE components, 3) employment specialists' competencies (skills, attitudes, and behaviours), 4) clients' skills and characteristics, and 5) elements related to employers. Employment specialists perceived a positive attitude and a client-centered program philosophy to be important for obtaining employment, while they perceived the support offered, the frequency and length of the follow-up as essential elements for maintaining a job. Clients perceived the employment specialists' competencies (e.g., positive attitude, marketing skills) to be important components. Conclusion: These results suggest a need to update the essential components in SE programs, or to include additional SE components. Show more

Keywords: Critical components, serious mental illness, qualitative study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1192

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 427-439, 2011

Authors: Willey, Marc S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Extensive keyboarding has been associated as a risk factor for repetitive strain injuries. Modifying the slope angle may decrease the negative cumulative effects of this activity. Objective: This study investigated the kinematic effect of four keyboard modifications on wrist extension during keyboarding. Participants: 32 female college students between the age of 21 and 25, mean age of 22.4 years. Method: A Greenleaf Biomechanical Analyzer was utilized to determine the …wrist extension angles across four keyboard modifications. Results: A one way ANOVA with repeated measures revealed significant differences between all 4 test conditions for both right and left wrist extension, Wilks Lambda 0.249 F (3,29) 29.1, p=0.000 n^{2} = 0.75 for left wrist and Wilks Lambda 0.158 F (3,29) 51.6, p=0.000 n^{2} = 0.84 for the right wrist. Conclusion: The study suggests that simple modifications to a standard computer keyboard can significantly vary wrist angles during keyboarding. These findings could possibly improve worksite modification guidelines and prevent repetitive strain injuries among keyboarders. Show more

Keywords: Repetitive strain injuries, worksite modification, prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1193

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 441-444, 2011

Authors: Harr, Natalie | Dunn, Louise | Price, Pollie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This case study explored how household task engagement influenced participation in the home, community and work for a youth with multiple disabilities. Participants: Participants were the first author's single father and her brother, who has spina bifida and intellectual disability. Methods: Researchers used a case study design with mixed methods. Quantitative repeated measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Children Helping Out: Responsibilities, Expectations, and …Supports (CHORES), and the Arc's Self-determination Scale (SDS). Qualitative data was collected from interviews and observations and was analyzed using a constant comparison method. Results: Visual analysis revealed gains in self-determination and in performance and satisfaction on the COPM. At follow-up, the father reported his son did more self-care household tasks and was more independent with these tasks. Family-care household task performance declined and father reported relatively no change in assistance. Qualitative findings illuminated the strategies and the processes that evolved through collaboration amongst the youth, the therapist, and the father. Conclusions: The son's competence with a daily household task increased positive perceptions of his capabilities that led to increased participation and independence in home, community, and work activities. Interventions addressing adaptations, development of self-determination skills, and parental education promoted these changes. Show more

Keywords: Preparation independent living, self-determination, CHORES, mixed methods

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1194

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 445-453, 2011

Authors: Erdinc, Oguzhan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This study explored the prevalence and work interference (WI) of upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort (UEMSD) and investigated the associations of individual and work-related risk factors and using a notebook stand or docking station with UEMSD among symptomatic occupational notebook personal computer (PC) users. Participants: The participant group included 45 Turkish occupational notebook PC users. Methods: The study used self-reports of participants. The Turkish version of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (T-CMDQ) …was used to collect symptom data. Results: UEMSD prevailed mostly in the neck, the upper back, and the lower back with prevalence rates of 77.8%, 73.3%, and 60.0% respectively, and with WI rates of 28.9%, 24.4%, and 26.7% respectively. Aggregated results showed that 44% of participants reported WI due to UEMSD in at least one body region. Significant risk factors were: being female, being aged < 31 years, having computer work experience <10 years, and physical discomfort during computer use. Conclusions: UEMSD prevalence and WI rates were considerable in the neck, the upper back, and the lower back. Significant associations between certain risk factors and UEMSD were identified, but no association was found between using notebook stand and docking station and UEMSD among participants. Show more

Keywords: Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, self-report, neck

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1195

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 455-463, 2011

Authors: Poitras, Stéphane | Durand, Marie-José | Côté, Anne-Marie | Tousignant, Michel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Identify barriers and facilitators related to the use of low-back pain guidelines as perceived by occupational therapists (OTs). Methods and participants: A qualitative approach was used. Nine OTs with varied characteristics were randomly selected. Participants were asked to use the guidelines with at least two clients. Semi-structured interviews were done to identify barriers and facilitators related to use. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed. Results: Participants agreed with the guidelines, found them …compatible with their current practice, and believed using them would help in preventing persistent disability. Some questioned if their work organization, based on group therapy, would limit their use of the guidelines. Because of the guidelines' biopsychosocial perspective, they anticipated problems regarding client expectations and collaboration with other health professionals. Conclusions: Participating OTs raised few barriers related to them. Barriers were mostly related to client expectations, work organization and peers. It appears the guidelines would be easily implemented by OTs, but environmental elements could limit this. Show more

Keywords: Biopsychosocial management, evidence-based practice, occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1196

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 465-475, 2011

Authors: Cowley, Stephen P. | Leggett, Susan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Carers of bariatric (morbidly obese) clients are exposed to manual handling injury risk throughout the journey that such clients take within the healthcare system. To identify the factors that affect risks associated with bariatric clients and the subsequent adoption of risk control measures focus groups were conducted in two Australian state capitals: a suburban region of Melbourne and a large regional Victorian town. Participants, were recruited from within the primary health care sector, ambulance services, fire …services and funeral businesses. It was found that the risks to which nurses, ambulance officers, fire fighters, and funeral industry employees are exposed are significant. The injury risk is influenced by the nature and design of the range of environments within which client movement is undertaken; the limited range of handling equipment available for use with bariatric clients; and the efficacy of organisational procedures and training. Adoption of risk controls is hampered by the absence of a standard definition of the term ``bariatric'' and the gaps in information flow during the bariatric client journey through the health care system. Various definitions of bariatric are applied in different sectors and there are limitations to the use of both weight and body mass index in those definitions. Show more

Keywords: Health care, emergency service, funeral, obesity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1197

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 477-483, 2011

Authors: Gulten, Tuna | Evke, Elif | Ercan, Ilker | Evrensel, Turkkan | Kurt, Ender | Manavoglu, Osman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: In this study we aimed to investigate the genotoxic effects of antineoplastic agents in occupationaly exposed oncology nurses. Genotoxic effects mean the disruptive effects in the integrity of DNA and they are associated with cancer development. Biomonitoring of health care workers handling antineoplastic agents is helpful for the evaluation of exposure to cytostatics. Participants: The study included an exposed and two control groups. The exposed group (n=9) was comprised of oncology nurses. The …first (n=9) and second (n=10) control groups were comprised of subjects who did not come into contact with antineoplastic drugs working respectively in the same department with oncology nurses and in different departments. Methods: Genotoxicity evaluation was performed using SCE analysis. After applying culture, harvest and chromosome staining procedures, a total of 25 metaphases were analyzed per person. Kruskal Wallis test was used to perform statistical analysis. Result: A statistically significant difference of sister chromatid exchange frequencies was not observed between the exposed and control groups. Conclusion: Lack of genotoxicity in medical oncology nurses might be due to good working conditions with high standards of technical equipment and improved personal protection. Show more

Keywords: Occupational exposure, health care workers, sister chromatid exchange assay, closed system device, biological monitoring

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1198

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 485-489, 2011

Authors: Kuruganti, Usha | Murphy, Tiernan P. | Dickinson, Gregory T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The forest industry is a major economic sector of Canada. While mechanized machines have reduced injuries workers suffered during manual operations, these machines have also created other musculoskeletal concerns. The purpose of this study was to obtain data regarding upper limb musculoskeletal stress during typical harvesting operations using surface electromyography (EMG). Participants: Students currently training in a forest machine operations course were recruited for this study. Four operators (1 …female and 3 males, mean age =24.6 ± 13.4 years, mean height = 172.7 ± 4.6 cm, mean weight=75.4 ± 27.4 kg) participated in this study. Methods: Surface electrodes were placed over the muscles of the upper arm and shoulder to monitor muscular activity during Harvester Simulator operation. Operators were provided specific instructions and visual feedback. Data were collected over a two hours of operation. Results: Preliminary data suggests that while the movements used in the Simulator do not require large force, they are repetitive and constant and can result in muscle fatigue. Conclusions: The EMG data indicated signs of fatigue in several muscles of the upper arms. This preliminary data suggests that while operation of these machines does not require large force contractions, the continuous and repetitive nature of the work can result in muscular fatigue. This suggests that long term operation of mobile machines may result in fatigue and future studies should examine job design. Show more

Keywords: Forest machines, job design, electromyography, fatigue

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1199

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 491-498, 2011