Work - Volume 40, issue 2

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1212

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 113-113, 2011

Authors: Baptiste, Andrea

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Functional capacity evaluations have been criticized as being too general in theory and not being accurate enough to determine what tasks an employee can perform. This paper will describe results of a descriptive study that was conducted in a laboratory setting to objectively determine the physical demands of patient transfer tasks performed by nurses. Fifty three tasks were analyzed and broken down into sub-tasks to quantify the peak force required to perform each sub-task in order …to determine which tasks pose healthcare workers at highest risk of injury. Dissecting the transfer task into segments allows us to see which part of the task requires high forces on the part of the caregiver. The task can then be modified to eliminate the risk of injury to the caregiver. This modification can be accomplished by using healthcare technology, such as floor based or overhead lifts, friction reducing devices, sit to stand lifts, properly designed slings, and motorized beds/trolleys. Technological solutions are available for some of these high risk tasks and should be implemented where applicable to reduce the force demand and eliminate or reduce the risk of injury to healthcare workers in nursing. Show more

Keywords: Healthcare technology, forces, patient transfers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1213

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 115-124, 2011

Authors: Bjerkan, Anne Mette

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The effect of work-related variables on self reported health complaints were examined among Norwegian onshore and offshore oil workers. Differences in work and health perceptions were also examined as part of the paper. Participants: Employees working onshore and offshore in the maintenance and modification division of a large contractor company took part in the study (N=414, response rate 47.1%). Methods: The design of the study was a cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire …was distributed to onshore personnel while at work – in cooperation with the personnel safety representative – and sent to the home addresses of the offshore personnel. Results: Offshore workers perceived significantly more hazards associated with the work and experienced less control over the work pace compared to onshore workers. Onshore workers experienced significantly more pressure at work and their work tasks as more repetitive. Differences in health perceptions were identified in terms of job type in the onshore and offshore groups respectively. Different work-related factors influenced the self-reported health complaints among onshore and offshore workers. Conclusion: Workers in different work environments and in different job types encounter different type of threats to employee health, indicating that job type must be taken into account when studying the relationship between work-related factors and employee health. Show more

Keywords: Self-reported health complaints, psychosocial work environment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1214

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 125-142, 2011

Authors: Busse, Jason W. | Dolinschi, Roman | Clarke, Andrew | Scott, Liz | Hogg-Johnson, Sheilah | Amick III, Benjamin C. | Rivilis, Irina | Cole, Donald

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: Return to work after a leave on disability is a common phenomenon, but little is known about the attitudes of employees or their supervisors towards the disability management process. We report on employee and supervisor feedback from one disability management experience. Participants: 389 consecutive employees from the Ontario offices of a single private Canadian insurance company returning to work from short-term disability, and their supervisors. Methods: We surveyed employees and their …supervisors about their experience with, and attitudes towards, the disability management process. Results: Of those surveyed, 88 employees and 75 supervisors provided data (response rates of 22.6% and 19.3% respectively). The majority of respondents (79.1% of employees and supervisors) endorsed positive attitudes towards their disability management experience. More than 25% of employees disagreed with the following three items: case managers contributed to recovery, case managers removed barriers to recovery, and sufficient support was provided in the return to work process. More than 25% of employees and managers reported that a commitment to modify an unhelpful work situation was not followed through. Conclusion: The majority of participating employees returning to work from short-term disability, and their supervisors, reported a high level of satisfaction with the disability management process. Areas that may benefit from attention include some aspects of case manager-employee interaction and ensuring that support during the return to work process is provided, including modification to work situations when appropriate. Show more

Keywords: Short term disability, return to work, case management

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1215

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 143-151, 2011

Authors: Dhar, Rajib Lochan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This study aims to explore the employee's perception of organizational politics, the phase that they go through while working and the ways they adopt to cope with it. Participants: Participants were working as employees in three automobile manufacturing companies having offices in Pune, India. They were selected via randomized quota sampling to reflect a mix of age, positions, genders and experience within the organization. Methods: Data collection was done through qualitative methods which included …in-depth interviews with 26 employees. Analysis of the data was done using the coding process. Results: Findings of this study led to the emergence of four major themes i.e. (a) The Perceived threat, (b) Attitude towards players, (c) Coping Strategies and (d) Intentions to leave. Conclusions: Based on the study findings, the researcher concludes that politics is being perceived as an evil and is negatively affecting the morale of the employees. Hence, it is imperative that the organizational forerunners and department heads continue to use research findings to get to know the culture prevailing in the organization and understand the emotional status and feelings that employees develop while working in such an environment. Show more

Keywords: Perception, qualitative, interview, attitude and intention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1216

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 153-164, 2011

Authors: Dockrell, Sara | Johnson, Muriel | Ganly, Joe | Bennett, Kathleen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Manual handling (MH) incidents may result in injury, absenteeism and/or compensation claim. Objective: This study investigated the factors associated with MH incidents among healthcare workers who had made a claim, and the management and outcome of those workers. Participants: A national sample of healthcare sector MH incident claim files (n=247) were accessed and 35~files met the inclusion criteria. Methods: Data were collected and presented graphically or descriptively using percentages (and …95% Confidence intervals, CI). Chi-square (χ ^{2} ) tests were used for comparing proportions between groups. SPSS (v14.0) was used for analysis. Significance at p<0.05 is assumed. Results: Attendants accounted for the highest number of claimants. The majority of claims (74%, 95% CI 68%, 81%) were for back injury; 11% (8%, 15%) for neck injury. Fifty-one percent (43%, 60%) involved patient-handling tasks at the time of incident; 46% (37%, 54%) involved inanimate handling. Ninety-one percent (89%, 94%) took sick leave, with 52% (43%, 60%) taking > 52 weeks. Only 58% (49%, 65%) returned to work. Claimants who had been in communication with employers were significantly more likely to return to work than those who did not (χ ^{2} test, p=0.017). Conclusions: Improved management of MH incidents and injured workers are recommended. Show more

Keywords: Manual handling incident claims, healthcare workers, return to work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1217

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 165-172, 2011

Authors: Engler, Kim | Frohlich, Katherine | Descarries, Francine | Fernet, Mylène

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Single, childless working women (SCWW) are a notable proportion of the female workforce. The budding research on this population suggests that they have issues of wellbeing that may be tied to specific needs of both their workplaces and their personal lives, and hence, distinct work-life dynamics that require attention. This study explores how SCWW construct their wellbeing. Participants: The sample was composed of 22 SCWW aged 29 to 45. Methods: A …discourse analysis of the transcripts of semi-structured interviews with these women was performed. Results: Most women drew on an interpretative repertoire of "wellbeing as balance" (e.g., diversification and reasonable dosing of life's dimensions). It was associated with a recurrent subject position we have termed "the dynamic woman" whose intensity transfused talk of the activities in her life. Here, work becomes a "passion" and a source of appreciated challenges. However, a dilemma could arise from these constructions for positioning oneself in relation to the cadence of one's active life or rather, in articulating an unambiguous claim to balance. Balance/dosing and dynamicity/passion can be uneasy bedfellows. Conclusions: Our analyses raise questions about possible counter[balancing] discourses and further argue the relevance of work-life issues for SCWW. Show more

Keywords: Work-life balance, marital status, wellbeing, passion, busyness, discourse

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1218

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 173-186, 2011

Authors: McHugh, Cate | Gibson, Libby

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To conduct an exploratory pilot study of pre-placement screening practice in Australia by examining the nature and use of pre-placement screenings in a sample of New South Wales (NSW) workplaces. Participants: 29 of 279 employers (10.3%) invited using three sources: a public list of self-insured NSW companies, a regional chamber of commerce group and researcher's contacts. The majority of respondents (31%) belonged to government administration and education. Half of the workplaces employed more …than 200 people. Methods: Employers completed an online survey from a link sent by email. Results: Sixteen (55%) of the companies had a formal process for conducting pre-placement screenings, that were conducted by a range of professionals using a variety of methods, with costs ranging from $80 to $350 (Aus). The majority of respondents (81%) reported that the pre-placement screenings included an assessment of the person's ability to perform the specific physical demands of the job, i.e. against the specified physical demands of the position. The majority of employers who completed screenings found them useful. Conclusions: The findings, while from a small sample size, provide evidence that pre-placement screenings are being conducted in Australian workplaces by various professionals, using varying methods and are valued by employers. Show more

Keywords: Work capacity evaluation, functional capacity evaluation, physical demands analysis, personnel selection

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1219

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 187-194, 2011

Authors: Hutchinson, Nancy L. | Versnel, Joan | Poth, Cheryl | Berg, Derek | deLugt, Jenn | Dalton, CJ | Chin, Peter | Munby, Hugh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This paper describes and compares exemplary work-based education (WBE) programs in Ontario Canada designed to meet the needs of two groups of vulnerable youth – at-risk youth and youth with severe disabilities. Participants: Two focus group interviews were held, one with professionals from exemplary programs designed to meet the needs of at-risk youth and one with professionals from exemplary programs for youth with severe disabilities. Method: Standard qualitative analyses were conducted on …each focus group transcript to generate themes which were subsequently grouped into larger patterns. Then cross-case analyses identified consistencies and unique features within the two types of WBE programs. Results: Two major patterns that characterize the WBE programs emerged from the analyses: the first pattern described the programmatic approaches to WBE appropriate for each type of type of student (which included themes such as the need for an alternative learning environment for at-risk youth), and the second pattern highlighted the rationale for each kind of program (which included themes like ensuring equity for youth with severe disabilities). Conclusions: The findings suggest that schools should continue to provide distinct WBE programs for each of these groups of vulnerable youth – at-risk youth and youth with severe disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Workplace learning, co-operative education, at-risk youth, youth with severe disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1220

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 195-209, 2011

Authors: Maghsoudipour, Maryam | Sarfaraz, Zohre

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was evaluation of occupational and non-occupational risk factors in workers with occupational hand injury. Participants: Eighty-two workers with occupational hand injury as cases and 83 controls matched for age, gender and also occupation, were included in the study. Controls were chosen randomly from the same factories and the same jobs but they did not have occupational hand injury. Methods: The study utilized a case control design for analysis. Working circumstances …were assessed using a detailed occupational questionnaire as well as non-occupational factors. The questionnaire was completed for both cases and controls. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to test the association between occupational and non-occupational factors and hand injury. Results: Risk factors for occupational hand injury were: rotational shift work, working in the early hours in the morning, working alone; and protective factors were: availability of safety equipment or having the equipment equipped with safety tools, safety education and using safety equipment. Adjusted for confounding factors, protective factors were: availability of safety equipment or having the equipment equipped with safety tools and the risk factor was working alone. Conclusion: Some occupational factors are protective and some increase risk for occupational hand injury. By modifying these factors we may decrease the prevalence of occupational hand injuries. Show more

Keywords: Occupational factor, shift work, safety equipment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1221

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 211-215, 2011

Authors: Naghii, M.R. | Almadadi, M. | Zarchi, A.A. Karimi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: Cardiovascular/Coronary Heart Disease (CVD) is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The most important risk factors for CVD are well-established and are strongly influenced by lifestyle changes. Clearly, physical activity has been shown to be extremely important in reducing the burden of this disease. The aim of this case-control study was to examine the association between intensity of activities and CVD risk factors in healthy military personnel. Participants: Two group of …subjects (active [engaging in three session of field exercises/week] =50, and inactive [with no experience of field exercise]=50) were classified by a questionnaire containing demographic, health history, type and level of physical activity, and employment information. Methods: Anthropometric indices, lipid-lipoprotein profile, arterial pressures, and fasting blood glucose were assessed. Independent sample t-tests were used for comparison. Results: Physically active subjects had significantly (⩽ 0.05) lower measures of body mass indices (except height), lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (S/DBP), risk factor (TC/HDL ratio), atherogenic index (LDL/HDL ratio), and higher levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was normal in both groups. Conclusions: To reduce the risk factors of developing CVD and preventing its progression significantly, it clearly serves to underscore the beneficial properties of physical activity and to promote its effectiveness as a support for healthier lifestyles in the community and particularly among military personnel. The findings of this study substantiate the need for physical exercise to reduce signs and symptoms associated with CVD risk, even among a young, healthy, generally active population. Further, that these results would appear to corroborate the concept of increasing physical activity, including aerobic activity, as a preventative measure. Show more

Keywords: Field exercise, activity, inactivity, anthropometry, lipids, military personnel

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1222

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 217-227, 2011

Authors: Reineholm, Cathrine | Gustavsson, Maria | Ekberg, Kerstin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: Few workplace health promotion (WHP) interventions are designed to improve work conditions. Methods for measurement of work conditions are often developed from a risk factor perspective rather than a WHP perspective. More knowledge is needed on the work conditions that promote health in order to develop a good work environment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if the Demand Control Support model, the Effort Reward Imbalance model and the Job Characteristic Inventory …are correlated, if the subscales predict health and to analyze which combination of subscales is the most useful predictor of health longitudinally. Participants: The study used questionnaire data from 662 civil servants at baseline and at follow-up 2 years later. Method: The data were analysed by multiple regressions. Results: A new model; effort, reward, and variety, was found having a higher predictive power to predict health than the original models. Conclusions: To promote health at work, social relations and health-mediating work conditions are important because these conditions may buffer health. Health can be assumed to be a resource that is created in everyday activities and interactions in workplaces, and there is a need to develop health measure instruments based on holistic health theories. Show more

Keywords: Work conditions, job stress models, health, workplace health promotion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1223

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 229-237, 2011

Authors: Zhang, Xing | Smith, Derek R. | Zheng, Yuxin | Wang, Rui-Sheng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the prevalence, distribution and correlates of occupationally-related psychosomatic complaints among a previously understudied workforce. Participants: A selection of 336 public health professionals working in Beijing, China. Methods: A self-reporting questionnaire survey was used (99% response rate). Results: The incidence of ocular discomfort was relatively high for health professionals aged below 60 years, headache or dizziness was mostly reported by the older age groups, insomnia or sleep disorders …were common among those aged 30–39 years, while self-reported depression or emotional instability were concentrated in younger staff. Regression analyses revealed that age, personal life habits, family status, work conditions and occupational environment were related to eye discomfort, headache, dizziness, insomnia, sleep disturbance, depression or emotional instability. Moreover, undertaking a busy work schedule of long duration and work-induced stress were major correlates for illness and other subjective symptoms. On the other hand, having a friendly working atmosphere and a high interest in one's work were negatively correlated with psychosomatic symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, our study suggests high-intensity work and various other occupational factors may be strongly related to psychosomatic symptoms among health professionals in China. Show more

Keywords: Workplace stress, psychosocial risk factors, occupational health, health care workers, Chinese workforce

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1224

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 239-245, 2011

Authors: Lee, Jung-Hoon | Yoo, Won-Gyu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the changes in left and right gluteal pressures and posterior inclination angles between the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) on both sides after continuous cross-legged sitting. Methods and participants: Fourteen young adults (nine males and five females) were recruited. The statistical significance of differences in parameters between before and after continuous cross-legged sitting was tested by paired t-tests. …Results: After sitting in a right-crossed-leg position for 10 minutes and then returning to a upright sitting posture, the subjects' right gluteal pressure increased significantly compared to before cross-legged sitting (p< 0.05). After sitting in a right-crossed-leg position and then returning to an upright standing posture, the posterior inclination between the right ASIS and PSIS increased significantly compared to before cross-legged sitting (p< 0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that continuous cross-legged sitting may cause malalignment of the pelvis after the cross-legged sitting period. Show more

Keywords: PALM, pelvic deformation, seated workers, Teskcan

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1225

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 247-252, 2011