Work - Volume 41, issue Supplement 1

Authors: Estryn-Béhar, Madeleine | Van der Heijden, Beatrice I.J.M. | The NEXT Study Group

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: 12-hour shifts are quickly spreading in Europe. From our multivariate analysis concerning 25,924 European nurses, including twenty explanatory variables simultaneously, we found that work schedule itself is not a major determinant factor. Nurses aim to choose or accept night shifts or 12-hour shift in order to reduce their work/home conflicts, however, at the expense of the patient’s safety, as well as their own health and safety. Therefore, it is important to develop measures, such as extended child care, association of nurses to the elaboration of their rota, 9- or 10-hour shifts in the afternoon, allowing naps during night shifts, and …reduction of changing shifts with short notice. Work schedules must be organized in order to allow time for shift handover, social support and team building. Show more

Keywords: Nurses, 12-hour shifts, Work/family balance, Burnout, Gender

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0724-4283

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4283-4290, 2012

Authors: Vasconcelos, Ricardo | Teixeira, Sandra | Castelhano, Joana | Lacomblez, Marianne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Health, safety and environmental issues are at present a social concern and an increasingly referred topic in the so called gender studies. This paper focuses on the relations between training, gender and risk perception in an industrial chemicals company, in Portugal, characterized by a mainly male population and by the presence of high occupational and environmental hazards. After characterizing the company and the training project that started up this reflection, the paper presents the reasons for its focus on gender followed by the essential methodological explanations: 14 interviews were made with male and female workers from the company; their content …was transcribed from the audio recordings and it was systematically analyzed. A gender-attentive socio demographic analysis was also undertaken. Although at the beginning the company did not consider the gender issues as a problem nor was it the central topic of the training, which focused on the prevention of occupational and environmental hazards, the results reveal that the gender factor brought to light some working conditions, which so far have not been properly discussed within the group meetings. As a consequence, there is now room for the transformation of the representations on those working conditions. Show more

Keywords: health and safety, prevention, training, women and work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0098-4291

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4291-4296, 2012

Authors: Cunha, Liliana | Nogueira, Sónia | Lacomblez, Marianne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The work activity of urban bus drivers is held in the public space and characterized by a constant vigilance, but the moments of observation the colleagues’ work are scarce. This fact results in a paradox – it is a work activity that is more visible to "outsiders" than to "insiders" - which has an important impact on the debate of the work activity from a perspective of gender and the women’s work in a predominantly male context. Ergonomic analysis of work and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 urban public transport drivers, 16 women and 16 men. The results reveal …the lack of conditions for the drivers’ knowledge of the activity of another, especially when that other is a woman - while men attribute characteristics to women based on gender stereotypes and an extension of their role in the private sphere, women relate them with the need to prove their competence and be recognized. It is proposed the development, in the context of training, of a space for debate and knowledge of the activity of the other and for the creation of conditions for another integration of women in the profession and for another visibility of their work. Show more

Keywords: solitary activity, female drivers, visibility, training

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0106-4297

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4297-4301, 2012

Authors: Rathore, H. | Shukla, K. | Singh, S. | Tiwari, G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Abstract : There is good evidence that shift work has negative effects on workers health, safety and performance. It is quite appropriate that attention is paid to this very important feature of socio-technical systems, which may adversely affect mental and physical health, social life and safety of shift workers. Research into the impact of shift work on professionals has consistently identified a range of negative outcomes in physical, psychological, and social domains (Akerstedt, 1988; Costa, Lievore, Casaletti, Gaffuri, & Folkard, 1989; Kogi, 2005; Paley & Tepas, 1994). Hospitals, the biggest employer in the health care field, employ more night shift …workers than any other industry. It can therefore be inferred that in medical domain high percentage of workforce may be affected by problems related to shift work. Thus the present study will provide knowledge base for the problems faced by the female nurses. The present study was undertaken with an objective of getting an insight into the problems faced by female nurses in shift work. . It was found that the female nurses in India worked on roaster pattern of change in shift every seven days. They did not have a say in the change of duties, it could only be done on mutual grounds. Partners of younger group did not much adjust to their shift pattern this created stress among the nurses.The results showed that the female nurses in both the age groups i.e. 30-45 years and 45-60 years faced many problems related to health and well being, fatigue, social and domestic situations. They could not give much time to their children in particular. Travelling in nights was risky for them. Common problem was the insufficient sleep during night shifts. The nurses had to cater to the needs of the family, children in particular along with the adjustments to be made due to shift work. They had to sometimes do the night duties and attend social functions as a part of their duty. Children and husband in some cases did not cooperate this lead to frustration. When asked as to whether they would could shift job if they get regular one more than 50 % said yes this means that there need to be come training and intervention for the shift workers and their family so that the problems faced and their impact on personal health of the female nurses could be reduced. Show more

Keywords: Sleep, Fatigue, Social, Domestic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0725-4302

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4302-4314, 2012

Authors: Salerno, Silvana | Kolman, Valentina | Livigni, Lucilla | Magrini, Andrea | Bosco, Maria Giuseppina | Talamanca, Irene Figà

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Hospital cleaning work, as health care work, is mainly performed by women all over Europe. Hospital cleaning activities represent a poorly studied sector although very important also for patient’s health. We applied the Method of Organizational Congruencies to study cleaning work in three typical hospital units (Emergency Room, Haematology, General Medicine) of a roman University hospital where 198 women cleaners work. We analyzed the 731 technical actions performed in the three shifts and the related Organizational Constraints (OC). Working outsourcing, no occupational risks training, washing personal equipment at home, standing, long walking, early morning and night shift in emergency room, …high monotony (>10 actions per hour) contact with biological and chemicals materials, risk conditions of accidents, artificial lights, hot microclimate and working in a cure setting represent the main Organizational Constraints. Differences among the three Units are discussed together with the importance of considering cleaning hospital as a preventive action towards hospital clinical risk. Show more

Keywords: hospital, cleaning, women, organizational constraints, method of organizational congruencies

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0726-4315

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4315-4319, 2012

Authors: Yu, Na | Shen, Li Ming | Lewark, Siegfried

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This research gave an effort to study on gender differences in the job satisfaction for technological innovation at Chinese manufacturing firm. The exploratory study was conducted in four Chinese furniture manufacturing firms, which are all in the phases of introducing advanced manufacturing system. The results of statistical analysis show that general satisfaction of female employees to their jobs is significantly higher than male employees. In addition, supervisory satisfaction of female employees is significantly higher than male employees. The findings of the study reveal that activities are suggested to be carried out to increase the job satisfaction of male employees, especially …improve communication and relationship between the managerial and the non-managerial levels in the innovation process. In addition, the higher job satisfaction of female employees could be considered a positive factor for the successful implementation of AMT in the technological innovation, although male employees are still dominated work force in the case study firms. Show more

Keywords: female employee, Job Diagnostic Survey (JDS), socio-technical system, technological innovation, advanced manufacturing technology (AMT)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0099-4320

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4320-4322, 2012

Authors: Reis, P. | Moro, A. | Merino, Eugenio | Vilagra, J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This research aimed to determine the handgrip strength difference between (♂) and (♀) and its influence on the incidence of RSI / WRULD in meat-packing plants. The study had the participation of 201 workers from the bone sector of a pig slaughterhouse located in the municipality of Sao Miguel do Iguacu, state of Parana, Brazil, being 98 men and 103 women with mean age of 34.3 ( ± 4.7 years) and weight of 66.3 (± 6.5 kg) for (♀) and 36.5 (± 6.4 years) and weight of 77.6 (± 5.8 kg) for (♂). Handgrip strength was used in the evaluation. …Descriptive statistics and "t" test were applied, with significance level of 0.05% for strength test and percentage of pain levels. The results were presented according to gender (♂) 44.94 kgf (± 4.51) for the dominant hand (DH) and 41.09 kgf (± 4.09) for the non-dominant hand (NDH), and for males (♀), the average was 29.20 kgf (± 2.20) for DH and 28.40 kgf (± 2.39) for NDH. Statistical analysis indicated a "t" greater than 0.05 with 3.49% for DH and 2.95 for NDH, showing that (♂) and (♀) have strength levels significantly different in both hands and this study indicated that females have 35% less strength in the DH and 30.8% in the NDH. With regard to pain symptoms, pain for (♀) was higher than for (♂), with 21.5% in the shoulder region, 25% in neck, 48% in the column, 48.7% and in the arms and 48.8% in wrists and hands. It could be concluded that (♀) have less strength and higher percentage of pain in relation to (♂) when exposed to repetitive work and with identical tasks. Thus, it becomes clear that to avoid RSI / WRULD in meat-packing plants, companies should use knowledge on ergonomics in order to provide a work environment that respects the physiological differences between males and females. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomic hazards, women, handgrip strength

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0100-4323

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4323-4329, 2012

Authors: Padula, Rosimeire Simprini | da Silva Valente, Luciana do socorro | de Moraes, Mônica Vasconcelos | Chiavegato, Luciana Dias | Cabral, Cristina Maria Nunes

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Work capacity is related to physical, environmental and psychosocial factors and is influenced by individual characteristics and occupations. The aim of this study was to evaluated the relationship between work capacity, gender and age. 360 people employed at an institution of higher education of both genders and similar age were asked to participate in this study. The ability to work was analyzed using Work Ability Index (WAI). Descriptive statistical, Pearson correlations and ANOVA test was applied. Of these, 197 workers who participated in the study completed and returned the questionnaire. The results show there weren’t any significant differences between work …ability in relation to gender and age, but we observed an increase variability of responses for WAI score in older workers. No significant differences in the perception of the ability of work between men and women.. Show more

Keywords: Aging, Work ability, Occupational Health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0727-4330

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4330-4332, 2012

Authors: Singh, Suman | Sinwal, Neelima | Rathore, Hemu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The lifting and carrying of loads in agriculture on small landholdings are unavoidable. Rural communities often lack access to appropriate technologies which may result in various health hazards. The objective was to study gender participation in agricultural activities involving manual material handling tasks, to assess MSDs experienced in various MMH tasks and to evaluate traditional method and designed technology. The study was conducted on 100 agricultural workers. Data on gender participation in MMH tasks in household, animal husbandry and agriculture and resulting MSDs was gathered. Pre and post assessment of technology intervention was done for NIOSH Lifting Index, QEC, and …RPE. The results revealed greater susceptibility of females to musculoskeletal problems in most of the household and animal husbandry tasks. The hand trucks designed were pushing type with power grasp handle. The respondents were advised to carry 5 kg of weight per lift instead of lifting more weight in one lift/minute while filling the hand truck. By decreasing the weight and increasing the number of lifts per minute the respondents were seen falling in green zone indicating significant reduction in NIOSH lifting index. QEC scores concluded that for filling the hand truck 5 kg of weight should be carried to keep the exposure level low. Show more

Keywords: Hand trucks, lifting index, rating on work demand, animal husbandry, water fetching

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0728-4333

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4333-4341, 2012

Authors: Kishtwaria, Jatinder | Rana, Aruna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Inventory of all agricultural tasks depicted land preparation by women farmers as one of the most drudgery prone task with high energy cost, thereby, making it amenable to ergonomic interventions in terms of improved technologies (clod breaker, improved plough/’danella’) to relieve women from high energy demands, time spent and associated drudgery. The study was conducted in two hill states of India viz. Himachal Pradesh (35 villages and 900 representative samples) and Uttrakhand (10 villages and 900 representative samples). Experimental data were conducted on representative sub sample of 60 hill farm women of both the states to assess physiological workload and …musculo-skeletal problems both while working with traditional tools along with improved tools by employing selected parameters viz. physical fitness level, physiological parameters etc. The results showed that heart rate values were more than acceptable limits for task performed with the traditional tools as compared with improved tools. Significant reduction in the heart rate was observed while working with improved tools. Analysis of MSDs showed that the postural stress and severity of pain in various body parts was reduced by adopting new technology. Hence, the use of improved land preparation tools is recommended over the existing ones for drudgery reduction. Show more

Keywords: gender, agriculture, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0729-4342

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 4342-4348, 2012