Work - Volume 47, issue 3

Authors: Long, Jennifer

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141823

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 287-289, 2014

Authors: Toomingas, A. | Hagberg, M. | Heiden, M. | Richter, H. | Westergren, K.E. | Tornqvist, E. Wigaeus

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Symptoms from the eyes are common among computer users. Knowledge is scarce about these problems, however. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to study risk-factors, incidence and persistence of eye-symptoms among professionally active computer users. METHODS: This was a questionnaire based prospective study where 1283 males and females from different professions and companies answered a baseline questionnaire about individual factors and working conditions, e.g. duration of daily computer work, comfort of screen work, psychosocial factors. Subjects …were at baseline and 10 follow-ups asked about the number of days with eye-symptoms during the preceding month. RESULTS: The incidence-rate of symptoms persisting minimum three days was 0.38/person-year. A multivariate Hazard-ratio model showed significant associations with extended continuous computer work, tasks with high demands on eye-hand coordination, low level of control, visual discomfort, female sex and nicotine use. Eye-symptoms at baseline was a strong risk factor for new symptoms. CONCLUSION: The incidence of eye-symptoms among professional computer users is high and related to both individual and work-related factors. The organization of computer work should secure frequent breaks from near-work at the computer screen. The severity of vision-related problems could in field studies be quantified by asking for the persistence of symptoms. Show more

Keywords: Office work, eye strain, prospective study, visual ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131778

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 291-301, 2014

Authors: Hue, Jennifer E. | Rosenfield, Mark | Saá, Gianinna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of electronic reading devices has increased dramatically. However, some individuals report increased visual symptoms when reading from electronic screens. OBJECTIVE: This investigation compared reading from two electronic devices (Amazon Kindle or Apple Ipod) versus hardcopy text in two groups of 20 subjects. METHODS: Subjects performed a 20 min reading task for each condition. Both the accommodative response and reading rate were monitored during the trial. Immediately post-task, subjects completed a …questionnaire concerning the ocular symptoms experienced during the task. RESULTS: In comparing the Kindle with hardcopy, no significant difference in the total symptom score was observed, although the mean score for the symptoms of tired eyes and eye discomfort was significantly higher with the Kindle. No significant differences in reading rate were found. When comparing the Ipod with hardcopy, no significant differences in symptom scores were found. The mean reading rate with the Ipod was significantly slower than for hardcopy while the mean lag of accommodation was significantly larger for the Ipod. CONCLUSIONS: Given the significant increase in symptoms with the Kindle, and larger lag of accommodation and reduced reading rate with the Ipod, one may conclude that reading from electronic devices is not equivalent to hardcopy. Show more

Keywords: Accommodation, computer vision syndrome, Kindle, Ipod

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131777

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 303-307, 2014

Authors: Tan, Hsuan | Boon, Mei Ying | Dain, Stephen J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with low vision complain of difficulty operating controls on electronic appliances and equipment which suggests that the readability of controls and their labels is below their ability. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether electronic appliances available today are designed with controls of sufficient size (at least 6/18 Snellen VA) and contrast (at least 30%) to facilitate identification and use by people with low vision. METHODS: Controls and labels of electronic appliances for sale in …retail stores in Singapore (January, February 2012) and a sample of domestic appliances in Sydney, Australia (October, November of 2011) were evaluated in terms of high- and low- importance in function, size and contrast (luminance and colour difference). RESULTS: Labels and controls of 96 electronic appliances were evaluated. All controls were of sufficient size but 22% (26/117) of high- and 27% (12/44) of low-importance controls measured had insufficient luminance contrast. 79% (152/192) of high- and 46% (24/52) of low-importance labels were of insufficient size. 17% (26/160) of the high- and 0.03% (1/33) of low-importance labels had insufficient luminance contrast. CONCLUSIONS: Most controls and labels of recently available electronic appliances can cause problems for operability in people with low vision. Show more

Keywords: Low vision, visual impairment, visibility of controls, contrast, colour difference, modelling, electronic appliances

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131769

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 309-317, 2014

Authors: Hemphälä, Hillevi | Dahlqvist, Camilla | Nordander, Catarina | Gao, Chuansi | Kuklane, Kalev | Nylén, Per | Hansson, Gert-Åke

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sorting mail into racks for postmen is visually demanding work. This can result in backward inclination of their heads, especially more pronounced for those who use progressive addition lenses. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of customized working spectacles on the physical workload of postmen. METHODS: Twelve male postmen sorted mail on two occasions: once using their private progressive spectacles and once using customized sorting spectacles with inverted progressive lenses. Postures and movements of the …head, upper back, neck, and upper arms were measured by inclinometry. The muscular load of the trapezius was measured by surface electromyography. RESULTS: With the customized sorting spectacles, both the backward inclination of the head and backward flexion of the neck were reduced (3°), as well as the muscular load of the right upper trapezius, compared to sorting with private spectacles. However, with the sorting spectacles, there was a tendency for increased neck forward flexion, and increased sorting time. CONCLUSION: The reduction in work load may reduce the risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to the positive reduction of the backward inclination of the head. But the tendency for increased neck forward flexion may reduce the positive effects. However, the magnitude of the possible reduction is difficult to predict, especially since quantitative data on exposure-response relationships are unknown. Alternative working spectacles with inverted near progressive lenses ought to be evaluated. They should still result in a positive reduced backward inclination of the head and may not cause any increased forward flexion. Show more

Keywords: Postmen, EMG, inclinometry, progressive lenses, work progressive spectacles

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141821

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 319-327, 2014

Authors: Hemphälä, H. | Nylén, P. | Eklund, J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The static posture of postal workers when sorting mail can lead to musculoskeletal discomfort. Research has shown a connection between eyestrain and upper-body musculoskeletal discomfort in general, including postal workers. A previous study of postal workers found that most of those with eye strain were in need of a new correction in their existing spectacles. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate intervention effects on eyestrain and musculoskeletal discomfort with new spectacles for postal workers. METHODS: …Postal workers subjectively reported eyestrain, musculoskeletal discomfort and their opinions of the visual environment via questionnaires pre- and post-intervention. After an eye examination the postal workers were divided into two groups: those who needed new spectacles and those who did not. RESULTS: Those who needed new spectacles showed a higher prevalence of eyestrain and musculoskeletal discomfort pre-intervention. Post-intervention, the postal workers rated their vision better and the average eyestrain and musculoskeletal discomfort decreased for both groups. These workers also experienced a decrease in discomfort on the left (static) side of the neck while sorting mail. CONCLUSION: An intervention providing the optimal correction reduces eyestrain and decreases musculoskeletal discomfort, especially from the neck. Show more

Keywords: Mail, work posture, neck, static, dynamic, visual ergonomics, lenses, glasses

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131773

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 329-337, 2014

Authors: Naweed, Anjum | Balakrishnan, Ganesh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the growth of information in the urban rail environment, there is a need to better understand the ergonomics profile underpinning the visual behaviours in train drivers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the tasks and activities of urban/metropolitan passenger train drivers in order to better understand the nature of the visual demands in their task activities. METHODS: Data were collected from 34 passenger train drivers in four different Australian states. The …research approach used a novel participative ergonomics methodology that fused interviews and observations with generative tools. Data analysis was conducted thematically. RESULTS: Results suggested participants did not so much drive their trains, as manage the intensity of visually demanding work held in their environment. The density of this information and the opacity of the task, invoked an ergonomics profile more closely aligned with diagnostic and error detection than actual train regulation. CONCLUSIONS: The paper discusses the relative proportion of strategies corresponding with specific tasks, the visual-perceptual load in substantive activities, and the requisite visual skills behoving navigation in the urban rail environment. These findings provide the basis for developing measures of complexity to further specify the visual demands in passenger train driving. Show more

Keywords: Train driving, rail navigation, ergonomics profiling, perceptual load, knowledge elicitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131705

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 339-352, 2014

Authors: Mayer, Horst

Article Type: Other

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During many years of occupational stress research, mostly within the German governmental program for "Humanization of Work Life'', remarkable deficits concerning visual work were seen, the most striking being the lack of cooperation between the different experts. OBJECTIVE: With regard to this article hard arguments and ideas for solutions had to be found. METHODS/PARTICIPANTS: A pilot study in 21 enterprises was realized (1602 employees with different visual work tasks). A test set of screening …parameters (visual acuity, refraction, phoria, binocular cooperation and efficiency, accommodation range and color vision) were measured. The glasses and/or contact lenses worn were registered and the visual tasks analyzed. In work at visual display units (VDU) the eye movements were recorded and standardized questionnaires were given (health, stress, visual work situation). Because of the heterogeneity of the sample only simple statistics were applied: in groups of different visual work the complaints, symptoms, hassles and uplifts were clustered (SAS software) and correlated with the results of the visual tests. Later a special project in 8 companies (676 employees) was carried out. The results were published in [14]. RESULTS: Discomfort and asthenopic symptoms could be seen as an interaction of the combination of tasks and working conditions with the clusters of individual functionalisms, frequently originating in postural compromises. Mainly three causes for stress could be identified: 1. demands inadequate with regard to intensity, resolution, amount and/or time structure; 2. prevention of elementary perceptive needs; 3. entire use of partial capacities of the visual organ. Symptoms also were correlated with heteronomy. Other findings: influence of adaptation/accommodation ratio, the distracting role of attractors, especially in multitasking jobs; influence of high luminance differences. Dry eyes were very common, they could be attributed to a high screen position, low light, monotonous tasks and office climate. For some parameters a diurnal rhythm could be identified. Nowhere special programs for ageing employees were found: the right glasses; retinal problems and signs of destabilization of vision. CONCLUSIONS: In all enterprises, the ergophthalmological and visual ergonomic knowledge of the occupational physicians was poor, visual ergonomists were not available and there was only very poor cooperation with ophthalmologists and optometrists, the first of whom additionally had not much knowledge of modern work. Show more

Keywords: Ageing workforce, cooperation between experts and enterprises, efficiency of expert work on-site, environmental factors, ergophthalmology, visual ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141822

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 353-364, 2014

Authors: Long, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ergonomists and optometrists often have mutual clients/patients with complex visual needs in the workplace but communication between the professionals is usually indirect through the client/patient. This paper describes a joint professional development meeting between optometrists and ergonomists in Canberra, Australia, which included a discussion to explore how to improve communication between the two professions. Optometrists and ergonomists reported they would prefer more information before conducting assessments and providing advice. Vision screening forms …commonly in use for computer workers were viewed as inadequate to meet these needs. Communication between the two professions was hampered by absence of contact details of the optometrist/ergonomist, perceptions that the other profession is too busy to talk, privacy considerations in sharing information and funding issues for shared care arrangements. There are opportunities for increasing awareness of good vision in workplaces. Communication between optometrists and ergonomists can be improved by developing information-sharing documents relevant to modern workplaces. Show more

Keywords: Australia, computers, professional collaboration, vision screening, visual ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131774

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 365-370, 2014

Authors: Gowan, Nancy J

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Every day we use our eyes to perform activities of daily living and work. Aging changes as well as health conditions can impact an individual's visual function, making it more difficult to accurately perform work activities. Occupational therapists work closely with optometrists and employers to develop ways to accommodate for these changes so that the employee can continue to perform the work tasks. This manuscript outlines a case study of systematically developing visual demands analyses and …pre-placement vision screening assessment protocols for individuals completing quality inspection positions. When the vision screening was completed, it was discovered that over 20% of the employees had visual deficits that were correctable. This screening process yielded improved quality results but also identification of previously undetected visual deficits. Further development of vision screening in the workplace is supported. Show more

Keywords: Visual demands, preplacement testing, visual ergonomics, visual impairments, occupational therapy, work demands

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131772

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 371-379, 2014

Authors: Ferronato, Luisa | Ukovic, Amelia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper will focus on work-based environments, assistive technology solutions and compensatory strategies for people with low vision (that is, when vision cannot be satisfactorily corrected by spectacles/lenses). It presents two case studies to illustrate how functional capacity within a workplace can be maximized for individuals with vision impairment through a range of interventions. Each case study will demonstrate how the provision of a holistic suite of services delivered by a multidisciplinary team achieves …positive and sustainable work outcomes for this cohort. One case study features an individual in a manual work role and the other in an office-based role. The following aspects of service delivery will be illustrated by each case study: Importance of comprehensive workplace and low vision assessment. Vocational planning. Compensatory strategies for job/task specific duties. Assistive technology and workplace modifications. Independent and safe travel skills to, from and within the workplace. Employer and co-worker training. Show more

Keywords: Vision impairment, employment, assessment, disability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131770

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 381-386, 2014

Authors: Fostervold, Knut Inge | Watten, Reidulf G. | Volden, Frode

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The literature discussing visual ergonomics often mention that human vision is adapted to light emitted by the sun. However, theoretical and practical implications of this viewpoint is seldom discussed or taken into account. OBJECTIVE: The paper discusses some of the main theoretical implications of an evolutionary approach to visual ergonomics. DISCUSSION: Based on interactional theory and ideas from ecological psychology an evolutionary stress model is proposed as a theoretical framework for …future research in ergonomics and human factors. The model stresses the importance of developing work environments that fits with our evolutionary adaptations. In accordance with evolutionary psychology, the environment of evolutionary adaptedness (EEA) and evolutionarily-novel environments (EN) are used as key concepts. Using work with visual display units (VDU) as an example, the paper discusses how this knowledge can be utilized in an ergonomic analysis of risk factors in the work environment. CONCLUSION: The paper emphasises the importance of incorporating evolutionary theory in the field of ergonomics. Further, the paper encourages scientific practices that further our understanding of any phenomena beyond the borders of traditional proximal explanations. Show more

Keywords: Visual ecology, human nature, environment, evolution, visual display unit (VDU)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131771

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 387-397, 2014

Authors: Nylén, P. | Favero, F. | Glimne, S. | Teär Fahnehjelm, K. | Eklund, J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In many western countries individuals will need to continue their professional careers beyond the current retirement age. This requires adaptation of the working conditions to compensate for age related visual changes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to compile and structure knowledge concerning age related changes in visual and non-visual functions among older-age workers and to describe in what way these changes relate to light and work performance. METHOD: An …overview of the literature was performed in PubMed and EMBASE concerning visual changes among elderly people, light, visual ergonomics and consequences at work. RESULTS: Visual conditions and lighting design have an impact on work performance in those over age 65 even if there are few studies available. Natural age related changes in the eyes or ocular diseases can result in reduced visual function and performance. Moreover, evidence of the importance of light and dark rhythms for circadian regulation is mounting; there are indications that the older-age population might need specific attention related to this issue. Finally, visual deteriorations might also, secondarily, induce strained postures and musculoskeletal symptoms, pain and injury. CONCLUSION: Age-related changes in the eyes and also ocular diseases among older-age people have an impact on well-being and work performance, and therefore call for reconsideration of their working conditions. Knowledge about how visual functions, light and ocular diseases is needed for work design and preventive actions. Show more

Keywords: Retirement age, visual function, visual perception, circadian rhythm

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141832

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 399-412, 2014

Authors: Richter, Hans O.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A time honored dictum states that the eyes "lead the body", i.e. that the body typically adjust its position to compensate for an impoverished retinal image (e.g., as due to optical blur, and/or inappropriately sized visual target). But only moderate or low level of evidence exists in support of this view. Inconclusive evidence does not, however, equal negative evidence. The accommodation/vergence system does exhibit signs of overload in contemporary working life, including eye discomfort, transient myopia, …altered pattern of eye-lens oscillations, and associated phoria. Accommodation/vergence overload, caused by non-ergonomic near work, may also emerge as quickly as within one regular workday. Long-term musculoskeletal consequences of high accommodation/vergence demands have nevertheless not yet been studied in any detail. A research agenda which aims to provide multi-scientific evidence for eye-neck/shoulder interactions with public health implications and which also, in addition, study the eye-neck/shoulder mechanisms and elucidates the operating characteristics, should consequently be highly warranted. This new knowledge would be useful for physiotherapists, ergonomists and opticians, who in their profession treat patients experiencing vision- and musculoskeletal disorders. If both visual and the musculoskeletal aspects are given full and equal weight in the design and evaluation of work places, it is predicted to lead to an improved quality of life for the individual worker, and an enhanced productivity for the employer. Show more

Keywords: Accommodation, asthenopia, gaze stabilization, electromyography, computer work, visual Ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131776

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 413-418, 2014

Authors: Long, Jennifer | Richter, Hans

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141820

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 419-420, 2014