Work - Volume 48, issue 1

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141897

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 1-1, 2014

Authors: Bance, Sheena | Links, Paul S. | Strike, Carol | Bender, Ash | Eynan, Rahel | Bergmans, Yvonne | Hall, Peter | O'Grady, John | Antony, Jesmin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traumatic events often occur in workplace settings and can lead to stress reactions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). One such workplace is the transportation industry, where employees are often exposed to trauma. However, extant research shows that a considerable proportion of people with PTSD do not seek specialty mental health treatment. OBJECTIVE: In this qualitative study, we sought to better understand the experience of a traumatic event at work and the barriers and motivating factors …for seeking mental health treatment. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) employees participated in a one-on-one interview, 18 soon after the traumatic event and 11 after entering a specialized treatment program. METHODS: Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducting using qualitative description and analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Participants described emotional responses after the trauma such as guilt, anger, disbelief as particularly difficult, and explained that barriers to seeking help included the overwhelming amount and timing of paperwork related to the incident as well as negative interactions with management. Motivating factors included family and peer support, as well as financial and emotional issues which persuaded some to seek help. CONCLUSIONS: Seeking treatment is a multifactorial process. Implications and recommendations for the organization are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), workplace trauma, qualitative

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131650

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 3-10, 2014

Authors: Casey, Petrina P. | Guy, Lynette | Cameron, Ian D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Australian workers' compensation data reports a reduction in injury rates and claim incidence but no improvement in Return to Work (RTW) rates. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with a positive RTW outcome and describe those referred to Workplace Rehabilitation Providers (WRPs) in the New South Wales (NSW) Australian workers' compensation scheme. METHODS: A retrospective review of 65,762 de-identified WRP case records over a 5 year period. 9,262 cases specifically referred for …RTW assistance were analysed to identify factors associated with a positive RTW outcome RESULTS: Overall 47% of those referred for RTW services were able to upgrade their work status whilst 30% maintained their Stay at Work or pre-referral work status. The significant independent predictors associated with a positive RTW outcome were a shorter duration of disability (p< 0.001) (0R, 0.971; 95% CI, 0.964–0.977) and a higher socio economic index score (p=0.002) (OR, 1.131; 95% CI, 1.045–1.223). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that WRPs are seeing an increased focus on management of workers with increasing disability, with socio-economic disadvantage, increasing age, from blue collar backgrounds. The duration of disability is a significant determinant in achieving positive RTW outcomes suggesting that injured workers should be referred earlier for RTW services. Show more

Keywords: Workers' compensation, occupational rehabilitation, RTW outcomes, occupational injury

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131608

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 11-20, 2014

Authors: Lasota, Andrzej

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: School children usually use a backpack to carry their school materials. Carrying heavy schoolbags exceeding the recommended limit may have negative health implications. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the weight of schoolbags carried by primary school pupils (aged 7–9 years) in Grades 1–3 and determine how many pupils carry backpacks in excess of the recommended limit of 10 per cent of body weight (%BW). A comparison of the schoolbag weight carried by male and female pupils …will also be performed. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and eight healthy pupils chosen at random from two participating schools from south-west Poland; 54 male and 54 female. METHODS: The personal body weight scale was used for measuring the weight. The height and weight of each participating pupil was measured, and the schoolbag weight of every participant checked over five consecutive days, from Monday to Friday. RESULTS: The mean schoolbag weight of Grade 1 pupils was 3.23 kg, (i.e.13.1%BW); of Grade 2 pupils, 3.61 kg (i.e.12.9%BW) and of Grade 3 pupils 3.37 kg (i.e. 11.1%BW). CONCLUSIONS: 78.3% of Grade 1 pupils, 43.3% of Grade 2 pupils and 40.0% of Grade 3 pupils carried backpacks exceeding 10%BW. There were no statistically significant differences between the mean schoolbag weight of males and females in particular school grades. Show more

Keywords: Backpack weight, load carriage, children

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131614

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 26-12, 2014

Authors: Pampel, Michael | Jakstat, Holger A. | Ahlers, Oliver M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Playing a wind instrument can be either a reason for overuse or a protecting factor against certain diseases. Some individuals have many findings but low morbidity while others have few findings but high morbidity. This contradictory phenomenon should be researched. OBJECTIVE: The temporomandibular system (TMS) is a functional unit which comprises the mandible, associated muscles and bilateral joints with the temporal bone. The TMS is responsible for the generation of sound when wind …instruments are played. Over the long-term and with intensive usage, this causes changes in the musculature and in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of wind musicians, often resulting in temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study is to examine evidence that TMD constitute an occupational disease in wind musicians. PARTICIPANTS: TMD patients and wind musicians were examined by dental clinical functional analysis. 102 male subjects were divided into three groups: "healthy" individuals, wind musicians, and patients with TMD. METHODS: Dental Examination was carried out based on focused inclusion of the research diagnostic criteria – TMD [1,7]. Findings were evaluated for statistical significance by first transferring data into a digital database [2,15], then generating T-Test und Wilcoxon-Test when non-Gaussian distribution appears and applying the Mann-Whitney rank sum test using Sigmaplot Version 1.1 software (Systat Software Inc, Washington, USA). RESULTS: The evaluation revealed that wind instrument musicians show a high incidence of developing TMD as the researchers found almost 100% morbidity regarding parafunctional habits and preauricular muscle pain of each adult and highly active musician. The result is highly significant (p< 0.001) for protrusion distance of the mandible. CONCLUSIONS: A higher prevalence of functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system has previously been demonstrated in wind musicians. New research results and the typical functions of various wind instruments provide evidence that playing a wind instrument generates occupational risks to the TMS. Show more

Keywords: Wind instruments, sound generation, temporomandibular system, temporomandibular joint, temporomandibular disorders, jaw muscles, prevalence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131621

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 27-35, 2014

Authors: Sakzewski, Lisa | Naser-ud-Din, Shazia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD's) are on the rise worldwide. These disorders have numerous repercussions, from serious ill-health effects at the individual level to decreased workplace efficiency and productivity affecting not only quality of life but the economy. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to provide an overview of WMSD's in the dental profession, more specifically, among general dental practitioners and specialist orthodontists. METHODS: Literature was hand searched from Pubmed with greater emphasis on …contemporary literature as the professionals demands have evolved over the years. RESULTS: While there have been numerous papers published relating to the prevalence of ergonomic problems among general dentists, orthodontists have received little investigation. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the need for research into the risk factors of WMSD's in the dental profession (both general dentistry and orthodontics), as this would provide a more direct approach for prevention which is essential as professionals work for longer years in practice. Show more

Keywords: Occupation, pain, ergonomics, dentistry, orthodontics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131712

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 37-45, 2014

Authors: Thompson, Warren G. | Koepp, Gabriel A. | Levine, James A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prolonged sitting has been shown to increase mortality and obesity. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether physicians would use a treadmill desk, increase their daily physical activity and lose weight. PARTICIPANTS: 20 overweight and obese physicians aged 25 to 70 with Body Mass Index > 25. METHODS: Participants used a treadmill desk, a triaxial accelerometer, and received exercise counseling in a randomized, cross-over trial over 24 weeks. Group 1 received exercise counseling, …accelerometer feedback, and a treadmill desk for 12 weeks and then accelerometer only for 12 weeks. Group 2 received an accelerometer without feedback for 12 weeks followed by exercise counseling, accelerometer feedback, and the treadmill desk for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Daily physical activity increased while using the treadmill desk compared to not using the desk by 197 kcal per day (p=0.003). The difference in weight during the two 12 week periods was 1.85 kg (p=0.03). Percent body fat was 1.9% lower while using the treadmill desk (p=0.02). There were no differences in metabolic or well-being measures. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that physicians will use a treadmill desk, that it does increase their activity, and that it may help with weight loss. Further studies are warranted. Show more

Keywords: Physical activity, obesity, occupational activity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131708

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 47-51, 2014

Authors: Ugbolue, U. Chris | Nicol, Alexander C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hand usage and movement is routinely performed by all individuals daily irrespective of age. These movements can vary and can be repetitive in nature. Exposure of the hard and soft tissues of the hand to prolonged repetitive activities could contribute to the development of work related upper limb disorders (WRULD). OBJECTIVE: Within the work setting, work related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) rank high in the United Kingdom (UK), second only to back complaints. …This paper reports the amount of tendon travel and swelling that occurs in the hand during repetitive office activities associated with WRULDs. PARTICIPANTS: Nine healthy adults (five males; four females) participated in the study. METHODS: A 30-minute laboratory-based simulated office activity that consisted of data entry, mouse clicking and dragging, and mouse scrolling tasks was performed. Participants wore a custom-made cost effective flexible electrogoniometric glove (FEG) as two experimental conditions were tested; namely, FEG – only, and FEG using a Splint (FEG – Splint). RESULTS: The FEG – only condition produced a higher overall tendon travel compared to the FEG – Splint condition. Both hands presented no statistically significant differences in hand temperature (p > 0.05) and hand volume increments (p > 0.05) with respect to the FEG – only and FEG – Splint office activity experiments. All participants that showed a decrease in hand volumetric measurement produced final temperature measurements lower than initial temperature measurements taken at the commencement of the experiment. Based on participants' perception, the mouse scrolling task was deemed as most strenuous. CONCLUSION: The findings can help to advise patients on biomechanical 'risks' associated with repetitive activities. Show more

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, flexible electrogoniometric glove, office activity, tendon travel

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131662

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 53-64, 2014

Authors: Linden, Maureen

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141857

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 65-67, 2014

Authors: Higgins, Christopher | Duxbury, Linda | Julien, Mark

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A review of the literature determined that our understanding of the efficacy of flexible work arrangements (FWA) in reducing work-family conflict remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To shed light on this issue by examining the relationship between work-to-family conflict, in which work interferes with family (WFC), family-to-work conflict, in which family interferes with work (FWC), and four work arrangements: the traditional 9-5 schedule, compressed work weeks (CWWs) flextime, and telework. METHODS: Hypotheses were …tested on a sample of 16,145 employees with dependent care responsibilities. MANCOVA analysis was used with work arrangement as the independent variable and work interferes with family (WFC) and family interferes with work (FWC) as dependent variables. Work demands, non-work demands, income, job type and gender were entered into the analysis as covariates. RESULTS: The more flexible work arrangements such as flextime and telework were associated with higher levels of WFC than were fixed 9-to 5 and CWW schedules. Employees who teleworked reported higher FWC than their counterparts working a traditional 9-to-5 schedule particularly when work demands were high. CONCLUSIONS: The removal of both temporal and physical boundaries separating work and family domains results in higher levels of work-family interference in both directions. The results from this study suggest that policy makers and practitioners who are interested in improving employee well-being can reduce work-family conflict, and by extension improve employee mental health, by focusing on the effective use of traditional and CWW schedules rather than by implementing flextime and telework arrangements. Show more

Keywords: Control, demands, human resource management, karasek

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141859

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 69-81, 2014