Work - Volume 48, issue 2

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141896

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 141-141, 2014

Authors: Andersson, Annika | Mårdby, Ann-Charlotte | Holmgren, Kristina | Hensing, Gunnel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Leisure activities and drinking patterns are factors that can affect health and ability to return to work after a sick-leave. Associations between participation in leisure activities and binge drinking among sick-listed individuals have been paid little attention in the research literature. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine associations between leisure activities and binge drinking in a sample of newly sick-listed women and men. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 2,888 individuals aged …19–64 years. Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire data from the Health Assets Project, Sweden, was used. Participation in 18 leisure activities was estimated. Binge drinking was defined as consuming alcohol at least once a month, and typically consuming five or more glasses. RESULTS: Among women aged 19–30 years who regularly went to concerts (OR 2.36) and wrote (OR 2.39) associations were found with binge drinking. Lower OR was found among women aged 31–64 who regularly went to the cinema (OR 0.43), out in the nature (OR 0.46) or participated in sports (OR 0.57). Among men, associations were found between socializing with friends and binge drinking in both age groups (OR 3.83 respectively 1.63). Among younger men who attended sporting events OR was 2.31, and among older men participating in religious communities OR was 0.28. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to understanding the interplay between leisure activities and health behavior. In particular, social activities in men were associated with binge drinking while the opposite was true for recreational activities in older women. Show more

Keywords: Alcohol, leisure, sickness absence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131606

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 143-153, 2014

Authors: Liedberg and, G.M. | Björk, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim was to identify differences in self-reported symptoms among working (W) and non-working (NW) women, and to determine the most important biopsychosocial variables in differentiating one group from the other. METHOD: A questionnaire was mailed to 524 members of a local chapter of the Swedish Rheumatology Association. A total of 362 persons responded (69%); 96% of which were women. Women older than 64 years and all men were excluded. The final study …group consisted of 95 W, and 227 NW women. The questionnaire included data on demographics, employment, support, exercise, daily activities and symptoms. Data were analysed using univariate statistics and a partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). RESULTS: The results showed that 41% of the W and 42% of the NW women were/had been employed in service,care or business. The NW women reported a significantly higher severity of symptoms compared with the W women. The most important variable when differentiating the W from the NW women was social support from colleagues and employers. CONCLUSION: To change prevailing attitudes and values towards persons with a work disability, a process of active intervention involving staff is needed. Educating employers as to how a disability may influence a work situation, and the importance of social support, can be improved. Show more

Keywords: Biopsychosocial model, comorbidity, daily activities, employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131607

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 155-164, 2014

Authors: Palmer, Kristy | Ciccarelli, Marina | Falkmer, Torbjorn | Parsons, Richard

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are common among adolescents in their daily activities.Exposure to ICT has been associated with discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders in adults, with growing concern about the potential risks to children and adolescents' physical health. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to (i) quantify self-reported discomfort and exposure to ICT among adolescents; and (ii) determine if associations exist between discomfort and levels of …exposure. PARTICIPANTS: The participant group comprised 33 Australian adolescents aged 12–15 years. METHODS: The study used self-reports by participants for a one week period. Intensity and location of discomfort was reported via a written discomfort log. ICT exposure and physical activity were reported through an electronic time-use diary. RESULTS: The most common ICT types reported by participants were television, mobile phones and desktop and laptop computers. Discomfort was reported by 86% of participants. The most frequently reported areas were the legs, head/neck, back and shoulders. There was no statistical association found between ICT exposure and discomfort. The majority of participants exceeded the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: High exposure to ICT and high prevalence of low level discomfort was reported by the participants. Participating in regular physical activity may have some protective effect against ICT-related discomfort. Show more

Keywords: Adolescents, information and communication technologies, musculoskeletal discomfort, self-report

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131609

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 165-173, 2014

Authors: Negrini, Alessia | Perron, Jacques | Corbière, Marc

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Being absent from work because of a psychological disability is costly for both individuals and organizations and frequent in employees working in the field of education. Absenteeism from work has been mostly studied as an organizational withdrawal behavior related to negative factors. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this longitudinal study is to define the predictors of absenteeism due to psychological disability by taking into account resources, such as Self-determined work motivation and Subjective …well-being, as well as symptoms of Psychological distress. PARTICIPANTS: The sample consisted of 261 employees from a Canadian public school organization. METHODS: Independent sample t-tests were conducted to compare the mean scores of participants who were not absent from work and participants who were absent due to psychological disability. Logistic regression analyses were computed for the dependent variable to assess the contribution of the three independent variables. RESULTS: Participants who were absent from work due to psychological disability in the year following the data collection scored significantly lower on resources, and higher on symptoms than those participants who were not absent. The three-predictor model was found to be significant. However, only Self-determined work motivation and Psychological distress significantly predicted absenteeism due to psychological disability. CONCLUSIONS: Results are discussed in terms of psychological processes regulating the relationships between the work-related factors (i.e., work motivation) and life-related factors (i.e., psychological distress and subjective well-being) of personal adjustment and accomplishment. Show more

Keywords: Self-determined work motivation, subjective well-being, psychological distress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131610

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 175-184, 2014

Authors: Harman, Katherine | Keating, Eileen | Mayes, Susan | Walsh, Jane | MacCallum, Sally

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a high prevalence of sleep disturbance with people experiencing chronic pain. Although multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programs address many contributing factors for chronic pain, the impact of insomnia on clients is not often measured. OBJECTIVE: Two studies were used to: first explore the experience of insomnia in a group of clients with chronic pain and then, in a group enrolled in a six-week work recovery rehabilitation program, compare measures of sleep disturbance at entry …and upon its completion. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen clients participated in focus groups and 29 completed questionnaires; 46% were women and the average age was 43 years. They had a wide range of work-related musculoskeletal injuries and all had chronic pain. METHODS: First two, semi-structured focus group interviews explored sleep disturbance. Then a different set of participants completed three sleep questionnaires before and after completing a rehabilitation program. RESULTS: Focus group participants described sleep disturbance consistent with clinical insomnia and how it had a considerable impact on their lives. Completed questionnaires confirmed the presence of sleep disturbance at admission into a six-week rehabilitation program and at discharge, most measures were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Although chronic pain rehabilitation generally includes interdisciplinary approaches, specific attention to insomnia is not part of this chronic pain rehabilitation program and therefore it is not surprising that there was no appreciable change by the end of the program. However, because sleep disturbance is prevalent in the chronic pain population and in this sample, and has such a strong impact on the individual's daytime functioning, effective interventions directed at sleep restriction and stimulus control should complement chronic pain rehabilitation programs. Show more

Keywords: Sleep disturbance, daytime functioning, occupation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131655

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 185-192, 2014

Authors: Haynes, Scott

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In group settings, background noise and an obstructed view of the speaker are just a few of the issues that can make workplace communication difficult for an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing. Accommodation strategies such as amplification of the speaker's voice or the use of text-based alternatives exist to address these issues. However, recent studies have shown that there are still unmet needs related to workplace communication in group settings for individuals …who are deaf or hard of hearing. OBJECTIVE: Identify the most common strategies used by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to improve communication in group settings and gauge the perceived effectiveness of those strategies. METHOD: An online survey was conducted with individuals who self-identified as deaf or hard of hearing. The survey presented specific communication strategies based on three functional approaches (aural/oral, text, visual). The strategies applied to both receptive and expressive communication in five different meeting types ranging in size and purpose. PARTICIPANTS: 161 adults (age 22–90 yrs.) with limited hearing ability completed the survey. RESULTS: Text-based strategies were typically the least frequently used strategies in group settings, yet they ranked high in perceived effectiveness for receptive and expressive communication. Those who used an interpreter demonstrated a strong preference for having a qualified interpreter present in the meeting rather than an interpreter acting remotely. For expressive communication, participants in general preferred to use their own voice or signing abilities and ranked those strategies as highly effective. CONCLUSIONS: A more accessible workplace for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing would incorporate more ubiquitous text-based strategy options. Also, qualified interpreters, when used, should be present in the meeting for maximum effectiveness. Show more

Keywords: Multiple speakers, hearing impairment, receptive communication, expressive communication

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131612

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 193-202, 2014

Authors: Hoefsmit, Nicole | Houkes, Inge | Nijhuis, Frans

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational health professionals such as occupational physicians (OPs) increasingly understand that in addition to health improvement, environmental factors (such as work adaptations) and personal factors (such as an employee's attitude towards return-to-work (RTW)) may stimulate employees on sick leave to return to work early. To target their professional interventions more specifically according to these factors, occupational health professionals need further insight into environmental and personal factors that stimulate RTW. …OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study are (1) to identify which and how environmental and personal factors support RTW, and (2) to examine whether the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can be used to describe these factors. METHODS: We performed interviews with 14 employees, 15 employers and 4 OPs from multiple organisations with varying organisational sizes and types of industry such as healthcare and education. We used a qualitative data analysis partially based on the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. RESULTS: The following environmental factors were found to support early RTW: 'social support from relatives', 'belief that work stimulates health', 'adequate cooperation between stakeholders in RTW' (e.g. employees, employers and OPs) and 'the employers' communicative skills'. One personal factor stimulated RTW: 'positive perception of the working situation' (e.g. enjoyment of work). Most factors stimulated RTW directly. In addition, adequate treatment and social support stimulated medical recovery. Environmental factors can either fully (social support, belief that RTW stimulates health), partially (effective cooperation), or not (employers' communicative skills) be described using ICF codes. The personal factor could not be classified because the ICF does not contain codes for personal factors. CONCLUSIONS: RTW interventions should aim at the environmental and personal factors mentioned above. Professionals can use the ICF to describe most environmental factors. Show more

Keywords: Sickness absence, return-to-work, qualitative study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131657

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 203-215, 2014

Authors: Jebens, Einar | Medbø, Jon I. | Knutsen, Oddvar | Mamen, Asgeir | Veiersted, Kaj Bo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Early retirement is an increasing problem in the construction industry. There is limited information about causes leading employees to leave working life early. We have compared construction workers present situation with their perception of future demands at work to avoid early retirement. METHODS: All 87 employees in a medium-sized Norwegian construction company participated in the study. All were men and answered questionnaires on health and pain, work ability, mechanical exposure, psychosocial conditions, …and demands regarding future working conditions. RESULTS: Most workers showed good work ability, irrespective of age. Many reported high levels of mechanical exposure at work. The level of musculoskeletal pain was higher in the middle-aged (30–50 year old) age groups and seniors aged over 50 years than among the youngest workers less than 30 years of age. All workers reported that good health was important for continued working. Most workers stated that future work must not be too physically demanding. Many workers reported relatively low job satisfaction; consequently an interesting job was rated as important for continuing work. Good social conditions were a high priority. CONCLUSIONS: According to the examined construction workers, good health and reduced levels of mechanical exposure at work are essential to avoid early retirement. Show more

Keywords: Senior workers, postponed early retirement, Mechanical exposure, work ability, musculoskeletal pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141863

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 217-228, 2014

Authors: Koopmans, Linda | Bernaards, Claire M. | Hildebrandt, Vincent H. | de Vet, Henrica C.W. | van der Beek, Allard J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Theoretically, individual work performance (IWP) can be divided into four dimensions: task performance, contextual performance, adaptive performance, and counterproductive work behavior. However, there is no consensus on the indicators used to measure these dimensions. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to 1) identify indicators for each dimension, 2) select the most relevant indicators, and 3) determine the relative weight of each dimension in ratings of work performance. METHODS: IWP indicators were identified …from multiple research disciplines, via literature, existing questionnaires, and expert interviews. Subsequently, experts selected the most relevant indicators per dimension and scored the relative weight of each dimension in ratings of IWP. RESULTS: In total, 128 unique indicators were identified. Twenty-three of these indicators were selected by experts as most relevant for measuring IWP. Task performance determined 36% of the work performance rating, while the other three dimensions respectively determined 22%, 20% and 21% of the rating. CONCLUSIONS: Notable consensus was found on relevant indicators of IWP, reducing the number from 128 to 23 relevant indicators. This provides an important step towards the development of a standardized, generic and short measurement instrument for assessing IWP. Show more

Keywords: Job performance, measurement, questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131659

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 229-238, 2014

Authors: Lounsbury, John W. | Foster, Nancy A. | Levy, Jacob J. | Gibson, Lucy W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sales managers are crucial for producing positive sales outcomes for companies. However, there has been a relative dearth of scholarly investigations into the personal attributes of sales managers. Such information could prove important in the recruitment, selection, training needs identification, career planning, counseling, and development of sales managers. OBJECTIVE: Drawing on Holland's [32] vocational theory, we sought to identify key personality traits that distinguish sales managers from other occupations and …are related to their career satisfaction. PARTICIPANTS: The main sample was comprised of a total of 978 sales managers employed in a large number of companies across the United States (along with a comparison sample drawn from 79,512 individuals from other professional occupations). METHODS: Participants completed an online version of Resource Associates' Personal Style Inventory as well a measure of career satisfaction. RESULTS: Our sample of 978 sales managers had higher levels of Assertiveness, Customer Service Orientation, Extraversion, Image Management, Optimism, and Visionary Style; and lower levels of Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Intrinsic Motivation, Openness, and Tough-Mindedness than a sample of 79,512 individuals in a variety of other occupations. Nine of these traits were significantly correlated with sales managers' career satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, a psychological profile of sales managers was presented as were implications for their recruitment, selection, training, development, and mentoring. Show more

Keywords: Big five, career satisfaction, business, person-environment fit

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131615

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 239-253, 2014

Authors: Mobo, B.H. | Foster, L.A. | Rabesa, M.J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High-level disinfection is crucial in preventing instrument-related infections. However, inadequate process and practice may expose technicians to chemicals and other hazards. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the health effects related to high-level disinfection, the process of identifying hazards and safer practice recommendations. PARTICIPANTS: Two endoscope technicians with different clinical presentations were evaluated for workplace exposures. METHODS: In addition to acute clinical care, corroborative information was obtained …through walkthrough and observing patients performing their daily tasks, interview of co-workers, environmental assessment and review of published literature. Recommendations for improvement and clinical follow up were made. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation and workplace assessment identified potential exposures to: denatonium benzoate, ortho-phthalaldehyde, proteinase subtilisin, and isopropyl alcohol. Environmental monitoring showed adequate ventilation but with potential for acute high-level exposure to high-level disinfectants. Ergonomic stressors and noise were addressed. Following work restrictions and work practice changes, both patients were able to return to work without recurrence of symptoms. CONCLUSION: The occupational hazards of working in an endoscopy disinfection unit include chemicals that are irritants and/or allergenic. In addition to bioengineering controls, administrative controls and proper respiratory and dermal protections may mitigate exposure and allow workers to continue working safely. Show more

Keywords: Endoscope technicians, denatonium benzoate, ortho-phthalaldehyde, proteinase subtilisin, isopropyl alcohol

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131618

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 255-260, 2014

Authors: Stewart, Sasha K. | Rothmore, Paul R. | Doda, Diana V.D. | Hiller, Janet E. | Mahmood, M.A. | Pisaniello, Dino L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of work-related ill health, and a major cost burden for the individual, industry and the community. Despite the broad range of risk factors that have been identified, most studies have focused only on specific occupations or categories of risk factors, meaning that there is limited understanding of the relative contributions of individual and organisational, physical and psychosocial factors. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional survey of workers …in medium-to-large workplaces in South Australia sought to examine a broad range of factors within various workplaces and industries. PARTICIPANTS: 404 workers from 29 workgroups and 23 separate companies participated in the research. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered face-to-face, assessing demographic and job characteristics, safety climate, musculoskeletal pain and discomfort (MSPD) and job satisfaction. Potential predictors were grouped in terms of personal/job and organizational characteristics and associations with MSPD examined. RESULTS: A considerable proportion of workers (40%) had experienced MSPD in the last 7 days and 15% had experienced severe MSPD. In a multivariate model, four variables were found to be significantly associated with MSPD, namely being aged ⩾ 40 years (adjusted odds ratio=1.73), overall job satisfaction (negatively associated) (AOR=0.37), medium (vs. large) company size (AOR=1.80) and workgroup safety climate score (negatively associated) (AOR=0.58). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm a link between non-physical factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders, suggesting that these factors should received increased attention as part of overall health and safety strategies. Organizations should give greater consideration to both the satisfaction of their employees and organizational factors that set the tone for safety climate. Show more

Keywords: Occupational, safety climate, injury, predictor, workplace, psychosocial, job satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131622

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 261-271, 2014

Authors: Grozdanovic, Miroljub | Jekic, Savko | Stojiljkovic, Evica

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adequate application of the static and dynamic anthropometric measures of pre-school children in ergonometric design of children's playground equipment should eliminate all dangers and difficulties in their use. Possibilities of injuries, insecure movements, discomfort able positions and some other dangerous actions may be minimized; and safety and health protection of pre-school children will be increased. OBJECTIVE: Children's playground represents a significant space of activity for pre-school children. Therefore, it is necessary to apply …ergonomic principles which contribute to the adjustment of the playground elements to children's anatomic features. Based on the results presented in this paper, new constructions were designed and new playgrounds were installed in Serbia. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were children from three pre-school age groups: Junior age group (3–4 years of age, 17 children), Medium age group (4–5 years of age, 22 children), and Senior age group (5–6 years of age, 26 children). METHODS: Thirty-one static anthropometric measures (12 in standing position, 11 in sitting position, 7 related to dimensions of hand, foot an head, with body weight and shoe size) and 15 dynamic anthropometric measures (7 in standing position, 6 in sitting position and 2 dimension of foot and hand) were defined for the study. Measurements were taken using an anthrop-meter, a flexible measuring tape. Equations for ergonomic design of children's playground elements were also defined. RESULTS: Basic statistical data of static and dynamic anthropometric measurements of the pre-school children are presented in this paper, as well as the statistical calculation of the corrective anthropometric measurements. Measurements were performed in "Poletarac" kindergarten, part of the pre-school institution "Radost" in Cacak. Elements of playground equipment in "Bambi" kindergarten in Kragujevac (the Indian tent "wigwam", gate-house, swing and carousel) were designed and built using these parameters. CONCLUSION: Based on the obtained results, several playgrounds were designed, manufactured and equipped with the appropriate items. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics for children, static anthropometric measures, dynamic anthropometric measures, pre-school children

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131661

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 273-288, 2014

Authors: Pelzer, B. | Schaffrath, S. | Vernaleken, Ingo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unemployment is known to be associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. However, there is ambiguity about the direction of this association. OBJECTIVE: Different to large surveys, the present pilot-study focuses on a detailed characterization of unemployed and strictly matched employed subjects. Besides depressive symptoms and personality factors, their level of social and communicative skills was determined by an experimental behavioral paradigm. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-two subjects were screened; 62 showed relevant …exclusion criteria or failed the matching procedure. Finally, 30 subjects (15 employed, 15 unemployed) participated. METHODS: The experimental group-paradigm consisted of a complex standardized challenge situation, which demands communicative and social skills for a successful solution. This was followed by an individualized video-based behavioral analysis. RESULTS: Expectedly, unemployed subjects showed more depressive symptoms than employed subjects but did not show higher levels of susceptible personality traits. There were no differences between employed and unemployed subjects in social and communicative competencies; these skills however correlated positively with the level of depression. CONCLUSION: Unemployment is an important stressor, affecting mental health. The absence of susceptible traits and skills deficits suggests that depressive syndromes are rather resulting than cause of unemployment. Social skills do not prevent depressive reactions during unemployment. Show more

Keywords: Employment, personality, depressive symptoms, individual competencies

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131626

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 289-295, 2014