Work - Volume 49, issue 1

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141923

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2014

Authors: Fathallah, Fadi

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141920

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 3-4, 2014

Authors: Anton, Dan | Gerr, Fredric | Merlino, Linda | Rosecrance, John C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is commonly diagnosed with a combination of characteristic symptoms and nerve conduction studies (NCS) across the wrist. Normative NCS values exist, but there is minimal data among older individuals or among rural populations. OBJECTIVE: To estimate distal median and ulnar sensory, and median motor latencies across the wrist in an older, rural population. METHODS: Hand symptom questionnaires and three standard NCS were obtained from 1085 participants. Univariate and …multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Normative NCS values are presented from participants (mean age 57 years) who reported either no CTS symptoms or possible CTS symptoms. Covariates associated with NCS included age, hand temperature, body mass index, and height. CONCLUSIONS: This large normative NCS data set can be generalized to an older and rural population. Nerve conduction latencies were generally longer in this population than those reported in previous studies. Show more

Keywords: Rural, nerve conduction, normal data, carpal tunnel syndrome, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131764

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 5-14, 2014

Authors: Kotowski, Susan E. | Davis, Kermit G. | Kim, Hyocher | Lee, Kyung-Suk

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Farming is known to pose musculoskeletal disorder risk factors, although how risk factors differ between farmers in various countries is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify ergonomic risk factors through a qualitative assessment of common tasks performed by South Korean farmers. METHODS: A convenience sample of Korean farmers was videotaped performing typical jobs on farms that produced rice, fruits and vegetables, or raised animals. Ergonomists identified poor ergonomic risk factors …that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders including poor postures of the shoulders, wrists, neck, low back, and knees. RESULTS: Severe flexion and lifting of heavy loads was common across farms. While many of the concerning risk factors identified were similar to those in other parts of the world, one was unique in this population – deep knee flexion while weeding, harvesting, and sorting. CONCLUSIONS: Given the Korean farm population is aging at an alarming rate and remains dominated by small farms, many of these potential risk factors may have a continued or increased role in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. While the current study provided the first observational assessment of ergonomic demands on Korean farms, more quantitative and rigorous investigations are needed to establish actual risk factors. Show more

Keywords: Trunk flexion, wrist motion, knee flexion, agriculture, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141921

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 15-23, 2014

Authors: Thinius, Maxi | Jakob, Martina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Previous European studies [3,4,10,13] have shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) among milking parlor operatives, affecting at least 70% of the staff. The aim of the project was to find correlations between workplace design and prevalence of MSD. For this a data collection was carried out questioning the parlor operatives using a modified Nordic Questionnaire [6]. On farm parlor specifics and bovimetrics of milked cows of a randomly-selected shift were measured. After that data …was combined to compare the workplace design and the occurrence of MSD. The results showed that 94% of the female and 71% of the male workers suffered from MSD. The work place analysis revealed that women regularly worked above shoulder level and had to tort and bend more often than men because of the gender specific anthropometrics and the workplace design. The survey took into consideration that not only milking is considered strenuous but other farm tasks as well. The results also demonstrated that there is a need to take action to improve modern milking parlors. The existing helping devices are not sufficient to reduce the workload; reorganizing the work tasks, work schedule and the work place design is suggested. Show more

Keywords: Risk assessment, agriculture, job demands, musculoskeletal discomfort, gender

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131765

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 25-32, 2014

Authors: Lundqvist, Peter | Svennefelt, Catharina Alwall

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational injuries are a major problem in agriculture world-wide. OBJECTIVE: Sweden is developing a national approach to scoordinate different stakeholders with the common goal of reducing injuries in the agricultural sector. METHOD: The Swedish strategy involves important factors, such as: 1) Collaboration between all stakeholders involved in health and safety in agriculture, 2) A national programme on injury prevention, 3) Coordination of actions and 4) Knowledge, attitude and behaviour in focus. PARTICIPANTS: This …approach is being coordinated through the Swedish Committee on Working Environment (LAMK), a network acting to achieve a good, healthy and safe working environment in Swedish agriculture. The Committee consists of representatives of authorities, institutions, companies, research and education institutions and organisations working in the green sector. RESULTS: The Swedish model will be evaluated as a whole concept on its effect on the frequency of injuries in the agricultural industry in the beginning of 2014. Promising results has been shown in evaluations of minor parts. CONCLUSIONS: This coordinated approach has been applied in others countries (United States and New Zealand) as well and seems like an efficient way of using limited resources to achieve higher impact on a specific problems such as occupational injuries in agriculture. Show more

Keywords: Injury, prevention, collaboration, national programme, stakeholders, agriculture, Sweden

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131766

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 33-37, 2014

Authors: Pinzke, Stefan | Nilsson, Kerstin | Lundqvist, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Agriculture consistently ranks as one of the highest risk industries in North America and Europe. In addition to vehicle injuries and other injuries that occur on farms, farm vehicle drivers are also involved in collisions involving tractors and other slow-moving vehicles (SMVs) on public roads. These collisions often lead to injuries among farmers, family members, farm workers, and other road users. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a demographic analysis of road traffic incidents involving tractors in Sweden …during the time period 1992–2009, with special consideration of how incidents vary with driver age. METHODS: Statistics from 2,305 police reports describing tractor-related road traffic incidents in Sweden in 1992–2009 were analysed with respect to driver age, type of incident, severity of injury, type of road user and other circumstances at the accident site. RESULTS: Tractors of all kinds were involved in 128 road traffic incidents annually, with 7 people killed, 44 seriously injured and 143 suffering minor injuries each year. The annual number of fatalities represented 1.2% of all Swedish road fatalities. Most road traffic incidents with farm tractors involved people aged 25–55 years (mean 45 years). However, most farm tractor drivers killed or injured belonged to younger or older age groups. Drivers aged 12–16 years were over-represented in tractor incidents with no other vehicle involved. Older tractor drivers (> 55 years) were more often involved in incidents with passenger vehicles on entering traffic flows. The youngest tractor drivers aged 12–16 years were more often involved in road traffic incidents during school holidays, and both youngest and oldest drivers (>65 years) during harvest time. CONCLUSIONS: Sweden has an ageing fleet of tractors, so increased attention to vehicle maintenance is needed to improve road safety. The over-representation of young children in tractor incidents suggests that it is questionable whether they should be allowed to operate farm vehicles. Farm vehicle drivers suffering the inevitable effects of ageing need increase their awareness of added risks. As road traffic incidents with tractors often involve private vehicles, creating awareness among the public of slow-moving farm vehicles is essential for improving overall road safety. Show more

Keywords: Farm vehicles, injury, prevention, road incidents, road crashes, road collision

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131767

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 39-49, 2014

Authors: Barrero, L.H. | Ceballos, C. | Ellegast, R. | Pulido, J.A. | Monroy, M. | Berrio, S. | Quintana, L.A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Evidence on effectiveness of ergonomic interventions to reduce mechanical demands of the upper extremity is scarce in agriculture. OBJECTIVE: To conduct an ergonomic intervention to reduce mechanical exposures on workers during manual flower cutting, while emphasizing postural education and reduction of force requirements. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy seven workers (20 to 55 years old; 80% women) from six companies that cultivate roses participated in this study. METHODS: Participants from three companies were randomly assigned …to control and intervention groups. A postural education program and a maintenance program was designed and implemented in the intervention group aiming to achieve more neutral postures of the wrist and forearm and to reduce force requirements during rose cutting. Changes in self-reported effort and upper extremity postures, kinematics and muscular activity between baseline and follow-up assessments were evaluated. RESULTS: Most of the observed changes in the evaluated mechanical exposures were moderate for both groups. The intervention group showed differential improvements compared to the control group for 95th percentile forearm pronation (intervention group went from 50.6 to 35.6°; control group went from 18.4 to 34.7°); and to some degree for the maximum wrist radial deviation (the intervention group went from 17° to 7.6°; control group went from 10.1° to 7.8°). Also, the mean elbow flexion for the control group was reduced from 62.3 to 48.4°, whereas it increased from 52.2 to 57.3° in the intervention group. No differential changes between the intervention and control groups were observed for the kinematic variables, except for an unexpected reduction in the 95th percentile velocity of wrist flexion-extension in the control group, which was not observed in the intervention group. Lastly, although observed changes in muscular activity were not statistically significant, improvements were observed for the intervention group for the flexor and extensor carpi radialis and the flexor carpi ulnaris; although the opposite was true for the extensor carpi ulnaris. CONCLUSIONS: Important although sometimes mixed results were achieved with this field intervention, focusing on postural and force requirement demands. The positive results are encouraging considering the presence of typical limitations observed in field intervention studies. Show more

Keywords: Agriculture, floriculture, ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141922

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 51-62, 2014

Authors: Swangnetr, Manida | Kaber, David B. | Puntumetakul, Rungthip | Gross, Michael T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A previous ergonomic screening of rice field preparation revealed farmer exposure to high risks of musculoskeletal disorders at the shoulders, hands, wrists and back. The screening method was not applied to muddy soil farming in which analysts could not observe farmer legs and feet. This study analyzed farmer pain in all stages of field preparation. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship of farmer experience and demographics to perceptions of pain and to identify body areas exposed to ergonomics …risks, unknown to farmers. Results were expected to support interventions and guidelines for famers on physical behaviors towards minimizing risk of injury as well as validation of the screening approach. METHODS: Comparison of analyst screening results and farmer pain ratings using self-ratings and interviews. RESULTS: Farmer experience and age were significantly correlated with occurrence of pain and cramping. Less experienced farmers reported less pain in high-risk body parts (e.g., neck and lower back). More experienced farmers reported more pain in the legs, as compared with analyst risk ratings. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated less experienced farmers to be unaware of critical areas of exposure to ergonomics risks. Correlation of farmer ratings of pain with analyst risk assessments support validity of the screening method for hazard identification and control. Show more

Keywords: Rice cultivation, job screening, farmer demographics, pain ratings

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131768

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 63-71, 2014

Authors: Cadieux, Nathalie | Marchand, Alain

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although several studies are concerned by the phenomenon of psychological distress at work, few studies have looked at the prevalence of psychological distress among professional workers in the regulated occupations and compare this prevalence with other occupations. OBJECTIVES: This study propose to define regulated occupations by laying out the theoretical boundaries that apply to the practice of these occupations and try to understand how regulated occupations contributed to the experience of psychological distress …in the Canadian workforce over time. METHOD: Multilevel logistical regression analyses on longitudinal data were performed to compare the odds of experiencing psychological distress over time among professional workers in regulated occupations (n=276) and among other professional workers, classified into 6 categories (n=6731), over a 12-year period. RESULTS: The results show that proportion of distress in the workforce decreases for all occupations between Cycle 1 and Cycle 7 of the NPHS, but this decrease is not linear over time. The results show also that regulated occupations present a lower probability of psychological distress only when compared with white-collar workers. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that occupation contributes little toward understanding the prevalence of psychological distress in the Canadian workforce. Further research needs are also discussed. Show more

Keywords: Work stress, multilevel analysis, mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131652

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 73-86, 2014

Authors: Dhar, Rajib Lochan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The construction industry is considered to be one of the oldest trades of mankind. Even though this industry has shown phenomenal growth in the developing economies like India, hardly any research has been done to understand the living condition and status of the people who have contributed with their sweat and blood for the growth of this industry. OBJECTIVES: The study aims at understanding the living condition of the low income construction workers from one of the small …construction companies of eastern India, from the state of Jharkhand. PARTICIPANTS: In all twelve families staying at the construction site agreed to volunteer. The average age of the respondent parents (i.e. mother as well as father) was 28.5 years. METHODS: Qualitative methods have been used in order to collect the data. Ethnography and photo elicitation was used as a primary method of data collection. Apart from this, in-depth interviews were also conducted with the workers of the construction company. RESULTS: Discussion with the participants led to the emergence of four themes. They were (1) Daily Rituals, (2) Living Condition, (3) Quality of food and (4) Health and Hygiene. The research findings indicate that the conditions at which the workers live at the construction site can be considered to be in a state of pitiful situation which is mainly due to their acute level of poverty. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the study findings, there is an imperative that the societal forerunners, policy makers and philanthropists continue to use research findings to understand the living condition of the low income construction workers and draft strategies accordingly, to improve their status and Quality of Life. Show more

Keywords: Labour, living conditions, health, photograph, manual, stress, qualitative, India

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131654

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 87-105, 2014

Authors: Kawada, Tomoyuki | Otsuka, Toshiaki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The relationship between job stress and job satisfaction by the follow-up study should be more evaluated for workers' health support. OBJECTIVE: Job stress is strongly affected by the content of the job and the personality of a worker. This study was focused on determining the changes of the job stress and job satisfaction levels over a two-year interval, using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ). METHODS: This self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the same 310 …employees of a Japanese industrial company in 2009 and 2011. Sixty-one employees were lost from 371 responders in 2009. Data of 16 items from 57 items graded on a four-point Likert-type scale to measure the job stressors, psycho-physical complaints and support for workers, job overload (six items), job control (three items), support (six items) and job satisfaction score (one item) were selected for the analysis. RESULTS: The age-adjusted partial correlation coefficients for job overload, job control and support were 0.684 (p< 0.001), 0.474 (p< 0.001) and 0.612 (p< 0.001), respectively. The concordance correlation coefficient (and 95% confidence interval indicated within parentheses) for job overload, job control and support were 0.681 (0.616–0.736), 0.473 (0.382–0.555), and 0.623 (0.549–0.687), respectively. There were no significant differences in the mean score for job overload, job control or support, although significant decline in the job satisfaction level was apparent at the end of the two-year period (p< 0.05). There was also a significant decline in the job satisfaction in 2009 and in 2011 for subjects with keeping low job strain. CONCLUSIONS: No significant changes in the scores on the three elements of job stress were observed over the two-year study period, and the job satisfaction level deteriorated significantly during this period. There was a decline in the job satisfaction in the two-year period, although subjects did not suffer from job stress at the same period. Show more

Keywords: Occupational survey, demand-control-support model, questionnaire, agreement, follow-up study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131658

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 107-111, 2014

Authors: Løvseth, Lise Tevik | Aasland, Olaf Gjerløw | Fridner, Ann | Schenck-Gustafsson, Karin | Jónsdóttir, Lilja Sigrun | Einarsdóttir, Torgerdur | Marini, Massimo | Minucci, Daria | Pavan, Luigi | Götestam, K Gunnar | Linaker, Olav Morten

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Concerns about protecting patient's privacy can interfere with proper stress adaptation which isassociated with physician's health. It is important to investigate relevant organizational confounders to this phenomenon to enable interventions that can ameliorate the subjective burden of patient confidentiality. OBJECTIVES: This study investigatesfactors in the psychosocial work environment that can explain patient confidentiality's prominence in social support seeking among physicians, and if these factors covary differently with support seeking …according to country. PARTICIPANTS: University hospital physicians in four European cities (N=2095) in Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Italy participated in a cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Questionnaire comprised items on psychosocial work environment, basic socio-demographics, presence of formal and informal meetings at work, and measurement of confidentiality as a barrier for support. RESULTS: High role conflict, availability of formal or informal meetings, lack of control over decisions, and lack of control over work pace were predictors of confidentiality as a barrier to support. There were differences between countries in how these factors covaried with confidentiality as a barrier to support. High role conflict was the strongest predictor of confidentiality as a barrier to support across all samples. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial work factors predicted confidentiality as a barrier to support seeking among physicians. It is important to create routines and an organizational framework that ensures both the patient's right to privacy and physician's ability to cope with emotional demanding situations from work. Show more

Keywords: Professional secrecy, doctor, social support, work environment, role conflict

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131725

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 113-121, 2014

Authors: Nilsen, Gudrun | Anderssen, Norman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A significant part of the population suffers from non-malignant chronic pain that is not treated by pain specialists. No successful long-term treatment exists. The patients have to deal with their condition in collaboration with health personnel establishing treatment programmes under uncertain circumstances with few guidelines. Thus, there is a strong need for knowledge on how patients with chronic non-malignant pain manage their condition. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to explore …how patients with chronic non-malignant pain deal with their condition. METHODS: Twenty patients with chronic non-malignant pain (aged 26–63 in year 2006) told in an open-ended interview situation, how they lived with and dealt with their condition. The interviews were analysed within a phenomenological meaning condensation framework. RESULTS: For all patients the pain was as an integrated part of their life that required huge efforts to cope with. Typically, the patients experienced loneliness, fear of stigmatization and despair because of their unpredictable condition, and they wanted to come back to a normalized daily life, first and foremost by getting back to paid work. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the patients developed individual strategies that were influenced by their local contexts and life situation as well as the pain itself. This may be interpreted in line with Bourdieu's notions of habitus, strategies and social capital. Show more

Keywords: Work, nature, Bourdieu

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131642

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 123-132, 2014

Authors: Nitzsche, Anika | Jung, Julia | Kowalski, Christoph | Pfaff, Holger

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to describe the theoretical development and initial validation of the newly developed Work-Life Balance Culture Scale (WLBCS), an instrument for measuring an organizational culture that promotes the work-life balance of employees. METHODS: In Study 1 (N=498), the scale was developed and its factorial validity tested through exploratory factor analyses. In Study 2 (N=513), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to examine model fit and retest the …dimensional structure of the instrument. To assess construct validity, a priori hypotheses were formulated and subsequently tested using correlation analyses. RESULTS: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a one-factor model. Results of the bivariate correlation analyses may be interpreted as preliminary evidence of the scale's construct validity. CONCLUSION: The five-item WLBCS is a new and efficient instrument with good overall quality. Its conciseness makes it particularly suitable for use in employee surveys to gain initial insight into a company's perceived work-life balance culture. Show more

Keywords: Work-life balance, organizational culture, validation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131643

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 133-142, 2014

Authors: Puig-Barrachina, Vanessa | Vanroelen, Christophe | Vives, Alejandra | Martínez, José Miguel | Muntaner, Carles | Levecque, Katia | Benach, Joan | Louckx, Fred

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Precarious employment is becoming an increasingly important social determinant of health inequalities among workers. The way in which contemporary employment arrangements and their health consequences are addressed in empirical research is mostly based on the contract-related or employment instability dimension. A broader conceptual approach including various important characteristics of the degrading of employment conditions and relations is needed. OBJECTIVE: The general objective of this paper is to empirically test …a new multidimensional construct for measuring precarious employment in an existing database. Special focus is on the social distribution of precarious employment. METHODS: A subsample of 21,415 participants in the EU-27 from the Fourth European Working Conditions Survey-2005 was analysed. A cross-sectional study of the social distribution of precarious employment was conducted through the analysis of proportional differences according to gender, social class and credentials for the European Union as a whole and within each country. The 8 dimensions of the employment precariousness construct were represented by 11 indicators. RESULTS: In general, women, workers without supervisory authority, those with fewer credentials, and those living in Eastern and Southern European countries suffer the highest levels of precarious employment. Exceptionally, men, workers with supervisory authority and those with the highest credentials suffer the highest levels of long working hours, schedule unpredictability and uncompensated flexible working times. CONCLUSIONS: This article offers the first validation for an innovative multidimensional conceptualisation of employment precariousness applied to the analysis of existing survey data, showing the unequal distribution of precarious employment across the European labour force. This set of indicators can be useful for monitoring precarious employment. Show more

Keywords: Precarious employment, health inequalities, monitoring, gender, social class

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131645

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 143-161, 2014

Authors: Vaez, Marjan | Josephson, Malin | Vingård, Eva | Voss, Margaretha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related violence is one of the most serious threats to employee safety and health. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the extent of self-reported violence or threats of violence at work in relation to the general health of public sector employees. METHODS: The study population comprised 9,611 female (83%) and male public employees in Sweden. A questionnaire based on items derived mainly from validated instruments was constructed to cover aspects such as health, lifestyle, …and physical and psychosocial work conditions. RESULTS: One in three employees reported work-related violence, with the highest proportions among psychiatric nurses (79%) and psychiatric attendants (75%). Work-related violence more often affected those who were < 45 years old, worked < 40 hours/week, worked nights, or reported poor health. Regardless of gender, age, hours of work, night work, and type of occupation, exposure to work-related violence was associated with less than good general health, and this relationship was strongest for psychiatric nurses (OR=3.19; 95% CI=1.28–7.98), medical doctors/dentists (OR=2.46; 95% CI=1.35–4.49), compulsory school teachers (OR=2.14; 95% CI=1.33–3.45), and other nurses (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.23–2.84). CONCLUSIONS: Work-related violence was frequently reported by employees in the most common public sector occupations, and it was associated with poor health in both genders. Show more

Keywords: Psychiatric nurses, medical doctors/dentists, health status, work conditions, health care workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131715

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 163-171, 2014