Work - Volume 51, issue 4

Authors: Mrugalska, Beata | Arezes, Pedro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Machinery safety issues are a challenge facing manufacturers who are supposed to create and provide products in a better and faster way. In spite of their construction and technological advance, they still contribute to many potential hazards for operators and those nearby. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate safety aspects of metal machinery offered for sale on Internet market according to compliance with minimum and fundamental requirements. METHODS: The study was carried out with the application of a checklist prepared on the basis of Directive 2006/42/EC and Directive 2009/104/EC and …regulations enforcing them into Polish law. RESULTS: On the basis of the study it was possible to reveal the safety aspects that were not met in practice. It appeared that in the case of minimum requirements the most relevant problems concerned information, signal and control elements, technology and machinery operations, whereas as far as fundamental aspects are concerned it was hard to assure safe work process. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the fact that more and more legal acts binding in the Member Countries of the European Union are being introduced to alleviate the phenomenon, these regulations are often not fulfilled. Show more

Keywords: EU directives, machinery design, safety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152028

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 747-755, 2015

Authors: Strasser, Helmut | Müller, Oliver | Irle, Hartmut

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: International standards based on the energy-equivalence principle predict a drastic deterioration of hearing protectors' noise attenuation if the protector is not worn for only brief time periods. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, studies in a laboratory setting were carried out to examine whether corresponding temporary threshold shifts (TTS) due to realistic noise exposures can be found. METHODS: Ten test subjects (Ss) were exposed to two reference exposures of 94 dB (A) for 1 h and 97 dB (A) for 1/2 h. Subsequently, they were exposed to noise of 106 dB (A) for 1/2 h on two …additional days. With the exception of a 3 3/4 min-period, in these tests the Ss wore hearing protectors with noise attenuation of 20 dB and 30 dB, respectively. The resulting noise exposure was energetically identical to the reference exposures as well as to 85 dB (A)/8 h. If the equal-energy rule - which is used in the standards to predict the protection losses - is indeed valid, all 4 tests should result in almost identical threshold shifts. RESULTS: The experimental results do not confirm, but rather contradict the predicted drastic deterioration in attenuation. Particularly, the hearing protector with a noise attenuation of 30 dB performs much better in real-life situations than the theoretical assessment indicates. CONLUSIONS: With minimally reduced wearing time of hearing protectors the protection losses which are prognosticated by national and international standards are not associated. Instead, the energy equivalence principle applied in the standards leads to heavy misjudgments. Show more

Keywords: 3-dB exchange rate, predicted hearing protection losses, audiometric evaluation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152031

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 757-770, 2015

Authors: Chen, T.H. | Fan, C.F. | Wang, M.J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace noise exposure gains growing attention in high tech industry. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the noise effect on physiological and subjective responses in semiconductor manufacturing clean room environment. METHODS: Twenty subjects including 10 males and 10 females completed all phases of the experiment. Each subject was asked to participate in four treatment combinations of two noise intensities [65 dB(A) and 80 dB(A)] × two frequency levels [high and low]. For each treatment condition, the subject was exposed to the specified noise condition in a sound proof cabin for one hour. The physiological …measures included blood pressure and heart rate. The subjective measures included noise sensitivity, fatigue and annoyance. RESULTS: The ANOVA results indicate that long-time noise exposure caused significant increase in blood pressure (p< 0.001). Furthermore, the noise intensity by time interaction effect was found to be significant on annoyance and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that prolonged exposure to noise intensity at 80 dB(A) would result in a significant increase in physiological cost and subjective discomfort feeling. Thus, some countermeasures should be taken to reduce noise exposure and to promote health, and quality of working life. Show more

Keywords: Noise exposure, exposure time, heart rate, blood pressure, annoyance, fatigue, semiconductor manufacturing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152034

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 771-780, 2015

Authors: Coelho, Denis A. | Tavares, Carla S.D. | Lourenço, Miguel L. | Lima, Tânia M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Office workers are increasingly exposed to physical and psychosocial risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between environmental, physical and organizational working conditions and the physical and psychosocial well-being of a sample of private sector office workers. METHODS: Musculoskeletal pain was collected from a body map and the Disabilities of the Arms, Shoulders and Hands questionnaire. The short version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire enabled collecting information on six job related satisfaction and dissatisfaction subscales. A checklist for ergonomics in computer work guided the analysis of ergonomic factors and measurements were taken to …characterize environmental conditions. Association between exposures and outcomes was calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics 20 software. RESULTS: Significant moderate positive association was found between dissatisfaction with job psychological demands and musculoskeletal pain in the upper body (0.40; p= 0.05), as well as between postural ergonomic mismatches and dissatisfaction with job insecurity towards the future (0.42; p= 0.04). A significant moderate negative association (-0,47; p= 0.02) was found as well between satisfaction with job social support and with leadership quality and location of the work station in an open-plan office as opposed to smaller office rooms. CONCLUSIONS: The results show how raising awareness of the risk factors encountered in contemporary office work is still necessary to promote widespread improvement of working conditions, from both a physical and a psychosocial perspective. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, psychosocial job factors, ergonomics of computer work, open-plan office

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152025

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 781-789, 2015

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152036

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 791-791, 2015

Authors: Hoseinpoor, Tahere Seyed | Kahrizi, Sedighe | Mobini, Bahram

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Trunk muscles fatigue is one of the risk factors in workplaces and daily activities. Loads would be redistributed among active and passive tissues in a non-optimal manner in fatigue conditions. Therefore, a single tissue might be overloaded with minimal loads and as a result the risk of injury would increase. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this paper was to assess the electromyographic response of trunk extensor and abdominal muscles after trunk extensor muscles fatigue induced by cyclic lifting task. METHODS: This was an experimental study that twenty healthy women participated. For assessing automatic response …of trunk extensor and abdominal muscles before and after the fatigue task, electromyographic activities of 6 muscles: thorasic erector spine (TES), lumbar erector spine (LES), lumbar multifidus (LMF), transverse abdominis/ internal oblique (TrA/IO), rectus abdominis (RA) and external oblique (EO) were recorded in standing position with no load and symmetric axial loads equal to 25% of their body weights. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that all the abdominal muscles activity decreased with axial loads after performing fatigue task but trunk extensor activity remained constant. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study indicated that muscle recruitment strategies changed with muscle fatigue and load bearing, therefore risks of tissue injury may increase in fatigue conditions. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography, load, abdominal muscles

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141837

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 793-797, 2015

Authors: Karimi, Mohammad Taghi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Heart rate is an accurate and easy to use method to represent the energy expenditure during walking, based on physiological cost index (PCI). However, in some conditions the heart rate during walking does not reach to a steady state. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the energy expenditure by use of the PCI index. The total heart beat index (THBI) is a new method to solve the aforementioned problem. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research project was to find the sensitivity of both the physiological cost index (PCI) and total heart beat index (THBI). …METHOD: Fifteen normal subjects and ten patients with flatfoot disorder and twosubjects with spinal cord injury were recruited in this research project. The PCI and THBI indexes were determined by use of heart beats with respect to walking speed and total distance walked, respectively. RESULTS: The sensitivity of PCI was more than that of THBI index in the three groups of subjects. CONCLUSION: Although the PCI and THBI indexes are easy to use and reliable parameters to represent the energy expenditure during walking, their sensitivity is not high to detect the influence of some orthotic interventions, such as use of insoles or using shoes on energy expenditure during walking. Show more

Keywords: PCI, total heart beat, sensitivity, energy consumption, walking

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141845

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 799-805, 2015

Authors: Nobahar, Monir | Ahmadi, Fazlollah | Alhani, Fatemah | Khoshknab, Masood Fallahi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: According to recent studies, the level of international interest in bridge employment, as return to work after retirement, has been growing. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the experiences of retired nurses in Iran with regard to making a decision about whether or not to seek bridge employment. METHODS: A qualitative study using a content analysis approach was conducted in an urban area of Iran. Semi-structured interviews were held with 20 Iranian male and female retired nurses chosen using purposive sampling. RESULTS: During the data analysis, two main themes were identified …as the participants' thoughts supporting the decision of seeking bridge employment. The first theme was entitled motivational factors with categories of ``serving the society,'' ``maintaining and promoting health,'' ``tendency toward flexible work,'' and ``maintaining the role and activity.'' The second theme was entitled forcing factors with categories of ``ardent desire to work (pluralistic ignorance)'' and ``financial need.'' CONCLUSIONS: While some Iranian retired nurses were not motivated to seek work for health reasons, most preferred to return to work after retirement. They were motivated to seek bridge employment out of a desire to serve the society, to promote their own physical and mental health, to continue to use their expertise and maintain the worker role, and because of financial needs and perceived societal expectations. Nurses seeking employment later in life tended to look for job flexibility and less stressful work. Therefore, the management of bridge employment by healthcare system authorities can be useful in making use of the invaluable experiences of retired nurses. Show more

Keywords: Work, bridge employment, bridge jobs, retirement, qualitative research

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141943

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 807-816, 2015

Authors: Pérez, Vanesa | Alcover, Carlos-María | Chambel, Maria José

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the case of workers with disabilities, family support is often essential to gain access to the labor market and achieve personal autonomy and financial independence, in addition to fostering job satisfaction and permanence in the organization. Moreover, the support offered by organizations is particularly valued by workers with disabilities, as the organizations that hire such people generally go to considerable lengths to ensure their adaptation and integration in the workplace, contributing to job satisfaction and permanence in the organization. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between organizational support and …family support with job satisfaction and intention to quit the organization among workers with disabilities employed in ordinary firms. METHODS: Our study surveyed 204 workers using a questionnaire, and we used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analyses to test these relationships. RESULTS: Our results show that organizational support is a significant explanatory factor in the levels of job satisfaction. Moreover, our results indicate that the participants perceived high levels of support from their families, facilitating the conciliation of work and family life. CONCLUSIONS: Our results have practical implications in order to improve full integration and normalization of workers with disabilities in ordinary jobs. Show more

Keywords: Workers with disabilities, perceived organizational support (POS), family support, job satisfaction, intention to quit

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141905

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 817-826, 2015

Authors: Balderrama, Cesar | Flores, José | Maldonado, Aide

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the energy expenditure of workers in physical work tasks in order to determine if people of different ages and gender carry out repetitive activities according to the recommended limits of energy at work. OBJECTIVE: Exploring whether age is a significant factor to achieve industrial production rates and determine its possible consequences. METHODS: A laboratory experiment was conducted with people age 20 to 58 years split by gender into four age groups. Oxygen consumption and heart rate were measured as variables of response to the physical workloads. RESULTS: When …carrying out repetitive moderate load operations, women aged over 30 years exceeded the recommended energy expenditure (95% CI). For heavy activities, only men in the age groups 20-39 and 30-40 years could perform these tasks without exceeding the recommended oxygen consumption (95% CI). CONCLUSIONS: The industrial predetermined motion time systems do not take into account the effects of age and gender difference on energy production when obtaining cycle times in activities with significant aerobic loads. Manufacturing processes have specific standard times that might be inappropriate if they are performed by individuals who do not meet the standard energy production capacity. Show more

Keywords: Heart rate, aging, oxygen consumption, predetermined motion time systems, standard time

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141972

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 827-837, 2015

Authors: Agha, Adnan | Mordy, Ayedh | Anwar, Eram | Saleh, Noha | Rashid, Imran | Saeed, Mona

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Burnout Syndrome is a mental condition caused by chronic exposure to work related stress and is identified by the presence of any of the three distinct elements of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and lack of personal accomplishment. Middle grade doctors are the backbone of any tertiary care hospital / medical institution, partaking in unscheduled and inpatient care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the presence of burnout syndrome in the middle grade doctors in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted at the Armed Forces Hospital …Southern Region, Khamis Mushyt, from August to October 2012 in departments with at least fifty inpatient admissions per month and with at least five middle grade (Resident, Registrar and Senior Registrar) doctors. The departments were Obstetrics and Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency, General Surgery and Nephrology. METHODS: This was a cross sectional descriptive and analytical study using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Services Survey and a self-reported stressor-identifying questionnaire to ascertain possible precursors of, or contributing factors to, Burnout Syndrome. RESULTS: A total of 96 proformas/questionnaires were collected anonymously to maintain confidentiality and burnout syndrome was identified in as high as 88.5% of the respondents with high emotional exhaustion in 68.8%, high depersonalization in 63.6% and low personal accomplishment in 38.5%. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that burnout syndrome is high among the middle-grade doctors in this medical facility and that urgent steps are needed to address this problem to ensure that these physicians remain physically and mentally healthy. Show more

Keywords: Depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141898

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 839-847, 2015

Authors: Lilley, Rebbecca | Derrett, Sarah | Davie, Gabrielle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little empirical examination of the relationship between work organisational factors and return to work following injury has been undertaken despite the growing recognition of examining broader multi-dimensional contexts for recovery following injury. OBJECTIVE: To explore relationships between pre-injury work organisational factors and work status (working/work absent) 3-month after injury among people employed prior to injury. METHODS: Cases (work absent) and controls (working), selected from a larger study of injury outcomes according to reported work status 3-month after injury, completed a postal questionnaire. Work organisational factors were compared between cases and controls using univariate …and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve participants completed the questionnaire (44 cases; 68 controls). Of 11 work organisation factors examined, organisational size was the only explanatory variable significantly associated with work status in the multivariable model. Higher odds of work absence were found in small (< 50 employees) (OR 5.6) and large (> 500 employees) (OR 7.2) workplaces, compared with medium-sized (50-500 employees) organisations. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in post-injury work patterns among those working pre-injury may be partly explained by organisation size. Future research examining work status following injury should examine the influence of work organisational factors in larger studies. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, organisation size, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141974

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 849-854, 2015

Authors: Drzaƚ-Grabiec, Justyna | Snela, Sƚawomir | Rykaƚa, Justyna | Podgórska, Justyna | Rachwal, Maciej

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nowadays, children spend increasingly more time in a seated position, both at school during class and at home in front of a computer or television. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare selected parameters describing body posture and scoliosis among children in sitting and standing positions. METHODS: It was an observational, cross-sectional study involving 91 primary school children aged 11-13 years. The children's backs were photographed in standing and sitting positions. The values of selected parameters were calculated using photogrammetric examination based on the Moire projection phenomenon. RESULTS: The …results show significant statistical differences for the parameters defining the anteroposterior curves of the spine. The sitting position resulted in a decreased angle of inclination of the thoracolumbar spine, reduced depths of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, and pelvic asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining a sitting position for a long time results in advanced asymmetries of the trunk and scoliosis, and causes a decrease in lumbar lordosis and kyphosis of a child's entire spine. Therefore, we advocate the introduction of posture education programs for schoolchildren. Show more

Keywords: Spine, scoliosis, photogrammetric method, lordosis, kyphosis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141901

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 855-862, 2015

Authors: Aminian, Omid | Alemohammad, Zahra Banafsheh | Hosseini, Mohammad Hashem

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are many studies discussed about musculoskeletal disorders in dentists, but most of them do not have a control group. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess neck and upper limb symptoms in male dentists in comparison with pharmacists. METHODS: In this cross-sectionalstudy, 252 male general dentists compared with 188 male general pharmacists with Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Subjects were at least one year in clinical practice after becoming qualified. The data were analyzed using a series of univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Having at least one neck or upper …extremity symptom in the past 12 months (OR = 3.2, P< 0.001) was reported by 76.2% of the male dentists and 50.0% of the male pharmacists In logistic regression analyses, with adjustments for occupation, age, body mass index, smoking, working years and weekly work hours, there was a significant association between dentistry and 12-month period prevalence symptoms of neck (OR = 2.136), shoulder (OR = 2.059) and elbow (OR = 4.167). Second logistic regression model in male dentists indicated that working years was negatively related to self-reported symptoms of neck, shoulder and hand. CONCLUSIONS: Male dentists are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in the neck and upper extremities more than male pharmacists. Show more

Keywords: Dentistry, musculoskeletal diseases, upper limb, Standardized Nordic Questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141969

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 863-868, 2015

Authors: Sellschop, Ingrid | Myezwa, Hellen | Mudzi, Witness | Mbambo-Kekana, Nonceba

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The interest in school ergonomic intervention programs and their effects on musculoskeletal pain is increasing around the world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this longitudinal randomized control trial was to implement and measure the effects of a computer-related ergonomics intervention on grade eight learners in a school environment in Johannesburg South Africa (a developing country). METHODS: The sample comprised of a control group (n= 66) and an intervention group (n= 61). The outcome measures used were posture assessment using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment tool (RULA) and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain using a …visual analogue scale (VAS). Measurements were done at baseline, three months and six months post intervention. RESULTS: The results showed that the posture of the intervention group changed significantly from an Action Level 4 to an Action level 2 and Action level 3, indicating a sustained improvement of learners' postural positions whilst using computers. The intervention group showed a significant reduction in the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain from 42.6% at baseline to 18% six months post intervention (p< 0.003). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results indicated that a computer-related intervention program for grade eight learners in a school environment is effective and that behavioural changes can be made that are sustainable over a period of six months. Show more

Keywords: RULA, grade eight learners, musculoskeletal pain, posture, behaviour change

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141906

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 869-877, 2015

Authors: Vidal-Martí, Cristina | Pérez-Testor, Carles

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace violence is a real phenomenon at nursing homes. This article studied this phenomenon in Barcelona. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether type II workplace violence takes place in senior citizen residences in Barcelona. METHODS: To conduct this exploratory, descriptive and transversal study, the ad hoc QViLab II Questionnaire (version 1) was administered to professionals at senior citizen residences in Barcelona. The sample system used was the randomly stratified conglomerate system, using the size of the residence as the stratum to ensure the representativeness of the sample. Sixty-seven professionals …from residences in Barcelona participated in the study. RESULTS: The results show that 61.2% (IC 95%: 58-65%) of the professionals believed that they have been assaulted by the residents they cared for in the previous year. With regard to the participant variables, we noticed a significant relationship between stress and the belief of having been assaulted. The professionals stated that male residents assaulted them more than females and that verbal aggression was the most common form of aggression from both males and females, followed by physical aggression. With regard to frequency, verbal demands were the kind most often expressed on a daily basis. CONCLUSIONS: Professionals from nursing homes in Barcelona perceived workplace violence. Show more

Keywords: Workplace violence, aggression, risks factors, staff

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141948

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 879-886, 2015

Authors: Katz, Noomi | Dejak, Ifat | Gal, Eynat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (HFASD) are reliant on others for support in functioning in everyday life and employment. OBJECTIVES: This study followed a work placement program for people with HFASD over a nine months period. It aimed to measure the trajectory of their work performance and Quality of life on jobs in the open market. METHODS: Twenty-six participants with HFASD ages 18-40 underwent extensive evaluation and based on it were placed in various jobs on the open market. Participants were followed for nine months at their work …place at four different time points. QoL was self-assessed in addition to work performance (WPE) which was assessed both by first-hand and team member's accounts. Team members are health professional who accompany and support the participants in the transition to their jobs. RESULTS: All 26 participants were able to maintain their jobs during the nine months of follow-up. WPE was perceived as high to start with, and its scores slightly improved by both people with HFASD and team members. Self-report suggests a significant change in the quality of life of the participants, specifically in their evaluations of self-competency. CONCLUSIONS: This study enhances the importance of providing people with HFASD with work placing programs and following up during actual work performance. Show more

Keywords: ASD, quality of life, well-being, open market jobs, work evaluation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152001

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 887-892, 2015

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 893-898, 2015

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 899-902, 2015