Work - Volume 52, issue 2

Authors: Bartha, Michael C. | Allie, Paul | Kokot, Douglas | Roe, Cynthia Purvis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Computer users continue to report eye and upper body discomfort even as workstation flexibility has improved. Research shows a relationship between character size, viewing distance, and reading performance. Few reports exist regarding text height viewed under normal office work conditions and eye discomfort. OBJECTIVE: This paper reports self-selected computer display placement, text characteristics, and subjective comfort for older and younger computer workers under real-world conditions. METHODS: Computer workers were provided with monitors and adjustable display support(s). In Study 1, older workers wearing progressive-addition lenses (PALs) were observed. In study 2, older workers wearing multifocal lenses …and younger workers were observed. RESULTS: Workers wearing PALs experienced less eye and body discomfort with adjustable displays, and less eye and neck discomfort for text visual angles near or greater than ergonomic recommendations. Older workers wearing multifocal correction positioned displays much lower than younger workers. In general, computer users did not adjust character size to ensure that fovial images of text fell within the recommended range. CONCLUSIONS: Ergonomic display placement recommendations should be different for computer users wearing multifocal correction for presbyopia. Ergonomic training should emphasize adjusting text size for user comfort. Show more

Keywords: Monitor placement, display tilt, display height, age-related vision impairments, text size

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152158

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 329-342, 2015

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152170

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 343-343, 2015

Authors: Ali, Akhter | Erenstein, Olaf | Rahut, Dil Bahadur

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the rural areas of Pakistan, the majority of farm households have small landholdings of less than 2 hectares. Both male and females are engaged in farming and non-farming activities. However, in Pakistan the gender-wise participation in farming activities is not much documented. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the current study is to estimate the impact of male and female participation in non-farming activities on a household’s income level and poverty status in Pakistan. METHODS: The current study is based on a cross-sectional data set collected from 325 households through a purposive random sampling technique. …A detailed comprehensive questionnaire was prepared for data collection. The data were analyzed by employing the propensity score matching approach. RESULTS: The empirical results indicate that both male and female participation in non-farming activities has a positive impact on household welfare in Pakistan by raising income levels and thus contributing to poverty reduction. However, the impact is greater when the males of a household take part in these activities rather than the females. CONCLUSIONS: In the past only a few studies have focused on gender-based participation in non-farming activities. The non-farming sector is an important one in rural areas, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. More opportunities need to be created for both men and women in rural areas of Pakistan to find off-farm work, in order to increase household income and reduce poverty levels. Show more

Keywords: Non-farming opportunities, rural areas, propensity score matching

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152103

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 345-351, 2015

Authors: White, Marc I. | Wagner, Shannon L. | Schultz, Izabela Z. | Murray, Eleanor | Bradley, Susan M. | Hsu, Vernita | McGuire, Lisa | Schulz, Werner

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace stakeholders report the identification and translation of relevant high quality research to inform workplace disability policy and practice is a challenge. The present study engaged academic and community stakeholders in conducting a best evidence-synthesis to identify non-modifiable risk and protective worker and workplace factors impacting work-related absence across a variety of health conditions. OBJECTIVE: To identify non-modifiable worker and workplace disability risk and protective factors impacting work-related absence across common health conditions. METHODS: The research team searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, BusinessSource-Complete, and ABI/Inform from 2000 to 2011. Quantitative, qualitative, or …mixed methods systematic reviews of work-focused population were considered for inclusion. Two or more reviewers independently reviewed articles for inclusion and methodological screening. RESULTS: The search strategy, including expert input and grey literature, led to the identification of 2,467 unique records. From this initial search, 2325 were eliminated by title or abstract review, 142 articles underwent comprehensive review to assess for inclusion, 26 systematic reviews met eligibility criteria for this synthesis. For non-modifiable worker and workplace factors we found consistent evidence across two or more health conditions for increased risk of disability in situations where workers experience lower education, older age, emotional distress, poor personal functioning, decreased physical functioning, psychological symptoms, overweight status, and greater sick leave history. LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity of existing literature due to differences in outcome measures, definitions and research designs limited ability to assess effect size and results reflect findings limited to English-language papers. Show more

Keywords: Disability prevention, risk factors, protective factors, occupational health, work, health, absenteeism

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152134

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 353-373, 2015

Authors: Blacklock, R.E. | Reilly, T.J. | Spivock, M. | Newton, P.S. | Olinek, S.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An objective and scientific task analysis provides the basis for establishing legally defensible Physical Employment Standards (PES), based on common and essential occupational tasks. Infrequent performance of these tasks creates challenges when developing PES based on criterion, or content validity. OBJECTIVE: Develop a systematic approach using Subject Matter Experts (SME) to provide tasks with 1) an occupationally relevant scenario considered common to all personnel; 2) a minimum performance standard defined by time, distance, load or work. Examples provided here relate to the development of a new PES for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). METHODS: …SME of various experience are selected based on their eligibility criteria. SME are required to define a reasonable scenario for each task from personal experience, provide occupational performance requirements of the scenario in sub-groups, and discuss and agree by consensus vote on the final standard based on the definition of essential . RESULTS: A common and essential task for the CAF is detailed as a case example of process application. Techniques to avoid common SME rating errors are discussed and advantages to the method described. CONCLUSION: The SETS method was developed as a systematic approach to setting occupational performance standards and qualifying information from SME. Show more

Keywords: Subject Matter Expert, fitness standard development, Physical Employment Standard

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152128

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 375-383, 2015

Authors: Gallè, Francesca | Di Onofrio, Valeria | Arpesella, Marisa | Bacci, Silvia | Bianco, Antonino | Brandi, Giorgio | Bruno, Stefania | Anastasi, Daniela | Carraro, Elisabetta | Flacco, Maria Elena | Giampaoli, Saverio | Izzotti, Alberto | Leoni, Erica | Bertoncello, Chiara | Minelli, Liliana | Napoli, Christian | Nobile, Carmelo | Pasquarella, Cesira | Liguori, Giorgio | Romano Spica, Vincenzo | SItI Working Group on Movement Sciences for Health (GMSH)

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Italy, students from Movement Science (MS) Degree Courses often work in sport and recreational facilities before graduation. OBJECTIVE: The employment conditions of Movement Science students working in sport/recreational facilities were investigated, and the management and structural features of the facilities were evaluated, including safety policies. Regional differences were also considered. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered to undergraduate and graduate students (N  = 4,217) in 17 Universities. Students’ perceptions of the quality of the facilities where they had been employed was evaluated using multivariate analysis. A latent class model with covariates was used to evaluate how variables …relating to participants, employment facilities or regions influence their opinions. RESULTS: A high proportion of MS students were employed in sporting facilities (undergraduate level: 33% ; graduate level: 55%), in most cases without any formal employment contracts. Both the structural and hygienic features, as well as the professional knowledge of the staff, were considered good to excellent by the majority of participants (about 70%). Communication of the basic behavioral rules was considered adequate by 61–63% of undergraduate students and 71–75% of graduate students, while nearly half of the participants were dissatisfied with the staff safety training. Correlations between the perceived good structural/hygienic conditions, the presence of regulations and training programs for the staff were investigated. Differences regarding occupational level and safety training among different regions of Italy were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Italian students in Movement Science were easily employed in sport/recreational facilities, but frequently without a formal contract. This is a consequence of the lack of specific regulations in the field of recreational/leisure employment and could have negative implications, especially in terms of safety. Show more

Keywords: Movement science degree, university students, job market, sport/recreational facilities, safety regulations, safety training, hygienic requirements

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152116

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 385-392, 2015

Authors: Maldonado-Macías, Aidé | Realyvásquez, Arturo | Hernández, Juan Luis | García-Alcaraz, Jorge

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Manufacturing industry workers who repair computers may be exposed to ergonomic risk factors. OBJECTIVES: This project analyzes the tasks involved in the computer repair process to (1) find the risk level for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and (2) propose ergonomic interventions to address any ergonomic issues. METHODS: Work procedures and main body postures were video recorded and analyzed using task analysis, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) postural method, and biomechanical analysis. RESULTS: High risk for MSDs was found on every subtask using REBA. Although biomechanical analysis found an acceptable mass center displacement during …tasks, a hazardous level of compression on the lower back during computer's transportation was detected. CONCLUSIONS: This assessment found ergonomic risks mainly in the trunk, arm/forearm, and legs; the neck and hand/wrist were also compromised. Opportunities for ergonomic analyses and interventions in the design and execution of computer repair tasks are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Task analysis, postural analysis, REBA, biomechanical analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152118

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 393-405, 2015

Authors: Bergman, David | Liljefors, Ingrid | Palm, Kristina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Over the past decades, the work environment of physicians has been deteriorating, particularly for female physicians. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated the effects of dialogue groups on the work environment of physicians in relation to gender. METHODS: Sixty physicians (38 women) at Sachs’ Children’s Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, participated in dialogue groups once a month during a period of one year. Assessments of their psychosocial work environment were performed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: At baseline, female physicians experienced their work environment as less satisfactory compared to male physicians. After the …intervention, the female physicians perceived improvements in more areas than their male colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that female physicians at this clinic were disadvantaged in relation to the work environment, but, more importantly, the findings suggest that several of the disadvantages can be reduced. Dialogue groups appear to improve the physicians’ work environment and promote gender equality. Show more

Keywords: Work environment, physicians, gender differences, dialogue groups, longitudinal

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152105

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 407-417, 2015

Authors: Julian, Christopher H. | Valente, Juliana M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work provides daily structure, physical and mental activity, interpersonal contact, social status, self-esteem, respect of others, and the ability to use acquired skills. Wounded, ill, or injured soldiers are often removed from duty and assigned or attached to a Warrior Transition Unit during medical and rehabilitation management. Separation from meaningful employment can lead to negative physical and behavioral health outcomes that may impact an active duty soldier’s ability to resume work. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study explored the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) psychosocial factors of Personal Causation, Values, Interests, Roles, Habits, and Perceptions of Environment related to …returning to work in US Army Soldiers in a Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) at a large military medical center. METHODS: Single data collection sessions were held for 34 soldiers using the following instruments: a demographic and work status questionnaire, the Role Checklist, and the Worker Role Interview (WRI). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis, and the Mann Whitney U test were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that one WRI item related to Personal Causation and three items related to Roles and Habits were supportive factors for successfully returning to employment among soldiers that were working or engaged in returning to work. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences among psychosocial factors related to returning to work between soldiers who are currently working or have returned to work and those who have not. Longitudinal studies could help to clarify how these factors augment a soldier’s rehabilitation at a WTU. Show more

Keywords: Employment, military, worker role interview, model of human occupation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152113

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 419-431, 2015

Authors: Huang, Yanqun | Li, Xu | Zhang, Jie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The discrepancy between human cognition and machine requirements/behaviors usually results in serious mental thinking mapping loads or even disasters in product operating. It is important to help people avoid human-machine interaction confusions and difficulties in today’s mental work mastered society. OBJECTIVE: Improving the usability of a product and minimizing user’s thinking mapping and interpreting load in human-machine interactions. METHODS: An optimal human-machine interface design method is introduced, which is based on the purpose of minimizing the mental load in thinking mapping process between users’ intentions and affordance of product interface states. By analyzing the users’ …thinking mapping problem, an operating action model is constructed. According to human natural instincts and acquired knowledge, an expected ideal design with minimized thinking loads is uniquely determined at first. Then, creative alternatives, in terms of the way human obtains operational information, are provided as digital interface states datasets. In the last, using the cluster analysis method, an optimum solution is picked out from alternatives, by calculating the distances between two datasets. RESULTS: Considering multiple factors to minimize users’ thinking mapping loads, a solution nearest to the ideal value is found in the human-car interaction design case. CONCLUSIONS: The clustering results show its effectiveness in finding an optimum solution to the mental load minimizing problems in human-machine interaction design. Show more

Keywords: Usability, mental load, user model, interface design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152112

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 433-440, 2015