Work - Volume 54, issue 1

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162292

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 1-1, 2016

Authors: Zierold, Kristina M. | McGeeney, Teresa J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Every nine minutes a young worker is injured on the job. Adult supervision is recommended to prevent injury among teen workers, yet limited research exists on supervision or the supervisor-teen relationship. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to: (a) explore teens’ perceptions of supervision and supervisors, (b) characterize teen-supervisor communication, and (c) investigate the role of communication in injury and workplace safety. METHODS: In spring 2010, focus groups and interviews were conducted with working teenagers, 15–19 years old. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of teens were injured at work and most did not report …their injuries to their supervisors. The majority of teenagers perceived supervision as “being watched ” to make sure you are “staying on task. ” Teens viewed their supervisors as uninterested and uncaring, which greatly impacted communication. As one 15-year old female who was severely burned stated: “they don ’t care. ” Self-blame after teens sustained an injury further complicated the teen-supervisor relationship and communication. CONCLUSIONS: Working teenagers have complicated relationships with their supervisors. Many liked their supervisors, but felt their supervisors were apathetic towards them. Supervisors who engage teens in a mentoring relationship may be successful in resolving uncomfortable power dynamics which may increase communication and; therefore, safety for working teens. Show more

Keywords: Supervision, teen worker-supervisor relationships, self-blame

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162290

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 3-9, 2016

Authors: Mallakzadeh, Mohammadreza | Javidi, Mehrdad | Azimi, Sirwan | Monshizadeh, Haniyeh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Conventional backpack straps are flexible. Due to this flexibility, backpacks freely move on the human back. In this study, a new design of backpacks with non-flexible straps is proposed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present research is to demonstrate the possible differences between normal gait and steps while participants carry two different backpacks. METHODS: In this investigation, 9 healthy male college students were recruited with mean age, height and weight of 24.6 years, 179.6 cm and 76.41 kg, respectively. Each backpack was tested in two different steps. First, the participants were asked to walk on a …treadmill, whose velocity was changed from 1.5 m/s to 2.5 m/s, for 15 minutes. Initial velocity was 1.5 m/s and the velocity increased 0.5 m/s in 5 minutes increments. In the next step, they walked for 15 minutes with constant velocity of 3 m/s. Head, neck, and trunk flexion or extension, lateral displacement, and velocity of the subjects during backpack carriage were compared with the obtained values during normal gait, when they walked without carrying a backpack. In addition, the level of discomfort (3 grades: Low, medium, severe) in the neck, shoulder, lumbar, upper and lower leg muscles were investigated by using a modified standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: By wearing the modified design of backpack, trunk flexion decreased while there was no significant (p  > 0.05) change in velocity and lateral displacement. According to the questionnaire reports, more than 80% of the participants believed that both backpack discomfort in the neck (anterior side) and upper and lower legs were low. More than 75% of the subjects believed that by using a modified backpack, discomfort decreased for muscles in the neck (posterior), shoulder (posterior) and lumbar muscles. About 60% of both backpack users reported low discomfort in anterior shoulder muscles. CONCLUSION: Backpacks cause some bad effects on kinematics of gait. In this study, by testing modified backpacks, some improvements were seen, specifically in posture, which may be useful to reduce side effects of backpack carrying. Show more

Keywords: Gait analysis, design, ergonomics, backpack injury

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162293

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 11-20, 2016

Authors: Peters, V. | de Rijk, A. | Engels, J. | Heerkens, Y. | Nijhuis, F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work schedules contribute substantially to the health and well-being of nurses. Too broad typologies are used in research that do not meet the current variety in work schedules. OBJECTIVE: To develop a new typology for nurses’ work schedules based on five requirements and to validate the typology. METHODS: This study is based on a questionnaire returned by 498 nurses (response 51%) including questions regarding nurses’ work schedule, socio-demographic, and family characteristics and their appraisal of the work schedule. Frequencies of the different schedules were computed to determine the typology. To validate the typology, differences …between the types were tested with ANOVAs, Chi2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Five main types can be distinguished based on predetermined requirements and frequencies, namely: (1) fixed early shift, (2) rotating two shift pattern without night shift, (3) rotating three shift pattern, (4) fixed and rotating two shift pattern including night shift, and (5) fixed normal day or afternoon shifts. Nurses in these types of work schedule differed significantly with respect to hours worked, days off between shifts, age, education, years in the job, commuting time, contribution to household income, satisfaction with work schedule and work schedule control. Especially nurses with type 3 schedules differed from other types. CONCLUSIONS: A typology of five main types of work schedules is proposed. Content validity of the typology is sufficient and the new typology seems useful for research on work-related aspects of nursing. Show more

Keywords: Work schedule, typology shiftwork, satisfaction with irregular work times, socio-demographic, family

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162286

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 21-33, 2016

Authors: Namnik, Neda | Negahban, Hossein | Salehi, Reza | Shafizadeh, Reza | Tabib, Maryam Seyyed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nordic is one of the most popular questionnaires for evaluating Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), but no studies have been reported on the reliability and validity of this questionnaire in Iran. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the Specific Nordic questionnaire (SNQ), and evaluation of the reliability of this questionnaire for the assessment of WMSDs in Iranian industrial workers. METHODS: The SNQ was completed by 122 Iranian industrial workers with lumbar or knee musculoskeletal disorders to assess the reliability and construct validity. The validity …was assessed by knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaires. Reliability was assessed by a test-retest procedure for 60 patients with 7-days interval. RESULTS: There was significant positive correlation between KSNQ and KOOS pain (r  = 0.71, p  < 0.05) and the KSNQ and KOOS QOL (r  = 0.72, p  < 0.05). There was High Pearson correlation between LSNQ and ODI (r  = 0.77, p  < 0.05). Both lumbar and knee SNQ had a high Kappa coefficient correlation (0.83–1 for KSNQ and 0.63–1 for LSNQ). CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of the SNQ is a reliable and valid instrument to be used for the assessment of WMSDs in Iranian industrial workers. Show more

Keywords: Disorder, translation, cross cultural adaptation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162268

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 35-41, 2016

Authors: Gnacinski, Stacy L. | Ebersole, Kyle T. | Cornell, David J. | Mims, Jason | Zamzow, Aaron | Meyer, Barbara B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Firefighters’ cardiovascular fitness remains a foremost concern among fire departments and organizations, yet very little research has been conducted to examine the cardiovascular fitness adaptations that occur during firefighter training academies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the cardiovascular adaptations observed among firefighter recruits during firefighter training academies using measures of estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max ) and heart rate recovery (Δ HR). METHODS: Firefighter recruits (n  = 41) enrolled in a 16-week firefighter training academy completed a 5-minute step test during the first, eighth, and sixteenth week of training. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) calculations …were conducted to determine changes in estimated VO2max and Δ HR. RESULTS: Results of the RM ANOVA calculations revealed that mean estimated VO2max and mean Δ HR differed significantly between time points: F(2, 80) = 75.525, p  < 0.001, and F(2, 80) = 4.368, p  = 0.016, respectively. No significant changes were observed in mean estimated VO2max and mean Δ HR beyond the eighth week of training. No significant relationship was identified between estimated VO2max and Δ HR. CONCLUSIONS: Although firefighter recruits’ estimated VO2max and Δ HR change significantly over the course of the firefighter training academy, the measures may not be equal predictors of cardiovascular fitness. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, heart rate recovery, maximal oxygen uptake

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162266

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 43-50, 2016

Authors: Nowrouzi, Behdin | Rukholm, Ellen | Lariviere, Michel | Carter, Lorraine | Koren, Irene | Mian, Oxana | Giddens, Emilia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND : The purpose of the study was to examine factors related to the retention of registered nurses in northeastern Ontario, Canada. OBJECTIVE/METHOD : A cross-sectional survey of registered nurses working in northeastern Ontario, Canada was conducted. Logistic regression analyses were used to consider intent to stay in current employment in relation to the following: 1) demographic factors, and 2) occupation and career satisfaction factors. RESULTS : A total of 459 (29.8% response rate) questionnaires were completed. The adjusted odds logistic regression analysis of RNs who intended to remain in their current position for the next five years, …demonstrated that respondents in the 46 to 56 age group (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.50 to 4.69), the importance of staff development in the organization (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.13 to 8.13) northeastern Ontario lifestyle (OR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.55 to 4.40), working in nursing for 14 to 22.5 years (OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.10 to 5.93), and working between 0 to 1 hour of overtime per week (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.20 to 4.64) were significant factors in staying in their current position for the next five years. CONCLUSIONS : This study shows that a further understanding of the work environment could assist with developing retention for rural nurses. Furthermore, employers may use such information to ameliorate the working conditions of nurses, while researchers may use such evidence to develop interventions that are applicable to improving the working conditions of nurses. Show more

Keywords: Job satisfaction, rural, workplace, nursing practice, workforce retention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162267

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 51-58, 2016

Authors: Bender, Ash | Eynan, Rahel | O’Grady, John | Nisenbaum, Rosane | Shah, Ravi | Links, Paul S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Transportation industry workers are at high risk for exposure to traumatic incidents in the workplace. A considerable number of those exposed to such incidents will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, which leads to high rates of absenteeism and are costly to the public transit corporation and workplace safety compensation insurance. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the newly implemented Best Practice Intervention (BPI) provides superior outcomeswhen compared with Treatment-as-Usual (TAU) interventions in improving workers’ rates of return to work (RTW), decreasing duration of time lost from work and overall reduction in severity of PTSD symptoms 6 months …after exposure. METHODS: A sequential mixed methods approach was used with qualitative analysis followed by a pre-post intervention design. Sixty-two participants were recruited to the (TAU) phase of the study and 79 to the (BPI) phase. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the TAU and BPI groups in number of lost work days (TAU: 20 days vs. BPI: 52 days, p  = 0.02). PTSD symptoms decreased with time (MPPS score: 51.3 vs. 24.35; p  < 0.001). One-fifth of the participants (21 %) did not return to work by the end of the 6 months follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the value of workplace interventions in improving awareness of psychological symptoms after exposure to a traumatic incident and the value of screening for PTSD symptoms. Show more

Keywords: Workplace mental health, acute psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, Best Practices Intervention, public transportation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162263

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 59-71, 2016

Authors: Links, Paul S. | Bender, Ash | Eynan, Rahel | O’Grady, John | Shah, Ravi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The Acute Psychological Trauma (APT) Study was a collaboration between an acute care hospital, a specialized multidisciplinary program designed to meet the mental health needs of injured workers, and a large urban public transit system. The overall purpose was to evaluate a Best Practices Intervention (BPI) for employees affected by acute psychological trauma compared to a Treatment as Usual (TAU) group. The specific purpose is to discuss facilitators and barriers that were recognized in implementing and carrying out mental health research in a workplace setting. Over the course of the APT study, a joint implementation committee was responsible for day-to-day …study operations and made regular observations on the facilitators and barriers that arose throughout the study. The facilitators to this study included the longstanding relationships among the partners, increased recognition for the need of mental health research in the workplace, and the existence of a community advisory committee. The significant barriers to doing this study of mental health research in the workplace included differences in organizational culture, inconsistent union support, co-interventions, and stigma. Researchers and funding agencies need to be flexible and provide additional resources in order to overcome the barriers that can exist doing workplace mental health research. Show more

Keywords: Workplace mental health, acute psychological trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, public transportation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162264

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 73-78, 2016

Authors: Umans, Timurs | Broberg, Pernilla | Schmidt, Manuela | Nilsson, Sofie | Olsson, Emma

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As guardians of the public interest, auditors represent a unique occupational group. The group that has shown to experience high level of stress and overload is often being associated with environmentally imposed responsibility as well as organizationally imposed performance demands. It is the latter aspects, represented by the concept of organizational culture, that is being highlighted in this paper and its relationship to auditor’s well-being OBJECTIVES: The paper aims to explore organizational culture as an antecedent of auditors’ well-being, which is assumed to have important consequences for the quality of auditors’ work. METHODS: This …study is based on a survey of 207 Swedish auditors. Using established and validated instruments measuring aspects of organizational culture and personal well-being, the study employed correlations and multiple regression analysis in testing the relationship between the two. RESULTS: The results of the study suggest that an increasing degree of collectivistic organizational culture has a positive relationship with three aspects of well-being: Job satisfaction, life balance and life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first attempt to explore well-being of auditors and its antecedents represented by organizational culture. Contrary to the expectation that auditors take an individualistic approach to their work, this study establishes that auditors feel best in a work environment characterized by a collectivist organizational culture. Show more

Keywords: Organizational culture, well-being, occupational health, profession

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162270

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 79-86, 2016