Work - Volume 54, issue 2

Authors: de Visser, Ewart J. | Dorfman, Alix | Chartrand, Donald | Lamon, Jonathan | Freedy, Elan | Weltman, Gershon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Resilience to stress is critical in today’s military service. Past work has shown that experts handle stress in more productive ways compared to novices. Training that specifically addresses stress regulation, such as the Graduated Stress Exposure paradigm, can build individual and unit resilience as well as adaptability so that stressors trigger effective stress coping skills rather than stress injury. OBJECTIVE: We developed the Stress Resilience Training System (SRTS), a product of Perceptronics Solutions Inc., to demonstrate that a software training app can provide an effective individualized method for mitigating the negative effects of situational and mission-related …stress, at the same time eliciting potentially positive effects on performance. METHODS: Seven separate evaluations including a usability study, controlled experiments, and field evaluations have been conducted to date. RESULTS: These studies have shown that the SRTS program effectively engages users to manage their stress, effectively reduces stress symptoms, and improves job performance. CONCLUSIONS: The SRTS system is a highly effective method for individualized training to inoculate professionals against the negative consequences of stress, while teaching them to harness its positive effects. SRTS is a technology that can be widely applied to many professions that are concerned with well-being. We discuss applications to law enforcement, athletics, personal fitness and healthcare in the Appendix. Show more

Keywords: Coherence, coping, performance, individualized methods

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162295

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 351-366, 2016

Authors: Ratzon, Navah Z. | Bar-Niv, Netta Abraham | Froom, Paul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intervention programs for hospital nurses with musculoskeletal pain present a challenge for the health professions. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a structured personalized ergonomic intervention program for hospital nurses with musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: In a randomised controlled trial, 31 nurses from one central hospital with musculoskeletal pain were observed at work. A multi-stage study that included the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Karasek’s questionnaire, The Rapid Entire Body Assessment, and an intervention program was completed with 14 nurses, while the remaining 17 were assigned to a control group. The intervention program was carried out by one …physiotherapist and included four meetings over three months. The control group received only instruction sheets. Data on body posture and frequency and intensity of pain were collected before and at three months after the termination of the intervention program. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed an improvement in REBA scores and in posture that is considered risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort disorders [p  < 0.001], but there were no significant differences in the number of body parts in pain or in the level of musculoskeletal pain. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was shown to be effective in reducing risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders over a short follow-up period. A long-term study is required to determine if this effect is preserved over a longer period and to determine whether the intervention can reduce musculoskeletal symptoms. Show more

Keywords: Workload, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162340

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 367-377, 2016

Authors: Taloyan, Marina | Kecklund, Göran | Thörn, Licia | Kjeldgård, Linnea | Westerlund, Hugo | Svedberg, Pia | Alexanderson, Kristina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sickness presence (SP) is a complex phenomenon that has been shown to predict sickness absence, poor work performance, and suboptimal self-rated health. However, more research is needed to increase the understanding of how SP relates to occupational factors, demographic variables, and self-rated health. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the prevalence of SP among the Police employees in Sweden in 2007 and in 2010; (2) the association between demographics, seniority, occupational group (police officer vs civil servant), and self-reported health on the one hand and SP on the other hand for both …years separately. METHODS: Survey data from Swedish Police employees from 2007 (n  = 17,512) and 2010 (n  = 18,415) were analyzed using logistic regression to assess odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of SP was stable between the years, but the proportion who stated that they had not been ill at all decreased from 2007 to 2010 (28.0% vs. 23.6%), while the proportion stating always having stayed at home when ill did not differ; 45.0% in 2007 to 45.8% in 2010. The ORs of SP were higher among those with suboptimal self-rated health compared to those with optimal self-rated health (4.38 (95% CI 4.02– 4.78) and 4.31 (3.96– 4.70) in 2007 and 2010, respectively) and among police officers compared with civilians (1.26 (1.17–1.36) and 1.19 (1.10–1.28)), whereas no clear patterns were found for age, gender, and seniority. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalences of SP were about the same in 2007 and 2010 and were slightly lower compared to in previous studies. The strong association between SP and suboptimal self-rated health suggests that high levels of SP may be an early marker of future illness and sickness absence. In future studies of SP it is important to account for having been ill, that is, at risk of SP. Show more

Keywords: Gender differences, occupation group, sick leave, police, Sweden

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162333

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 379-387, 2016

Authors: Hatfield, Megan | Parsons, Richard | Ciccarelli, Marina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: School children may be at risk of physical health problems associated with desktop, laptop and tablet computer use. There are some interventions designed to educate children about ergonomic practices when using computers. A common limitation of past intervention studies has been the lack of a valid and reliable questionnaire to determine effectiveness of the intervention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable self-report measure to assess primary school children’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to healthy computer use. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was used to develop the …questionnaire and test its psychometric properties. A convenience sample of 440 primary school children in Year 5 (aged 9–11 years) was used in the development and validation of the questionnaire. RESULTS: The final questionnaire comprised 56 items across the three subscales of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. The questionnaire was shown to have good content validity and adequate test-retest reliability. Internal consistency was adequate for the attitude items, but low for the knowledge items. CONCLUSIONS: This study produced a valid and reliable tool, using a health promotion framework, for measuring primary school children’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to healthy computing. Show more

Keywords: Assessment, attitudes, health promotion, knowledge, survey

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162324

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 389-399, 2016

Authors: Schwatka, Natalie V. | Rosecrance, John C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is growing empirical evidence that as safety climate improves work site safety practice improve. Safety climate is often measured by asking workers about their perceptions of management commitment to safety. However, it is less common to include perceptions of their co-workers commitment to safety. While the involvement of management in safety is essential, working with co-workers who value and prioritize safety may be just as important. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a concept of safety climate that focuses on top management, supervisors and co-workers commitment to safety, which is relatively new and untested in the United States …construction industry. METHODS: Survey data was collected from a cohort of 300 unionized construction workers in the United States. The significance of direct and indirect (mediation) effects among safety climate and safety behavior factors were evaluated via structural equation modeling. RESULTS: Results indicated that safety climate was associated with safety behaviors on the job. More specifically, perceptions of co-workers commitment to safety was a mediator between both management commitment to safety climate factors and safety behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: These results support workplace health and safety interventions that build and sustain safety climate and a commitment to safety amongst work teams. Show more

Keywords: Safety leadership, construction safety, construction workers, safety management practices

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162341

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 401-413, 2016

Authors: Mollayeva, Tatyana | Mollayeva, Shirin | Lewko, John | Colantonio, Angela

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To examine the etiology, prevalence and severity of assault-precipitated work-related traumatic brain injury (wrTBI) in Ontario, Canada through a sex lens. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using data abstracted from the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims files in 2004. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine the distribution of worker/employment/incident characteristics. RESULTS: Workplace physical violence that resulted in a TBI accounted for 6.6% percent of all TBI injury claims. Female workers, primarily in the health care/social services sector, accounted for over half of all TBIs. Most workers were assaulted by consumers/clients. Forty five percent …of injuries occurred among workers with less than 3 years of employment. CONCLUSIONS: This paper identifies profiles of workers and workplaces for targeted preventive efforts. Future studies are needed to further address risk factors by sex and outcomes, such as length of disability and health care cost. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, workplace, assault, occupation, epidemiology

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162339

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 415-423, 2016

Authors: Kazemi, Zeinab | Mazloumi, Adel | Nasl Saraji, Gabraeil | Barideh, Sedighe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little has been investigated regarding the role of shift schedule on fatigue and workload among Iranian train drivers. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare train drivers’ fatigue and workload between a long-haul and a short-haul train trips. METHODS: One-hundred train drivers, in two routes of Tehran-Mashhad (long-haul) and Tehran-Semnan (short-haul), were asked to complete the Samn-Perelli Fatigue Scale prior to departure, immediately after ending driving duty on the way going, and immediately after ending driving on the way back. Moreover, they were asked to complete NASA-TLX at the end of their shift. RESULTS: …Accordingly, understudy train drivers stated relatively similar levels of fatigue and workload for the two trips. Furthermore, fatigue scores were significantly higher at the end of shifts in both routes. CONCLUSION: Overall, train drivers in long-haul trips had longer rest hours between the ways going and coming back, which seems to compensate for the side effects of longer driving durations. Show more

Keywords: Railway industry, NASA-TLX, Samn-Perelli Fatigue Scale, work hours

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162328

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 425-433, 2016

Authors: Shirali, Gh.A. | Azadian, Sh. | Saki, A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, an increasing number of natural and man-made disasters have exposed many people and properties to various disasters. This has resulted in approximately 75,000 deaths worldwide every year due to disasters. Crisis management is becoming increasingly important to cope effectively with the magnitude and potential damage resulting from disasters. Hospitals, as the final point in the rescue chain, have a key role in the crisis management and need to be resilient against disasters. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to present a new framework for assessing the crisis management based on resilience principles …in hospital infrastructure of a developing country. METHOD: A questionnaire was developed and completed by 310 staff (nurses and managers) of eight hospitals in Iran. RESULTS: The findings indicate that the eight hospitals included in the study have moderate conditions in general, while hospitals X3, X4, and X7 have poor conditions in the crisis management. Consequently, it seems that the crisis management system was not resilient in all these hospitals in general. CONCLUSION: Using resilience engineering in assessing crisis management can improve and develop the ability of the hospitals’ management to cope with any type of disaster. Show more

Keywords: Nurse, manager, disaster, infrastructure, resilience engineering, crisis management

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162329

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 435-444, 2016

Authors: Aghilinejad, Mashallah | Azar, Neda Soleimanvandy | Ghasemi, Mohammad Sadegh | Dehghan, Naser | Mokamelkhah, Elahe Kabir

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ergonomics-related injuries are the single largest category of workplace injuries and are responsible for almost 30% of all worker’s compensation costs. Awkward working posture refers to positions of the body that deviate significantly from the neutral position while job tasks are being performed and it is the primary ergonomic risk factor for developing musculoskeletal discomfort. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted among assembly workers of a semiconductor in Tehran province with the objective of implementing an interventional ergonomic program to minimize musculoskeletal discomfort. METHODS: This study that was conducted on …105 male assembly workers of a semiconductor industry based on a census method. The standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to determine the prevalence of MSDs. Corlett and Bishop’s body part discomfort scale (BPD) was applied to evaluate body discomfort before and after the intervention (using a magnifying loupes to improve visibility of the parts). RESULTS: The results of NMQ showed the highest rate of MSDs were in neck, shoulder, upper arm and lower back regions (more than 75%). After ergonomic intervention, significant decrements of discomfort was observed in neck, shoulder, upper arm, elbows, lower arm, lower back and whole body discomfort (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that using magnifying loupes reduced discomfort in different body regions and the whole body. A conclusion of this research is that ergonomic interventions can decrease MSDs of at risk body regions in the long term. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, magnification lenses, body part discomfort

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162325

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 445-450, 2016

Authors: Galletta, Maura | Portoghese, Igor | Pili, Sergio | Piazza, Maria Francesca | Campagna, Marcello

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research in Human Resources Management has highlighted that implementing strategies for increasing employees’ motivation can be an advantage for organizations because this improves their performance. OBJECTIVE: Self Determination Theory (SDT) was used to analyze the mediating role of autonomous vs. controlled motivation on the relationship between organizational factors (perceived organizational support and job autonomy) and work outcomes (affective commitment, job satisfaction, and intent to quit). METHODS: A total of 304 nurses from an Italian hospital participated in the study. RESULTS: The results supported the importance of the mediating role of autonomous motivation …on the relationship between both perceived organizational support (POS) and job autonomy, and work outcomes. Conversely, controlled motivation did not show mediating effects on that relationship. POS was directly related to affective commitment and job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Practical implications for organizations and employees are discussed along with a call for further research in this area. Show more

Keywords: Organizational commitment, self-determination theory, job satisfaction, intent to quit

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162327

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 451-460, 2016

Authors: Rubio-Romero, Juan Carlos | Márquez-Sierra, Francisco | Suárez-Cebador, Manuel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The hotel industry is an important driver of the European labour market with over 250,000 hotels employing some 2 million people. In Spain, 240 workers were injured by fires in hotels from 2004 to 2008. Fire is considered to be the most important risk in the hotel industry, but the lack of an EU-wide data recording system for hotels makes it difficult to give exact figures for fire events. OBJECTIVE: We analysed the state of fire prevention systems in hotels in Spain with the aim of proposing strategies to improve fire safety. METHODS: A …10-item questionnaire was administered from 2007 to 2009 to 15 Spanish experts in fire safety. The questions were measured using a Likert scale and classified into 4 sections: current state of installations, influence of establishment characteristics, application of regulations and priority ranking of actions. Descriptive statistics summarized the data and t-tests evaluated the agreement foreach statement in the questionnaire. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed homogeneity in the responses by the experts in all four categories: current state of fire safety installations, influence of establishment characteristics, application of regulations, and priority of actions. There was consensus among the experts over the necessity to improve the enforcement of regulations and also regarding the existence of an association between the hotel category (in Spain they are ranked using a 1 to 5 “star” rating system) and the level of fire safety; hotels with a higher category had higher levels of safety. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to identify ways to apply fire safety standards to older hotels so that they comply with new regulations, to standardize regulations for different regions and countries, to improve the maintenance of installations and equipment, to increase the effectiveness of inspections conducted by government bodies, and to raise the general awareness of stakeholders involved in hotel fire prevention. Show more

Keywords: Fire safety experts, hotel safety improvement, fire safety regulations, priority in fire safety actions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162332

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 461-471, 2016

Authors: Keysor, Julie J. | AlHeresh, Rawan | Vaughan, Molly | LaValley, Michael P. | Allaire, Saralynn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with arthritis are at risk of work disability. Job accommodation and educational programs delivered before imminent work loss can minimize work disability, yet are not currently being widely implemented. The Work-It Study is a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a problem solving program delivered by physical and occupational therapy practitioners to prevent work loss over a two-year period among people with arthritis and rheumatological conditions. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to describe the protocol of the randomized controlled trial, and describe the baseline characteristics of the subjects and their work outcomes. …METHODS: 287 participants were recruited from the Boston area in Massachusetts, USA. Eligible participants were aged between 21–65, self-reported a physicians’ diagnosis of arthritis, rheumatic condition, or chronic back pain, reported a concern about working now or in the near future due to your health, worked at least 15 hours a week, had plans to continue working, and worked or lived in Massachusetts. Subjects were recruited through community sources and rheumatology offices. Participants in the experimental group received a structured interview and an education and resource packet, while participants in the control received the resource packet only. The baseline characteristics and work related outcomes of the participants were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, the Work-It Study is the largest and most diverse randomized controlled trial to date aiming to identify and problem solve work-related barriers, promote advocacy, and foster work disability knowledge among people with chronic disabling musculoskeletal conditions. Despite advances in medical management of arthritis and other rheumatological and musculoskeletal conditions, many people still have concerns about their ability to remain employed and are seeking strategies to help them sustain employment. Show more

Keywords: Work disability, arthritis, randomized controlled trial, occupational therapy, physical therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162331

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 473-480, 2016

Authors: Das, Bhibha M. | Mailey, Emily | Murray, Kate | Phillips, Siobhan M. | Torres, Cam | King, Abby C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Increased sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity are risk factors for morbidity and mortality. As adults spend a significant portion of their time at work where the default is to spend the majority of the day sitting, shifting workplace norms to decrease sedentary time and increase active time could have a public health impact. Workplaces offer a unique setting for multi-level interventions that can reach diverse populations. Traditional worksite wellness initiatives have produced equivocal results in terms of increasing physical activity. One reason for this may be the focus on corporate-fitness type programs and health education with little change in …workplace culture. More innovative approaches combining theory-based worksite wellness components with behavioral economics approaches promoting incidental physical activity at the workplace to make activity the default may be necessary. This article discusses strategies to shift the workplace paradigm from being sedentary to more active using a range of approaches. Show more

Keywords: Worksites, policy, programming, physical activity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162330

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 481-487, 2016

Authors: Dockrell, Sara | Simms, Ciaran | Blake, Catherine

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162344

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 489-492, 2016