Work - Volume 60, issue 1

Authors: De Blasi, Géraldine | Bouteyre, Evelyne | Rollin, Laetitia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Enabling cancer survivors to resume employment has become a public health issue in France, but not all survivors wish to or would benefit from doing so. OBJECTIVE: This French exploratory qualitative study was designed to identify the psychological factors that influence the decision of some cancer survivors not to return to work, despite their doctor’s permission. METHODS: We conducted semi structured interviews with two women and one man. Each interview lasted around 90 minutes. Qualitative analysis of the interviews (clinical case studies) highlighted a number of similarities and differences among these three patients. …RESULTS: Comparisons revealed six similarities: 1. the issue of income and its importance had no part in the decision-making process; 2. patients anticipated work return problems; 3. they therefore abandoned their plans to go back; 4. work lost its meaning for them; 5. repressed affects surfaced or they reassessed their career plans; and 6. their life trajectories were disrupted, with the stages being telescoped together. There were also two differences: 1. feelings of social exclusion for two participants, and 2. gendered experiences of quitting employment. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals and job retention support services need to take this clinical reality into account and acknowledge that not all patients wish to resume work or would benefit from doing so. Show more

Keywords: Cancer survivors, employment, decision-making process, case studies, return to work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182712

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 105-115, 2018

Authors: Fort, E. | Pélissier, C. | Fanjas, A. | Charnay, P. | Charbotel, B. | Bergeret, A. | Fontana, L. | Hours, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Road accidents may impact victims’ physical and/or mental health and socio-occupational life, notably including return to work. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the occupational medical consequences sustained by subjects injured in road accidents occurring in a work-related context differ from those associated with private accidents. METHODS: 778 adults who were in work or occupational training at the time of their accident were included. Two groups were distinguished: 354 (45.5%) injured in road accidents occurring in a work-related context (commuting or on duty) and 424 (54.5%) injured in a private accident. The groups were compared on medical …and occupational factors assessed on prospective follow-up at 6 months and 1 and 3 years. Multivariate analysis explored for factors associated at 6 months and 1 year with sick leave following the accident and duration of sick leave. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups for demographic data apart from a slightly higher injury severity in private accidents (32.5% of private accidents with MAIS3+(Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale greater or equal to 3) vs. 23.7% for work-related accidents, p = 0.007). Victims of work-related accidents were more often on sick leave (OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1–2.9). Although the length of sick leave is higher for work-related accidents that for private accidents, multivariate analysis showed that the injury severity and the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are significant factors to explain the time to return to work. There were no significant differences according to occupational impact during follow-up, notably including sick-leave duration, number of victims returning to work within 3 years and number of victims out of work due to incapacity. CONCLUSIONS: In the ESPARR (follow-up study of a road-accident population in the Rhône administrative county: Etude de Suivi d ’une Population d ’Accidentés de la Route dans le Rhône ) cohort, the fact that a road accident occurred in a work-related context did not affect the occupational consequences. Show more

Keywords: Work-related road accident, sick leave, return to work, occupational consequences

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182720

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 117-128, 2018

Authors: Mohd Shukoor, Nor Shuhada | Mohd Tamrin, Shamsul Bahri | Guan, Ng Yee | Mohd Suadi Nata, Dayana Hazwani

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hard hats are among the personal protective equipment (PPE) used in many industries to reduce the impact of any falling object on the skull and also to prevent head and brain injuries. However, the practice of wearing a safety helmet during working hours is still low. This is due to the physical discomfort perceived by safety helmet users. OBJECTIVE: Given the unpopularity of the current hard hat, the general perception of workers concerning its use and its measurements are the determining factors in the development of a new hard hat. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was …conducted in which 132 male oil palm harvesters between 19 and 60 years of age were selected from among the employees of the same oil palm harvesting company. A set of questionnaires was developed to collect their socio-demographic information as well as their perceptions of comfort and the prevalence of head injury. In addition, a set of measuring instruments, including Martin’s anthropometry set, was used for head measurement and data collection in respect of the current hard hat. In this research, six respondents were randomly selected to attend an interview session for qualitative assessment. RESULTS Based on the questionnaires, the unpopularity in the use of the hard hat was largely influenced by factors related to poor design, in general, and, specifically, poor ventilation (64%), load (67% ), and physical discomfort (42% ). The measurements of the anthropometric parameters and the dimensions of the hard hat also showed a significant mismatch. CONCLUSION: The unpopularity of the current hard hat among oil palm harvesters stemmed from the discomfort from wearing, which showed that the development of a new hard hat could lead to better usage and the greater likelihood of wearing a hard hat throughout the working day. Show more

Keywords: Helmet, harvester, safety, comfort

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182741

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 129-134, 2018

Authors: Singh, Greesh Kumar | Srivastava, Sanjay

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Automotive workers are engaged in occupational activities like engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotation, wheel balancing, replacing filters etc. These activities involve prolonged sitting, awkward postures, squatting and kneeling, which are known risk factors to cause patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to investigate the effects of selected biomechanical rehabilitative exercises (BRE) on integrated electromyography (iEMG) activity of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles so as to identify suitable ones to alleviate PFPS of automotive workers. METHODS: Eleven subjects, automotive workers having PFPS, performed four BRE: (1) short arc quad …with neutral hip position (SAQN), (2) short arc quad with externally rotated hip position (SAQER), (3) medial tibial rotation (MTR), and (4) hip adduction (HA). RESULTS: Mean iEMG activity of VMO muscle is more than that of VL muscle during all BRE. However, one way ANOVA with repeated measures indicates that mean iEMG activity of VMO muscle is significantly higher than that of VL muscle during SAQER only. VMO/VL ratio is not significantly different across the four BRE. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a range of options for choosing appropriate BRE for treating automotive workers with PFPS. However, SAQER may directly be recommended for preferential strengthening of VMO muscle. Show more

Keywords: Vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, short arc quad exercises, medial tibial rotation, hip adduction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182723

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 135-141, 2018

Authors: Ya’acob, Noor Afifah | Abidin, Emilia Zainal | Rasdi, Irniza | Rahman, Anita Abd. | Ismail, Suriani

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work tasks in pineapple plantations in Malaysia are characterised by non-ergonomic work postures, repetitive tasks, awkward posture and manual handling of work tools that contribute to the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). There have been very limited studies performed among pineapple plantation workers focusing on ergonomic intervention programs to specifically reduce MSS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of work improvement module using a Kiken Yochi participatory approach intervention in reducing MSS among male migrant pineapple farm plantation workers in Pontian, Johor. METHODOLOGY: In this interventional study, a total …of 68 male migrant workers from two plantation farms were invited to become a participant in this study. In total, 45 participants that consisted of 27 workers for the intervention group and 18 workers for the control group were recruited. The background of workers and MSS were assessed using questionnaires. Ergonomic and postural risks were evaluated and the work tasks with the highest risk were used as a basis for the development of the Kiken Yochi training module. MSS education and training intervention that provided information on proper lifting techniques and education on body mechanics and ergonomics to reduce MSS were implemented to both groups of workers. Kiken Yochi Training was given to the intervention group only. MSS were reassessed after 2 months of the follow-up period. Data was entered into statistical software and were analysed according to objectives. RESULTS: In terms of the postural risk assessment, almost two-third of the participants (68.5%) had working postures categorized as high risk for MSS. Ergonomic risk assessment identified cultivation, manual weeding and harvesting of pineapples as the work tasks contributing the highest health risks to workers. The most commonly reported MSS between both groups of workers were at the knees, lower back and shoulder area. Upon completion of the delivery of intervention module to both groups of workers, the MSS prevalence reported (after 2 months) were significantly lower for the ankles and feet area within the intervention group. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that development and implementation of programs using effective participatory approach training methods are able to prevent selected musculoskeletal problems for this occupation. To enhance the effects of such trainings, modifications of work tools in this occupation are desirable. Show more

Keywords: Rapid upper limb assessment, farmers, agriculture, ergonomics, HIRARC

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182711

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 143-152, 2018

Authors: Shawal, Faten Noor Suhaida | Guan, Ng Yee | Mohd Suadi Nata, Dayana Hazwani | How, Vivien | Tamrin, Shamsul Bahri Mohd

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People who work with the steam boilers in palm oil mills are vulnerable to accidents, notably to explosions, whenever failures of any kind occur during their operation. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study was conducted in palm oil mills to determine the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) concerning the risk management of steam boilers among workers in palm oil mills. METHODS: A total of 50 workers who were working with steam boilers and/or involved in managing the operation of steam boilers with at least three years of working experience in the palm oil industry were purposively sampled. …A self-administrated questionnaire consisting of four main parts – socio-demographic and occupational information, knowledge, attitude, and perception of the risk management of steam boilers was distributed. The knowledge, attitude, and perception were calculated based on a Likert-type scale. RESULTS: This study found that 56% of boiler workers had a good level of knowledge (mean score = 77.22±19.6), 72% had a good attitude toward risk (mean score = 83.17±5.85), and 64% had a good perception of risk (mean score = 79.50±11.22). The prevalence of accidents was 16%, and, for near misses, it was 24%. The cause of the reported accidents was largely attributed to carelessness, specifically at 80%. Apart from that, there was a positive association (χ 2  = 6.56; p  = 0.010) between attitude and accidents. CONCLUSION: This study found that the workers had good KAP levels of risk management of steam boilers in palm oil mills. However, there is a need for the employers to revise the training of workers and ensure its effectiveness in heightening the awareness of risks and accidents despite the high level of KAP. Show more

Keywords: Hazards, occupational health, prevalence, training

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182725

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 153-162, 2018

Authors: Girish, N. | Rauf, Iqbal | Vivek, Khanzode

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recommended weight limit for manual materials handlers has to be decided based on the individual characteristics of the person and age is one of the major variable affecting maximal lifting capacity. But there is limited information on pattern of change in lifting capacity with age. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of age on the maximum acceptable weight of lift among manual materials handlers. METHODS: Two hundred and seventeen male construction workers were grouped into four age quotas- 19–28, 29–38, 39–48 and 49–58 years. Lifting capacity was determined using progressive isoinertial lifting evaluation, adopting semi-squat technique …of lifting at two levels: waist and shoulder. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in the maximum acceptable weight was observed from first to second age group followed by a gradual decline. The percentage of decline from second to third age group was 11.89% and 14.34% and from third to fourth age group was 5.60% and 19.90% for waist and shoulder level respectively. CONCLUSION: Pattern of change in lifting capacity with age among manual materials handlers has been investigated in this study. Lifting capacity was found to be the greatest in 29–38 year age group, therefore prescribing recommended weight limit uniformly for all the workers may not be the best practice. Show more

Keywords: Progressive isoinertial lifting evaluation, maximal lifting capacity, maximum acceptable weight of lift, occupational low back disorders, construction workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182713

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 163-168, 2018