Work - Volume 60, issue 3

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182744

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 355-356, 2018

Authors: Kobza, Joanna | Syrkiewicz-Świtała, Magdalena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction is one of the key elements in effective human resource management. A dental practitioner is constantly exposed to harmful effects of numerous risk factors affecting health. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the level of job satisfaction among dentists and the factors that are associated with it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 610 dentists representing different types of medical practice settings in. The entities were selected randomly. The study was conducted using personal interview technique based on a specially prepared form of structured questionnaire. The questions included a four -step scale reflecting …the job satisfaction. Quantitative variables were presented by arithmetic mean and standard deviation. Qualitative variables were presented by absolute and relative frequency (rate) of their respective categories. RESULTS: More than 90% of respondents declared satisfaction with their profession. There was a relationship between job satisfaction and doctor’s age, gender, the location of the office, and whether public or private sector practice. There was no statistically significant relationship between job satisfaction and type of dental practice setting or income. CONCLUSIONS: Higher professional satisfaction was observed in the group of younger doctors working in the private sector in large cities. Women reported satisfaction more often than men. The external environment had no impact on professional satisfaction. Show more

Keywords: Workplace hazards, occupational health, dental professionals

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182749

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 357-363, 2018

Authors: Kushner, Rivka | Kramer, Desre M. | Holness, D. Linn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ontario’s occupational health and safety prevention system has identified a need for the systematic collection of occupational exposure data for ongoing surveillance and targeted prevention initiatives. OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility of collecting occupational exposure information within a primary care clinical setting. METHODS: Five healthcare centres were recruited. Working patients answered basic occupational exposure questions. Clinicians reviewed the answers with patients. Answers were entered into the patient’s electronic medical records (EMRs). A knowledge broker supported the health centres throughout the trial with background information and linking to occupational expertise. Interviews with administrators and clinicians examined …the usefulness of the survey to primary care, the barriers and facilitators, and sought suggestions for sustaining the practice. A cross-case analysis, framed by a conceptual model, was conducted from the feedback. RESULTS: Themes highlighted the importance of clinician and administrator buy-in, the perceived relevance of occupational exposures to primary care clinicians and the patient population, and the need for clinicians to feel confident about the health impact and relevance of occupational exposures to presenting clinical problems. CONCLUSION: Clinicians ask work exposure-related questions when patients have a health concern that the clinicians suspect may be related to a work exposure. No clear clinical purpose for routinely asking exposure questions emerged. Show more

Keywords: Knowledge transfer implementation, exposure assessment, workplace surveillance, primary healthcare, qualitative interviews

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182750

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 365-384, 2018

Authors: Abu Tariah, Hashem | Ghasham, Nasser | Alolayan, Mohammad | Alahmadi, Bandar | Alqarni, Abdullah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Engagement in religious and spiritual activities and expression are important to many people. Praying in a mosque is a major component of basic worship for Muslims. Riyadh has a population of more than six million people and more than 17 thousand mosques. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore wheelchair accessibility of mosques in Riyadh from the perspective of wheelchair users and their caregivers. METHODS: A survey was conducted to explore the opinions of wheelchair users and their caregivers regarding wheelchair accessibility of frequently used mosques. RESULTS: Forty-eight wheelchair users and …12 caregivers participated in the study. The main reason for being confined to a wheelchair was a motor vehicle accident (77%). The majority of the participants (84%) indicated that they needed assistance to propel their wheelchairs. Overall, 86% of wheelchair users and 84% of caregivers expressed dissatisfaction with the mosques’ accessibility for wheelchair users. CONCLUSION: Mosques were found not to be accessible for wheelchair users. The current situation forces wheelchair users to pray in isolation in their houses, preventing them from participating in an important part of their faith. Though acts mandating the accessibility of public places for wheelchair users have been promulgated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the acts are not implemented in ways which can contribute to a meaningful, tolerable and independent life for wheelchair users. Show more

Keywords: Riyadh, accessibility, mosques, participation, prayer

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182758

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 385-391, 2018

Authors: Inoue, Takuya | Ooba, Hideki | Hirano, Masahito | Takehara, Itaru | Watanabe, Shu | Hitosugi, Masahito

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Some stroke survivors hope to resume driving after hospital discharge. For those who had driven frequently before their stroke, a normal daily life depends on being able to drive. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores predict patient driving ability, which would make them a suitable index for determining if a stroke patient can resume driving. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 71 patients who suffered from stroke. We divided them into three groups based on their driving status after discharge: (1) resumed driving (Driver), (2) wish to resume …driving (Wisher), and (3) no wish to resume driving (Non-wisher). We compared total FIM scores and subcategories of FIM scores across groups. RESULTS: Scores on the Motor-FIM and Cognitive-FIM were highest in the Driver group, followed by the Wisher and Non-wisher groups. Moreover, scores on the ‘problem solving’ and ‘memory’ subcategories of the Cognitive-FIM were significantly higher in the Driver group than in the Wisher group. CONCLUSIONS: The FIM could be a useful assessment tool for determining whether or not stroke patients can resume driving. Moreover, among the Cognitive-FIM sub-categories, problem solving and memory ability might be the scores most relevant for this decision. Show more

Keywords: Vehicle driving, stroke, functional independence measure, cognitive function

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182747

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 393-399, 2018

Authors: Pihl-Thingvad, Jesper | Jacobsen, Casper Wichmann | Brandt, Lars P.A. | Andersen, Lars L. | Elklit, Ask | Courvoisier, Delphine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Coping with regret has a substantial impact on wellbeing and mental health, but has rarely been investigated in an occupational setting. OBJECTIVE: To translate the Regret Coping Scale for Health-Care Professionals (RCS-HCP) and explore internal consistency, construct-, criterion- and predictive validity. METHODS: The instrument was translated using forward- back method. The qualities were evaluated with a sample of 2758 social educators using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis as well as Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson correlation, and multivariable regression. RESULTS: The translated instrument showed a trend similar to the original instrument. A 10-item version resulted …from the research being reported. The reduced RCS-HCP showed improved fit (Full model, 15 items); CFI = 0.91, TLI = 0.89, RMSEA = 0.66, PClose = 0.000 and BIC = 1392 vs. (Reduced instrument, 10 items); CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.05, PClose = 0.499 and BIC 307. This instrument had acceptable internal consistency for short scales (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.65, 0.69 and 0.84 respectively). The subscales correlated as expected with measures of health and occupational factors, coefficient ranging from 0.182 to 0.399. Also, the RCS-HCP predicted stress three month later ΔF[3,2747] = 15.1, p < 0.001, but with very small effect ΔR2 = 0.01, p ≤0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The 10-item Danish version of the RCS-HCP is a valid instrument for measuring coping with regret in health related work. Show more

Keywords: Instrument validation, occupational health, work environment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182756

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 401-410, 2018

Authors: Guimarães, Bruno | Barkokébas Junior, Béda | Martins, Laura

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The employment rates of people with disabilities (PWDs) are lower than the general population in many countries because of several factors, including prejudices about labour production and absenteeism of these workers. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the research was to evaluate the absenteeism of PWDs in the construction industry in the metropolitan area of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: Study participants were workers with disabilities that performed jobs at the work sites in the construction industry. Participants were interviewed and they answered the Work Limitation Questionnaire (WLQ). In order to compare the absenteeism of people with disabilities …and without disabilities, the companies provided real absenteeism data. RESULTS: Twenty-five workers with disabilities participated in the study, of which 32% were laborers and 72% had physical disabilities. The companies made accommodations for 56% of PWDs and all of them were the organizational type. The WLQ summed score of the PWDs was 3.16. The mean absenteeism of the PWDs was 19.00% ±1.22 standard deviation (SD) (p = 0.238) higher in relation to workers without disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the workers with disabilities had lower absenteeism than those without disability, however, the mean absenteeism of PWDs was higher in relation to workers without disabilities. In addition, workers higher educational level, the laborer of auxiliary warehouse, the workers for whom the companies have not made accommodations to the workplace and the higher WLQ summed score lower statistically significantly absenteeism in relation to workers without disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Absence management, job accommodation, workers with disabilities, civil construction, work environments

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182746

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 411-419, 2018

Authors: Lockett, Helen | Waghorn, Geoffrey | Kydd, Rob

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most working-age adults with psychiatric disabilities are not employed yet are interested in being in employment. This goal is achievable for the majority who are interested, with the help of international evidence-based practices in vocational rehabilitation. However, these practices are not widely available in developed countries. OBJECTIVE: To identify whether, and how, the availability of evidence-based vocational rehabilitation is linked to government policy. METHODS: A systematic examination of New Zealand’s economic and social policy context to understand how it facilitates or hinders evidence-based vocational rehabilitation for people with psychiatric disabilities. RESULTS: The New …Zealand policy context is currently hindering the availability of evidence-based vocational rehabilitation for people with psychiatric disabilities. Whilst policy reform has commenced, it has not yet translated into a purchasing framework free of policy conflicts and barriers. Consequently, the proportion of people with psychiatric disabilities not employed and not participating in the labor market is increasing. CONCLUSIONS: Adopting the policy adjustments identified could expand the availability of evidence-based vocational rehabilitation, reducing the disparity between individual vocational goals and actual labor force activity. This in turn could have national social and economic benefits through reduced welfare dependence, reduced health service utilization, and increased labor force participation. Show more

Keywords: Psychiatric disability; vocational rehabilitation; supported employment; evidence-based practices; public policy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182752

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 421-435, 2018

Authors: Singh, Greesh Kumar | Srivastava, Sanjay | Kumar, Mukesh | Ratnakar, Shellyka

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Masonry workers engaged in occupational work-activities have high risk of shoulder injury that often develops to functional loss and disability. Rehabilitative exercises (REs) have potential for slowing this development. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to study the effects of three selected REs on integrated electromyography activations of the external rotator muscles and trapezius muscles of masonry workers. METHODS: Ten subjects, masonry workers having shoulder pain, have volunteered for this study. Each subject performs three selected REs: (1) Prone horizontal abduction at 90° with full external rotation with thumb right up. (2) Side lying external rotation (ER) …with elbow on the trunk. (3) ER at 90° abduction and elbow flexion at 90° in standing position. Selection of REs is based on their superior performance in earlier studies. Electromyography (EMG) differences among the exercises are tested for statistical significance. RESULTS: A cross comparison of REs shows that exercises (1) and (3) produce high rotator cuff synergy, an average of infraspinatus and teres-minor activities. Exercise (3) minimizes the risk of subacromial impingement by presenting the least posterior deltoid activity. However, exercise (1) reduces the risk of abnormal scapular movement by producing higher middle trapezius and lower trapezius activities than upper trapezius activity. CONCLUSION: The results provide basic information to design appropriate rehabilitation programs for masonry workers having shoulder pain. Show more

Keywords: Shoulder pain, integrated electromyography, occupational workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182757

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 437-444, 2018

Authors: Kang, Tae-Woo | Lee, Ji-hyun | Park, Dong-Hwan | Cynn, Heon-Seock

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Automobile assembly workers repeatedly place burdens on their lumbar regions, which can lead to mechanical chronic low back pain. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises performed on a stable or unstable surface on lumbar pain, muscle strength, stability, disability, and depression in patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were randomly allocated to a stable or unstable surface group (n = 12 each). Both groups performed each lumbar stabilization exercise for 30 minutes daily five times per week for 6 weeks. Lumbar pain, muscle strength, stability, …disability, and depression were assessed before and after intervention. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of training, lumbar pain, stability, disability, and depression improved significantly, whereas muscle strength did not. All post-test values in the unstable surface group improved significantly more than those in the stable surface group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate the more favorable effects of an unstable exercise surface in patients with chronic low back pain. However, further studies are needed to confirm our findings. Show more

Keywords: Workers, lumbar stabilization exercise, stable surface, unstable surface

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182743

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 445-454, 2018

Authors: Yi, Cannan | Tang, Fan | Peng, Lu | Li, Kai Way | Ma, Liang | Hu, Hong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pallet truck pulling is one of the common manual materials handling tasks which could result in musculoskeletal injuries. The endurance time for sustained truck pulling tasks has been rarely discussed in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to measure the muscular fatigue after performing a pulling task and to establish models to predict the maximum endurance time for truck pulling tasks. METHODS: A simulated truck pulling experiment was conducted. Ten human participants were recruited. The participants pulled a handle simulating that of a pallet truck under two loading conditions until they could …not pull any longer. RESULTS: The results indicated that hand/wrist and elbow had higher subjective ratings of muscular fatigue than the other body segments. A subjective rating of 5 or more was found on at least two of the body segments for all trials except one. An exponential model and a power model were established to predict the maximum endurance time of the pulling tasks. CONCLUSION: Hand/wrist and elbow were the body segments most likely to suffer muscular fatigue for the simulated truck pulling tasks. The endurance time models established may be adopted in job designs for one-handed truck pulling tasks. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorder, manual materials handling, muscular fatigue, job design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182751

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 455-463, 2018

Authors: Scheel, Carrie | Mecham, Jim | Zuccarello, Vic | Mattes, Ryan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: OccuPro’s functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is used for assessing the client’s readiness to return to work and three separate intra-rater and inter-rater reliability studies are explored here. OBJECTIVE: Three separate studies were conducted on injured and un-injured adults to evaluate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the OccuPro FCE (upper extremity and material handling subtests). All three studies are summarized in this publication. METHODS: In study one, twenty participants completed firm grasp, simple grasp, pinch, fine motor, and gross motor testing. The participants included subjects with an orthopedic or musculoskeletal disorder affecting the upper extremities. …In study two and three, 62 participants completed occasional squat lifts, occasional power lifts, occasional carrying, frequent squat lifts, frequent power lifts, and frequent carrying. The participants in all three studies were adult subjects between 20 and 70 years of age. Study one subjects had a previous illness or injury while subjects in study two and three had no history of injury. RESULTS: Results from study one showed that the OccuPro FCE’s four upper extremity subtests have moderate to excellent inter-rater reliability. In study two and three, results showed that the intra-rater reliability of these subtests were excellent and the inter-reliability of these subtests were moderate to good. CONCLUSIONS: These three studies establish inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for the four upper extremity subtests and material handling testing within the OccuPro FCE system. This allows for multiple therapists to use OccuPro’s FCE system with the same patient or multiple patients while having the confidence they will achieve consistent results and make sound return-to work or residual functional capacity decisions. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, workers’ compensation, kinesiophysical, industrial rehabilitation, material handling

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182754

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 465-473, 2018

Authors: Jostell, David | Hemlin, Sven

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a need for a better understanding of how the use of technology to complete work outside regular office hours is related to work-life outcomes. Few studies have also investigated how individual differences in work-nonwork boundary management relate to work-life outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to examine how teleworking outside regular office hours and individual boundary management relate to work-family conflict. METHODS: A web survey was sent to fulltime employees at the headquarters of a multinational high-tech firm in Sweden. A total of 71 answers were obtained and analyzed using regression analysis. …RESULTS: The extent of teleworking after hours was unrelated to work-family conflict. However, as previous research has shown, having more permeable boundaries and allowing work to interrupt nonwork behavior was related to higher levels of conflict. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that teleworking after hours is not as problematic in terms of work-family conflict as has been reported in previous studies. Furthermore, in order to prevent high levels of work-family conflict, it is seemingly beneficial to avoid work interruptions during nonwork behavior. Show more

Keywords: Boundary permeability, role conflict, telecommuting, work-nonwork boundaries

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182748

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 475-483, 2018

Authors: Parent-Lamarche, Annick | Marchand, Alain

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Job stressors can cause a salivary cortisol secretion dysregulation which in turn can lead to burnout. However, job stressors do not induce the same cortisol secretion dysregulation and psychic consequences systematically to all workers. Personality traits may influence job stressor’s adaptation. The objectives of this study were (a) to verify the mediating effect cortisol has on the relationship between work conditions and burnout, and (b) to identify the moderate mediation effects that personality traits have on the relationship between work conditions and salivary cortisol secretion. METHOD: Multilevel regression analyses were carried out on a sample of 352 …employees in 34 Québec firms. Saliva samples were collected five times a day (on awakening, 30 minutes after awakening, at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and bedtime) on three days (1 day off, 2 work days). Work conditions variables comprised skill utilization, decision authority, psychological demands, physical demands, job insecurity, irregular schedules, number of working hours, and social support. Personality traits included self-esteem, locus of control, and the Big Five. Both work conditions and personality traits were assessed with a psychosocial questionnaire. RESULTS: The level of salivary cortisol secretion was negatively associated with burnout. Certain workplace and personality variables had a significant effect on emotional exhaustion (psychological demands was positively associated, social support from supervisors was negatively associated) and on cortisol levels (job insecurity was negatively associated). Cortisol did not play any mediating role in the relationship between work conditions and burnout, which is moderated by personality traits. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that work conditions (skill utilization, decision authority, psychological demands, physical demands, job insecurity, irregular schedules, number of working hours, and social support) and the interaction of personality traits with work conditions have no indirect effects on burnout. Show more

Keywords: Salivary cortisol, work conditions, personality traits, Big Five, mediation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182755

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 485-497, 2018

Authors: Proença, Mahara | Schuna Jr, John M. | Barreira, Tiago V. | Hsia, Daniel S. | Pitta, Fabio | Tudor-Locke, Catrine | Cowley, Amanda D. | Martin, Corby K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Active workstation alternatives (e.g., treadmill desks and pedal desks) have the potential to elevate workplace energy expenditure by replacing occupational sedentary behavior with opportunities to generate low-intensity non-exercise physical activity, but only to the extent that workers find them acceptable and congruent with their primary working tasks and therefore can frequently use them for extended periods of time. OBJECTIVE: To assess workers’ acceptability of the Pennington Pedal Desk™. METHODS: Full-time sedentary workers (N = 42; 76% female; mean+SD age 39.6±11.3 years; BMI 25.7±5.4 kg/m2 ) used the pedal desk for 15 minutes while they: 1) …searched the internet, 2) composed an email, and 3) completed acceptability ratings using an online Likert scale anchored from 1/strongly disagree to 5/strongly agree. Garmin Vector power meter pedals and EDGE 510 GPS bike computer (Garmin ® , USA) continuously captured revolutions per minute (RPM) and power. RESULTS: Participants indicated that they would use the pedal desk for 4 (median) hours per work day and 97.6% of participants were somewhat or completely confident that they could type proficiently while using the pedal desk. Participants pedaled at 54.8±11.2 RPM and 23.1±8.6 watts (mean+SD). CONCLUSIONS: Participants rated the Pennington Pedal Desk™ workstation positively and indicated potential for extended daily use. Show more

Keywords: Sedentary behavior, physical activity, energy expenditure, workplace, exercise

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182753

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 499-506, 2018

Authors: Genin, P.M. | Pereira, B. | Thivel, D. | Duclos, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: While worldwide public health policies have emphasized the necessity to create a culture that favors regular physical activity, stakeholders and health institutions keep looking for new strategies and opportune settings. Workplaces have been identified since employees spent a considerable part of their time at work and several worksite interventions have been developed lately. While the actual scientific literature clearly points out the beneficial effects of physical activity programs implemented within companies on employees overall health, available evidences however seem to question their adherence to such interventions. Based on previously published results and new observations, this paper discusses the adherence rate …during workplace physical activity programs and suggests new strategies to favor increased physical activity among employees, considering their dropouters or finishers’ profiles. Show more

Keywords: Tertiary employees, occupational health, sedentariness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182745

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 507-510, 2018