Work - Volume 60, issue 4

Authors: Liaset, Ingeborg Frostad | Kvam, Lisbeth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work participation has a profound influence on the individual’s overall health and well-being. Cancer survivors are at risk of unemployment, and the people with the highest risk are diagnosed with cancer in the central nervous system. Many diagnosed with this cancer survive and try to return to a normal life including work participation. Experiences related to returning to work after brain tumor treatment seem to be an unexplored phenomenon. OBJECTIVE: The current study focuses on the gap in the scientific literature concerning the individual experience after undergoing treatment for brain cancer and the return to work (RTW) …process. METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with four informants, and a thematic content analysis of the transcribed data was used. RESULTS: The results show RTW among our informants as a process consists of three main themes: easier said than done, from mastering to the feeling of inadequacy, and the environment’s impact. The categories various components may be relevant. CONCLUSION: In a health promotion perspective, several resources such as aspects of motivation, self-awareness, and opportunities for facilitation and empowerment need to be available in the process of RTW for individuals who have undergone treatment for brain cancer. Show more

Keywords: Brain tumor, acquired brain injury, health promotion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182768

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 603-612, 2018

Authors: Rubio-Romero, Juan Carlos | Molinillo, Sebastian | López-Arquillos, Antonio | Arjona-Jiménez, Rafael | De La Varga-Salto, José María

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Municipal solid waste treatment plants are industrial facilities with important occupational health and safety issues. Hence, a risk assessment system would be very useful to help workers to cope successfully with complexity when they are under pressure situations, such as loss of control or failures of the system safety. In recent years, Resilience Engineering has come up as a new proactive approach to improve and keep safety the complex systems. To evaluate Resilience Engineering the methods at our disposal are mostly qualitative, which are complex and difficult to compare due to their external validity. OBJECTIVE: The present …research proposes a method for the quantitative assessment of Resilience Engineering in the municipal solid waste treatment sector. METHODS: The study was carried out as part of an EU SAFERA project in two European cities. The data were obtained from a survey of a sample of 328 workers of treatment plants. RESULTS: The results indicated that priority must be given to improving top-level commitment, culture, preparedness and learning culture, while awareness and opacity emerges as positive results. Significant differences can be seen in the Resilience Engineering evaluation for different posts. CONCLUSION: These findings allow practitioners and management with a view to implementing appropriate corrective measures to achieve high Resilience Engineering in the plant. Show more

Keywords: Resilience engineering, quantitative, occupational, health and safety, prevention, risk, municipal solid waste

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182769

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 613-622, 2018

Authors: Ma, Claudia C. | Gu, Ja Kook | Charles, Luenda E. | Andrew, Michael E. | Dong, Ren G. | Burchfiel, Cecil M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The annual incidence rate of work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEMSDs) is increasing in US workers according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the prevalence of WUEMSDs among US total workers has not been estimated. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of WUEMSDs among US total workers and among each of major occupations and industries. METHODS: We analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey Arthritis supplements (2006, 2009, and 2014) among 50,218 current workers (age ≥18 years) to estimate the 30-day prevalence of WUEMSDs and of WUEMSDs affecting work …using the SAS-callable SUDAAN software. RESULTS: About 11.2 million workers reported WUEMSDs based on three surveys (2006, 2009, and 2014). The 30-day prevalence of WUEMSDs was 8.23% the prevalence of WUEMSDs affecting work was 1.24%. The Construction occupation and industry had the highest age- and sex-adjusted 30-day prevalence of WUEMSDs (10.98% for Construction occupation; 9.94% for Construction industry) and WUEMSDs affecting work (3.32% for Construction occupation; 2.31% Construction industry). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that construction workers had the highest prevalence of both WUEMSDs and WUEMSDs affecting work. They may be a priority group for interventions to reduce upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Show more

Keywords: Work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder, prevalence, occupation, industry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182770

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 623-634, 2018

Authors: Besen, Elyssa | Young, Amanda | Gaines, Brittany | Pransky, Glenn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The amount of time between key points in the work disability and workers’ compensation process, referred to as lag times, has been shown to relate to work disability outcomes but little research has examined how this finding may differ based on the diagnosis associated with the cause of work disability. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether relationships between lag times in the work disability process and disability duration vary by diagnosis in a sample of workers’ compensation claims. METHODS: Using workers’ compensation claims, Analysis of Covariance was used to estimate differences in disability duration across three lag …times (days from the date of injury to: reporting the injury, seeking medical care, and starting lost work time paid by the workers’ compensation insurer) and injury diagnosis groups (Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD) and fractures). RESULTS: WRMSD tended to have longer lag times than fractures, whereas disability duration tended to be longer for fractures than WRMSD. Overall, shorter lag times were associated with shorter disability duration, but the relationships varied across diagnosis groups, and greater variation in disability duration was observed for WRMSD compared to fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the importance of responding to work-related injuries by reporting the injury, receiving medical care, and taking time off of work if necessary, in a timely fashion. Show more

Keywords: Lag times, disability duration, workers’ compensation, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, work-related fractures

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182771

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 635-648, 2018

Authors: Coleman Wood, Krista A. | Lowndes, Bethany R. | Buus, Ryan J. | Hallbeck, M. Susan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neuromusculoskeletal pain and fatigue have been self-reported by over 70% surgeons who perform minimally invasive surgery (MIS). These problems can become impairments impacting surgical performance, patient outcomes, and career longevity. Human factors engineering has identified microbreaks coupled with activities as a viable strategy to counteract known physical, cognitive, and environmental stressors as well as mitigate neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) problems for workers in office and manufacturing domains. OBJECTIVE: Develop a novel set of intraoperative surgical microbreaks activities tailored for MIS surgeons to mitigate surgery-induced neuromusculoskeletal fatigue and pain. METHODS: Using NSM problems identified by practitioners and literature, …a clinician determined causes and solutions and ranked them based on literature and clinical expertise. Solutions were incorporated into synchronized activities that addressed overarching goals and multiple tissues. RESULTS: The resulting activities, translating contemporary science in clinical physical medicine and rehabilitation practice and tissue biomechanics, specifically address the overarching goals of: 1) posture correction; 2) normalization of tissue tension and soft tissue mobility/gliding; and 3) relaxation/stress reduction. CONCLUSION: Surgeons can perform the activities in approximately one minute inside the sterile field. Movements encompassing multiple requirements and engaging multiple body segments are combined to provide an efficient and effective intervention to the target tissues. Show more

Keywords: Surgery, neuromusculoskeletal pain, soft tissue mobility, posture correction, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182772

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 649-659, 2018

Authors: Eilertsen, Mark | Merryweather, Andrew | Roundy, Shad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Drywall installation has an injury rate four times that of the construction industry average. Workers are exposed to hazards related to slips, falls, and falling objects, in addition to the large and awkward loads they must carry. Drywall sheets can weigh more than 100 lb. and contribute to disabling musculoskeletal injuries of the shoulders and back. OBJECTIVE: In this study, an unpowered lift assist device was developed to manage the load of a drywall sheet during the installation process. METHODS: In order to measure the effect of the lift assist device, a laboratory study with 10 …healthy male participants performing two lifts, lifting from ground to erect and lifting from erect to ceiling, with and without the help of the device, was performed. These lifts were chosen to simulate a drywall installer’s frequent lifting motions. Participants were fitted with electromyography (EMG) on the erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominus, and external oblique muscles to measure activation. Mean, peak, and effort data for the lifting exercises were extracted and compared to the unassisted lift. RESULTS: The lift assist device resulted in a reduction in mean EMG signal of 69% average over both lifts and muscle groups. Peak EMG and effort (i.e., area under the curve) were reduced by 78% and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the effectiveness of the device in reducing compressive back loads during drywall installation, which warrants future development. Show more

Keywords: Drywall lifting, back injury, occupational injuries, construction, back pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182773

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 661-671, 2018