Work - Volume 61, issue 1

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182789

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2018

Authors: Budd, Diandra | Holness, D. Linn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by prolonged occupational exposure to hand-transmitted vibration. Although HAVS is preventable, disease awareness and prevention knowledge are lacking in high-risk workplaces; this may contribute to under-diagnosis, delays in seeking care, and poor health outcomes. Posters may be used to increase awareness in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a pilot survey in workers with HAVS about poster use in their workplaces, their recommendations for poster campaigns and training programs, and their evaluation of HAVS awareness and prevention posters. METHODS: All eligible HAVS patients in the Occupational Health Clinic at St. …Michael’s Hospital, in Toronto, Canada, were asked to complete a questionnaire on workplace poster use and to evaluate a set of HAVS posters. RESULTS: Fifty workers participated; almost all were males, aged 50 and older, working in construction. Most indicated having non-HAVS specific awareness posters in their workplaces. There was a positive evaluation of the design, content, and potential usefulness of the posters. The poster depicting finger blanching stood out most. The poster depicting anti-vibration gloves rated highest for relatability and effectiveness at conveying disease importance. CONCLUSIONS: Participants supported the proposed use of industry-specific HAVS awareness posters in their workplaces. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these posters in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Occupational diseases, prevention, health and safety, training, workplace

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182775

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 3-10, 2018

Authors: Rogers, E. Sally | Millner, Uma Chandrika | Brandt, Diane | Chan, Leighton | Jette, Alan | Marfeo, Elizabeth | Ni, Pengsheng | Rasch, Elizabeth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Assessing functioning and disability among individuals with mental and behavioral health disorders has historically relied on deriving accurate psychiatric diagnoses and assessing symptoms. However, growing empirical evidence suggests that this approach is inadequate to determine real world performance, particularly with respect to work. OBJECTIVE: We examined a performance-based approach to the assessment of work functioning and its relationship to mental and behavioral health status. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two mental health programs. Trained employment providers conducted performance-based assessments of work function and ratings of mental and behavioral health while study participants self-reported …their mental/behavioral health functioning. We hypothesized that participant and provider ratings of mental/behavioral health would be moderately correlated with performance-based assessments of work function. RESULTS: We found no significant correlation between participants’ self-report of their mental and behavioral health and performance-based assessments of work. Employment providers’ ratings of participants’ mental/behavioral health were moderately correlated with performance-based measures of work. Finally, we found low concordance between employment providers and study participants’ with respect to ratings of their mental/behavioral health. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to our hypotheses, ratings of mental/behavioral health were only moderately correlated with performance-based measures of work. Results confirm earlier research suggesting that it is difficult to predict work performance from participants’ self-reports of their mental/behavioral health alone. Performance-based assessments of work capacity as well as ratings of mental and behavioral health may both be needed for a more complete and complimentary picture of the ability of individuals with mental and behavioral health disorders to function in the work place. Show more

Keywords: Work performance, work capacity, individuals with psychiatric disability, in vivo assessment, concordance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182776

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 11-20, 2018

Authors: Caprari, E. | Porsius, J.T. | D’Olivo, P. | Bloem, R.M. | Vehmeijer, S.B.W. | Stolk, N. | Melles, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Supporting teamwork in healthcare is a way to foster both the quality and safety of care, and better working conditions for all the team members. Although increasing attention is paid to this topic on a general level, there is less knowledge about its unfolding in orthopaedic units and its translation to interventions. OBJECTIVE: To identify concrete opportunities for teamwork intervention through a design thinking approach by analysing the teamwork dynamics of an orthopaedic team. METHODS: An adaptation of the learning history method, comprising shadowing, observations and interviews involving 26 orthopaedic team members at a top …clinical teaching hospital in the Netherlands, was applied. A thematic analysis was conducted to derive themes that describe team dynamics and to subsequently extrapolate opportunities for intervention. RESULTS: We identified five themes and translated them into four design opportunities for intervention, namely: a) Improve daily rounds by reducing cognitive overload and promoting confidence; b) Improve collaboration by building empathy; c) Connect the patient with the professional team; and d) Support changes by fostering learning. Suggestions for concrete actions are presented for each opportunity. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunities to improve teamwork among healthcare professionals, specifically those in orthopaedics, revolve around the creation of common knowledge, the fostering of mutual understanding, and the design of tools and activities that support these processes. Show more

Keywords: Team interactions, hospital wards, learning history, healthcare design, design thinking

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182777

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 21-39, 2018

Authors: Sneller, Timothy N. | Choi, Sang D. | Ahn, Kwangseog

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal injuries and disorders (WMSDs) are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time in the construction industry. Ergonomics is still a relatively new theme for the construction industry. Understanding of the workers’ and managers’ knowledge and perception of ergonomic issues in construction can play a critical role to develop and implement effective ergonomic programs and policies. OBJECTIVE: To study the similarities and differences of the workers’ and managers’ knowledge and perceptions of ergonomics matters in the construction industry. METHODS: A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed to both workers …and management personnel employed by sixteen different construction contractors performing various types of construction work. The final questionnaire comprised of a total of forty questions and consisted of four major sections: background, safety and ergonomic programs, injuries and illnesses, and work conditions. RESULTS: Eighty-eight workers and managers completed the survey questionnaire. Nearly all of their employer had a written safety program, while only one third had an ergonomics program. Ergonomics was perceived as relatively less important compared to the safety issues. Managers were more likely to think that management encourages feedback from site employees than were workers. Managers appeared to be more likely to know that their companies have an ergonomic training program or policy than were workers. Workers were more likely to consider to purchase or select the ergonomic hand tools than were managers. Workers and managers alike reported having slight regard for the potential occurrence of a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. CONCLUSIONS: While the construction industry has done an admirable job developing safety programs, it has done far less to develop comprehensive ergonomic programs and policies that would help provide education and guidance to its workers and managers in the industry. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomics, awareness, perception, management, worker, construction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182778

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 41-54, 2018

Authors: Eidson, Christopher A. | Yuen, Hon K. | Vogtle, Laura K. | McCurry, Valley O.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Service-learning (SL) has been widely implemented and grown as a pedagogy in the rehabilitation professions. However, assessment on the quality of evidence for the effectiveness of SL related to student learning outcomes and the scope of SL activities related to the occupation of work in the rehabilitation professions is not available. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review was to evaluate the rigor of the methodological quality of SL studies and the scope of SL activities related to the occupation of work in the rehabilitation professions. METHODS: We performed a systematic on-line electronic literature search of nine bibliographic …databases available through the university library system to identify peer-reviewed journal articles on SL provided by the tri-alliance of rehabilitation professional students, with the primary or secondary outcome on the evaluation of student SL experiences. Twenty-two SL articles using experimental design between 1995 and 2016 were extracted as they qualified for the methodological appraisal. Appraisal of each article was performed independently by four investigators using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. RESULTS: In six of the 22 SL studies (27%), service provided by the rehabilitation professional students was related to the occupation of work (i.e., assessment, prevention of illness, injury, and disability, and intervention). There was a significant increase in the number (and percent) of SL studies related to the occupation of work compared to that of a previous systematic review (0%, P  = 0.03, Fisher’s exact test). Results from the evaluation of the methodological quality of these 22 reviewed articles revealed that all received a global rating score of weak. The low methodological quality rating of the reviewed articles was mainly attributed to not controlling for confounders (22 articles), non-blinding (21), and using outcome measures which did not have evidence to support their validity (14). Inability to control for confounders was related to weak research design as more than 77% of the reviewed articles used quasi-experimental designs without a control group. Non-blinding was related to the self-report nature of the outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: A significant increase in the number of SL studies related to the occupation of work was found, which may provide an indirect indication on an increase in the capacity to provide (work) rehabilitation services. However, selected studies demonstrated high risk of bias which limited firm conclusions to be drawn on reported findings from SL in the tri-alliance of rehabilitation professions curricula. Show more

Keywords: Problem-based learning, curriculum, community health services, work rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182779

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 55-67, 2018

Authors: Hoefsmit, Nicole | Cleef, Karin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prolonged work pressure can contribute to burnout. The Job-Demands Resources model (the health impairment process and the roles of job and personal resources in it) provides a framework for studying work pressure. OBJECTIVE: The study aims were to understand the experiences of employees in the career services and a teaching department of a school for vocational education regarding the following: A) work pressure; B) its negative consequences; and C) how job resources and D) personal resources play a role in the employees’ experience of work pressure or in helping to cope with it. METHODS: A …qualitative study based on 11 in-depth interviews with teachers (5) and supporting personnel (6) was performed at a Dutch organization for vocational education. The interviews were analyzed interpretatively. RESULTS: A) The teachers and supporting personnel generally experienced work pressure, which had both qualitative and quantitative aspects. B) The consequences included working overtime and lower job performance. Factors such as autonomy and social support from colleagues were C) job resources, and moving from idealism towards realism was D) a personal resource. CONCLUSIONS: Both the teachers and supporting personnel who were interviewed experienced work pressure and its related consequences, as well as job and personal resources. Work pressure may threaten the sustainable employability of these employees. Show more

Keywords: Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, job strain, job stress, workload

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182780

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 69-80, 2018

Authors: Marshall, Lisa | Villeneuve, Joanne | Grenier, Sylvain

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health care workers are known to be at high risk for occupational musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. Many different intervention strategies have been implemented in order to reduce the risk of injury to health care workers, however not many have been proven to be effective. A continuing care establishment in Ottawa, Canada, implemented a multidimensional kinesiology intervention program for injured employees. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the kinesiology intervention program on reducing subsequent rates for the nursing personnel and analyze the impact of age, position (RN, RPN, PCA) and sex on subsequent injuries. …METHODS: The number of recorded work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) for each patient care worker was counted from 2007–2011. The control group included injured employees that were not referred to the kinesiologists, or who chose not to participate in the program. The intervention group included injured employees that were referred to the kinesiology service and followed their treatment program. RESULTS: The intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction of subsequent acute cases when compared to the control group. Nevertheless there was no significant impact regarding age, position or sex on subsequent acute cases. CONCLUSION: The kinesiology intervention program within the health care facility was effective at reducing subsequent WRMSD rates within the nursing personnel. Show more

Keywords: Work related musculoskeletal disorders, nursing, occupational health, prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182782

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 81-89, 2018

Authors: Ullah, Rizwan | Siddiqui, Faraz | Zafar, Muhammad Sohail | Iqbal, Kefi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Bullying is an aggressive and violent behavior marked by repetitive harassment of a weaker victim, which may also occur in the workplace including healthcare settings. Although extensively studied in the west, bullying of workers in the healthcare setting is largely underexplored in the South Asian context. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to explore the phenomena of workplace bullying among dental interns in selected dental institutes of Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental interns working at four dental institutions in Karachi, Pakistan. The Negative acts questionnaire (NAQ-R), a standardized, validated …tool was administered to identify bullying experiences among dental interns over the past six months; in addition, demographic information of participants as well as details about their exposure to bullying was collected. A multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify the correlates of bullying in this population. The study was performed and reported according to the STROBE guidelines. Data was analyzed using STATA 12.0 and SPSS 19.0. RESULTS: A total of 125 participants were included in our analysis. Bullying prevalence among dental interns based on the operational definition by Mikkelsen stood at 36.8%, while self-labelled bullying was observed in 55 %. Males and participants from private institutions were more likely to self-label themselves as victims. 67% of respondents reported having witnessed bullying. Clinical faculty was identified as the most common perpetrator (23%) followed by colleagues 20% and the dental support staff 17%. Report of bullying among victims was low (14.5%) the most common reason being that “complaining is of no use” (28.8%) and “being afraid of the consequences” (22%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate a high prevalence of bullying in the participating dental institutions. Our results indicate a clear need to implement antiviolence regulations, anti-bullying educational programs and advocate further research on interventions to minimize bullying, enhance learning and professional engagement of interns in dental institutions. Show more

Keywords: Bullying, workplace violence, mobbing, work harassment, emotional abuse, occupational health, dental staff, hospital, Pakistan

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182784

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 91-100, 2018

Authors: Alkahtani, Mohammed S. | Ramadan, Mohamed Z. | Alshaikh, Khaled A. | Aljaweeni, Abdullah A. | Altuwaijri, Ahmad S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Plastic shopping bags are used world over. However, users may suffer pain in or injury to their fingers because of the relatively thin plastic handles of those bags. Due to such drawbacks of the available bag handles, new designs are needed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a handle that can be used to carry many bags simultaneously. This handle was ergonomically designed and manufactured with soft grip. Then, an experiment was performed to test the usefulness of the developed handle. METHODS: The cardiac cost, discomfort ratings, activity levels of eight muscles, …and peak plantar pressure (PPP) were the response variables in the experiment. The carrying style (with or without the handle), carrying method (dominant hand or both hands), and weight carried (5%, 10%, or 15% of the subject’s body weight) were the independent variables in the experiment. Twenty-six healthy, young volunteers participated in the experiment. RESULTS: It was found that carrying grocery bags in both hands using the bag handle was preferable to the other carrying methods because it reduced the cardiac cost, muscular stress, PPP, and average discomfort ratings. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that the developed shopping bag handle provides an ergonomic solution for carrying multiple heavy plastic bags. Show more

Keywords: Manual materials handling, occupational safety, baggage handling, shopping

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182786

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 101-112, 2018

Authors: Clarkson, L. | Blewett, V. | Rainbird, S. | Paterson, J.L. | Etherton, H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Young workers are at an increased risk of work place injury, and are less likely to report hazards or injuries, or apply for workers’ compensation even though they are over-represented in workers’ compensation statistics in comparison with their older peers. OBJECTIVE: To identify young workers’ perceptions of work health and safety (WHS), why and how they report (or do not report) hazards and injuries, and examine where they source WHS information. This paper reports on the first stage of a larger, mixed methods study on WHS and young workers in South Australia. METHODS: A total …of 226 young South Australian workers aged between 12 and 25 years completed an online survey. Data were analyzed using chi-squared analysis for categorical variables and t -tests where the dependent variable was continuous. RESULTS: Three quarters of young workers identified stress at work, not being trained to do the job, fatigue from work and lifting heavy things at work as WHS issues, although not necessarily as issues that they have personally experienced. Most young workers obtained information about WHS through their employer although a sizable proportion sourced this information from friends and social media. Young workers identified that they lacked confidence to report WHS issues. When they did report issues, many young workers reported these issues to their parents, despite identifying that their parents were often unable to help. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings contribute to our understanding of young workers’ perceptions of work health and safety. Although young workers could identify their concerns about particular health and safety related issues at work, they lacked the confidence to report their concerns and had limited information about where to go for help. The research suggests that there is a need to empower young people to report WHS concerns to their employer and provide structures and processes that encourage reporting. Show more

Keywords: Injury reporting, training, online survey, vulnerable workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182788

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 113-123, 2018

Authors: Bascompta, M. | Sanmiquel, L. | Vintró, C. | Rossell, J.M. | Costa, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health and safety is a crucial issue in the mining industry due to the implication of accidents in the sector. OBJECTIVE: This study determines the safety culture characteristics in several mining activities from South America. METHODS: A survey of the safety culture maturity has been done by means of 24 questions regarding the type of activity, number of employees and safety culture characteristics of the activity: information of accidents and incidents, organizational structure to deal with information, involvement of the company in health and safety issues, the way it communicates accidents and incidents and commitment …of the company towards health and safety. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 62 managers from Bolivia, Peru and Colombia. Results show different behaviors depending on the type of company, Artisanal or Large-Scale Mines, ASM and LSM respectively. LSM show a level of maturity according to the size of the company, while ASM does not have a clear trend in terms of size, even though there is a relationship between employees and safety culture maturity. In addition, a remarkable difference can be seen between activities with and without continuous improvement systems implemented. CONCLUSIONS: Large scale mining improves their level of safety culture as the size of the company increases, because procedures and control systems are implemented. Cooperatives or small companies also achieve substantial gains when they introduce similar systems. Show more

Keywords: Safety culture, Artisanal scale mines, Large scale mines, South America

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182781

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 125-133, 2018

Authors: Shrestha, Pramen P. | Shrestha, Kishor | Becerra, Eric

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the United States, about 38,000 cases of nonfatal workplace injuries were reported in 2015, in the category of ‘mechanical work’ (plumbing, heating, and air conditioning); this is nearly identical to the number of cases reported under ‘building construction’. OBJECTIVE: This paper analyzes the types and rates of injuries and illnesses of mechanical contractors of southern Nevada, including the nature of the injuries and illnesses, body parts affected by injuries, causes of injuries, and factors affecting the injury rates. METHODS: To obtain data, a survey consisting of questions regarding the number of injuries and types …of injuries was conducted with 31 mechanical contractors of southern Nevada involved in plumbing, piping, heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning. RESULTS: The injury rate for larger mechanical contractors (n  = 16), in terms of number of employees and annual revenue, was significantly lower than for smaller mechanical contractors (n  = 15). Mechanical contractors who worked on residential buildings (n  = 13) had significantly higher rates of injuries than those involved with industrial (n  = 7) or commercial buildings (n  = 10). Results showed that sprains and strains (31%) were dominant injuries, and the major causes were from parts and materials (39%), hand tools (16%), contact with objects (14%), and falls (7%). CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that the injury rate for these mechanical contractors was found to be higher than that reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for specialty trade contractors. Show more

Keywords: Personal protective equipment, OSHA 10-hour training, southern Nevada

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182787

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 135-148, 2018

Authors: Ejlertsson, Lina | Heijbel, Bodil | Troein, Margareta | Brorsson, Annika

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lack of recovery from everyday strains and demands is connected to increased levels of stress-related problems and development of ill-health. There is much research on how to handle and prevent fatigue and stress in leisure time, but research on working time is more scarce. A recent study found that employees’ experience of recovery during working hours was related to high self-rated health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the concept of recovery during working hours among primary health care workers. METHODS: Eight focus groups with 50 staff members, men and women, from …different professions were conducted in the primary health care sector in southern Sweden. The analysis was inspired by systematic text condensation, a strategy for qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Three main categories were identified as important factors for experiencing recovery during working hours: variation (including changes in location, tasks and tempo) companionship (including helpfulness, appreciation, social chat and laughter) and manageability (including completion, satisfaction, influence, control and reflection). CONCLUSIONS: Recovery during working hours is multifaceted. The categories identified in this study will be further elaborated and tested. Show more

Keywords: Work, employees, health, primary health care

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182783

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 149-156, 2018

Authors: Coelho, Denis A. | Lourenço, Miguel L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Focusing on the efficiency aspect of computer pointing devices’ usability, this paper reports on a novel and tentative empirically derived efficiency index for 3D CAD. OBJECTIVE: Three commercially available computer pointing devices were compared: a standard horizontal computer mouse, a vertical device (supporting neutral pronation of the forearm) and a slanted device. METHODS: Pilot structured observations of 10 subjects’ activity were carried out to estimate the proportion of each unique computer mouse operation during CAD modelling with a 3D parametric software. Pointing, dragging and steering standardized tasks were implemented by software and performed by 20 …users. Effectiveness and efficiency were calculated and discomfort, effort and ease of use were subjectively assessed. RESULTS: The mean efficiency index value was lower for the vertical device. Assessments of discomfort, effort and ease of use also supported considering preference for the horizontal and slanted devices, providing limited internal validation. CONCLUSION: Results suggest the tentative index may offer a valid means of ranking performance of alternative pointing devices regarding operation efficiency. Show more

Keywords: Effectiveness, usability, PC mouse, performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182785

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 157-170, 2018