Work - Volume 64, issue 3

Authors: Voss, Mitchell R. | Homa, Jennifer K. | Singh, Maharaj | Seidl, Jennifer A. | Griffitt, Wesley E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work rehabilitation programs were developed to help workers with an injury return to work (RTW). While studies have examined intervention characteristics, prognostic factors, and disability level, there is little or no research examining interdisciplinary interventions, lifting capacity/strength and the level of a patient’s RTW status (e.g., not working, new job, or ongoing restrictions) at the time of discharge. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes (RTW status and lifting capacity/strength changes) of an interdisciplinary work rehabilitation program and examine whether time off work prior to the program and type of injury were related to RTW status and strength changes. …METHODS: A retrospective database analysis was conducted with a sample of 495 participants (Mage  = 44.44 years, SD = 10.13) of which 375 (76%) were male. Participants were workers with injuries who participated in an interdisciplinary work rehabilitation program from 2006 to 2010. RESULTS: A significantly higher number of participants were working at the end of the program than at the beginning (83.9% vs. 31.6%, p  < 0.0001). Mean strength was higher at the time of discharge compared to at admission (p  < 0.0001). The participants that did not RTW had had significantly more days off work prior to the program (U = 11757, z = –3.152, p  = 0.002). The type of injury was not related to strength at the time of discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest the interdisciplinary program is associated with positive outcomes and early intervention may be an important factor when treating patients with work-related injuries. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, intervention, strength, work rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193012

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 507-514, 2019

Authors: Nylén, Eva Charlotta | Lindfors, Petra | Le Blanc, Pascale | Sverke, Magnus

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Overall, health-related correlates of job demands and job resources are well-known. However, in today’s working life, personal resources are considered to be of increasing importance. Beyond general mental ability, knowledge regarding personal resources remains limited. This is particularly so among women working in the welfare sector, a sector mainly employing women and with the work typically involving clients. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the importance of job demands, job resources, and personal resources for health-related outcomes, as well as the mitigating effects of resources, among women working within the Swedish welfare sector. METHODS: Self-reports from 372 …women employed within the welfare sector were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: Overall, increasing job demands were associated with poorer health outcomes while increasing job resources and personal resources were associated with better health. Additionally, lower control aggravated the effects of quantitative job demands on health outcomes while lower feedback mitigated the effect of qualitative demands. However, personal resources had no moderating effect. CONCLUSIONS: Job resources seem more pertinent to health than personal resources, at least among women working within the welfare sector in Sweden. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health psychology, work climate, signaling, limit-setting

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193013

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 515-529, 2019

Authors: Chan, Alan H.S. | Siu, Y.S. | Hoffmann, Errol R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Control selection in heavy machinery may be a problem due to the poor compatibility of the commonly-used single line of vertical levers for controls. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of control arrangements on directional compatibility and participant responses in terms of choice/function of controls. METHODS: We investigated experimentally, for a number of new designs of control arrangements, the selection of controls for requested functions of four different machines: fork lift trucks, excavators, tower cranes, and telescopic cranes. Control arrangements were designed with different levels of directional compatibility and participants were requested to nominate which …control was related to each of the machine motions and to make ratings of certainty of response. A second part required participants to rank the various control arrangements in terms of their compatibility. RESULTS: The in-line control arrangement was worst for each machine and increased directional compatibility improved the stereotype strength, certainty of response and ranking of control arrangement. CONCLUSIONS: Directional compatibility is the main factor in the design of control/machine output arrangements due to its effect on stereotype strength and correct selection of control of a given function. Show more

Keywords: Controls, machine motion, compatibility, directional compatibility, controls nomination

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193014

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 531-544, 2019

Authors: Ameer, Mariam A. | Kamel, Mohamed I. | Elhafez, Yosr M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sagittal spine curvature deformities are common among elementary school students due to long malposition and lack of physical activity. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare sagittal spine deformities among first graders (young and elder school students) in elementary schools. METHODS: The sagittal spinal curvatures of 45 young school students aged 5–7 years and 50 elder school students aged 9–11 years were examined by using spinal mouse device. RESULTS: Independent sample t -test shows statistically significant differences in sagittal spinal deformities with increased thoracic kyphosis and spinal flexion in young children than elder children …(P  = .000, t  = 10.72). However, young children show lesser lordosis than elder children (P  = .001, t  = –4.47). In addition, the young children established a higher significant coefficient of compensation (CC) than elder children (P  = .000 t  = 12.58). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the forward flexion of the trunk is more common among young children than elder children. This may be attributed to differences in postural awareness and way of sitting among students of elementary school. So, it is recommended to encourage the proper postures among students of first graders especially young children. Show more

Keywords: Elementary school screening, spine deformities, spinal mouse device

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193015

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 545-550, 2019

Authors: Javaid, Muhammad Umair | Bano, Sobia | Mirza, Muhammad Zeeshan | Isha, Ahmad Shahrul Nizam | Nadeem, Shahid | Jawaid, Arif | Ghazali, Zulkipli | Nübling, Matthias | Imtiaz, Nazish | Kaur, Parveen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Psychological conditions are experiences of the conscious and unconscious elements of the work context, which revolve around workers’ perceptions of feeling either engaged or disengaged with the assigned tasks. In the psychosocial work environment of hazardous industries like petrochemicals where production lasts twenty-four hours a day and continues seven-days-a-week, a psychologically available worker is extremely important. Psychological availability refers to when workers who are physically, emotionally and psychologically engaged at the moment of performing tasks. OBJECTIVE: The broad objective of this study was to investigate the direct and indirect effects of behavioral factors on the psychological and …physiological health of workers. METHODS: The latest, s econd generation technique, which is structural equation modeling, is used to identify the relationships between behavioral antecedents and health outcomes. A total of 277 technical workers participated, aged between 20 and 49 and were healthy in all aspects. RESULTS: The study results showed quantitative demands, emotional demands, work-family conflict, and job insecurity were significantly associated with both psychological (stress) and physiological (Body Mass Index) factors. The social support of colleagues produced mixed findings with direct and indirect paths. Stress also significantly mediates the psychosocial factors and burnout of the workers. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that workers were physically available, but they experienced distractions as members of social systems, affecting their physiological and psychological health. Show more

Keywords: Health, psychosocial, physiological, multistage sampling, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193016

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 551-561, 2019

Authors: Lin, Jia-Hua | Bao, Stephen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sit-stand workstations have been introduced in the workplaces to address the adverse sedentary effect inherent to typical office jobs. Existing field or laboratory studies showed that standing interventions are not a detriment to work productivity or performance. The effect of gradient standing proportion on these measures is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: The current naturalistic pilot study aimed to examine the controlled sit-stand ratio effect on office performances. METHODS: Eleven musculoskeletal symptom free office employees from a large government agency volunteered in this study. They were all equipped with electronic sit-stand desks. Computer usage (N=11) and productivity …(N=3) were collected using software and organizational metrics, respectively, for four typical workdays of four different sit-stand ratios (7 : 1, 3 : 1, 2 : 1, and 1 : 1). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant schedule effects on any computer usage measures. While not significant, time using computer, keystrokes, word count, and keyboard errors were all less as standing time increased. Sit-stand ratio and job productivity did not observe a clear cause and effect relationship. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of time spent standing in typical office jobs might not affect computer usage and productivity. Further study with a larger sample is needed for a stronger evidence. Show more

Keywords: Office ergonomics, computer workstations, sedentary, performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193017

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 563-568, 2019

Authors: Black, Margaret E. | Matthews, Lynda R. | Millington, Michael J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Expert employment information helps life insurers to decide total and permanent disability claims. The employability assessment model was developed a decade ago by rehabilitation counselors and has not been critically examined. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory descriptive study aims to elicit key issues of employability assessment within Australian life insurance. METHODS: Ten rehabilitation advisors with knowledge of employability assessment in the total and permanent disability sector participated in a single focus group. They each nominated issues of concern about employability assessment. These issues were collated then discussed within the group. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify …key issues. RESULTS: The predominant theme was the forensic nature of employment evidence. There were three categories of key issues. First, assessment providers— their training, qualifications, experience, and role. Second, methodology— approaches that provide most realistic information about a claimant’s likelihood of work. Third, policy definitions that illustrate reliance on legal interpretation of employability. CONCLUSIONS: To withstand legal scrutiny, the credentials of providers, assessment methodology, and quality of forensic reports are key issues which need to be addressed. This foundational study will contribute to broader research on this topic, with implications particularly for rehabilitation, life insurance, and claimants. Show more

Keywords: Life insurance, forensic, vocational expert, vocational rehabilitation, lump sum benefit

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193018

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 569-577, 2019

Authors: Ncube, France | Kanda, Artwell | Dhlakama, Praisemore

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Wooden Steel Chairs (WSCs) and Stackable Arm Chairs (SACs) are widely used in tertiary institutions of learning in low income countries. No local studies seem to have investigated the postural risk associated with the concerned chair type. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the postural risk associated with WSCs and SACs. It also determined the anatomical distribution of musculoskeletal complaints among users of the chair types. METHODS: Purposive sampling was used to select 100 desktop computer users (23.25±1.6 years) of which 50% consistently used a computer laboratory with WSCs and the other half used one …with SACs. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was used to evaluate the sitting posture of users of both chair types. Musculoskeletal complaints were investigated using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. RESULTS: Analyses showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean RULA scores for the right side of the body for users of WSCs (6.08±0.85) compared to users of SACs (5.26±1.23). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found on the prevalence of lower back pain between users of WSCs and SACs. Among all study participants, 72% reported musculoskeletal pain at one or more body parts in the previous 12 months. Self-reported complaints pertained to the neck (24%), lower back (19%), shoulders (16%), elbow (8%), upper back (8%) and wrist (4%). CONCLUSION: WSCs seem to pose a higher postural risk for lower back pain than SACs. Ergonomics interventions and exercise training programmes may be useful to address the poor working posture and musculoskeletal complaints. Show more

Keywords: Desktop computer, musculoskeletal complaints, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, tertiary institution of learning

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193019

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 579-586, 2019

Authors: Engelen, Lina | Drayton, Brad A. | Young, Sarah | Daley, Michelle | Milton, Karen | Bauman, Adrian | Chau, Josephine Y.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High levels of sitting are associated with increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including chronic disease. Extensive sitting at work is common, hence organisations should provide options to employees to reduce prolonged sitting. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and acceptability of a co-designed intervention to increase standing and reduce sitting in a public-sector office. METHODS: Forty-six adults participated in the quasi-experimental study (30 intervention; 16 control). The intervention involved providing sit-stand desks, prompts, workshops, and information emails to assist behavior change. Participants wore a thigh-mounted Actigraph GT3X+ for five working days and responded to an …online questionnaire at baseline (BL), 6 (T1) and 13 weeks (T2) post intervention. RESULTS: Inclinometer-measured proportion of time standing increased in the intervention group from 14% (baseline) to 28% (T1) and 27% (T2) (67 minutes more standing over an 8-hour workday). Intervention participants reduced sitting time from 79% (BL) to 63% (T1 and T2), (80 minutes less sitting over an 8-hour workday). The control group showed no changes. The program was highly recommended (94%), and perceived to support behavior change (81%). CONCLUSIONS: This Move More, Sit Less intervention appears to be efficacious and acceptable. Future interventions should be co-designed to ensure culturally appropriate components and higher acceptability. Show more

Keywords: Standing, sitting, sit-stand desk, multi-component intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193020

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 587-599, 2019

Authors: Gruber, Crislaine | Vergara, Lizandra Garcia Lupi | Gontijo, Leila Amaral

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ergonomics can help instructional designers to develop projects compatible with students’ needs, capabilities, and limitations. OBJECTIVE: We intend to verify the application of ergonomics in instructional design methods, methodologies, techniques, and recommendations. METHODS: We searched journal articles in the following databases: Compendex, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. Based on two inclusion criteria: (1) whether the article presents methods, methodologies, techniques, or recommendations for the instructional design; (2) whether the article addresses issues of ergonomics, we found 17 studies published from 1988 to 2013 in 16 journals. RESULTS: The main ergonomic concept addressed …in the reviewed studies was usability, followed by accessibility, and user-centred design. Most articles suggest guidelines for embedding ergonomics in instructional design. CONCLUSIONS: We found that future research could explore topics, such as user experience, design thinking, service design, and organisational ergonomics to improve instructional design practice. The number of studies found in this review demonstrates that scientific research should explore the application of ergonomics in instructional design methods. Show more

Keywords: Educational design, usability, accessibility, user-centred design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193021

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 601-611, 2019

Authors: Wang, Ming-Hsu | Chen, Yi-Lang | Chiou, Wen-Ko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cleaning workers experience severe musculoskeletal symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was to examine musculoskeletal symptoms in cleaners of different heights to evaluate the effects of height on working postures in the work environment (schools). METHODS: We used a three-stage method including using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms, a task analysis to confirm typical cleaning tasks, and the OVAKO Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) for posture analysis. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate the adjusted effects of individual characteristics on painful body regions, using individuals without any pain as …the reference category. RESULTS: This study found that the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms is very high for cleaners, especially in the shoulders, elbows, and lower back. Odds ratios for the accumulation of two or more risk factors were higher among men and were inversely associated with national economic indicators. The relatively high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms may stem from the multiple operations involved in cleaning tasks, such as trash collecting, floor mopping, toilet cleaning, and mirror polishing. Workers of different heights had differential work loadings for different tasks. CONCLUSIONS: This paper proposes recommendations for job adaptations and occupational safety training. Cleaners of different heights execute the typical tasks via different postures, and awkward postures often result in musculoskeletal symptoms. Cleaners should be provided with specific tools and training regarding working postures on the basis of height. These findings can be used as a reference for related operation designs and task improvements to ensure correct tool usage and safer working postures during cleaning. Show more

Keywords: Cleaning job, musculoskeletal symptoms, NMQ, task analysis, working posture

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193022

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 613-621, 2019

Authors: Wixted, Fiona | O’Sullivan, Leonard

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cognitive demands in the form of sustained attention are prevalent in automated manufacturing where operators undertake monitoring tasks for prolonged periods. Sustained attention tasks are stressful and could have potential health consequences for employees including contributing to Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs). OBJECTIVE: The study investigates if lowered task engagement (low task motivation/focus) is a mediator of the relationship between sustained attention and musculoskeletal complaints. METHOD: A structural equation modelling technique was used to determine if task engagement mediates the relationship between attention demand/attention supply and self-reported musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in manufacturing employees (n  = 235). …RESULTS: Study participants were 5.16 times (OR, odds ratio) more likely to have neck complaints, 7.27 (OR) times more likely to have upper back complaints and 3.9 (OR) times more likely to report lower back complaints (OR 2.05) when attention demands were high and task engagement was low. When task engagement was introduced as a mediator between attention supply and MSCs, odds ratios decreased for neck (from 1.01 to 0.60), shoulder (from 0.95 to 0.47) (p  < 0.01), upper back (from 1.01 to 0.70) (p  < 0.01) and lower back (from 0.94 to 0.40)* . CONCLUSION: Task engagement was a significant mediator of the relationship between attention demand and neck, upper back and lower back musculoskeletal complaints for study participants. Show more

Keywords: Occupational, ergonomics, stress, vigilance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193023

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 623-634, 2019

Authors: Irmak, Rafet

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Assessment of local condition specific outcome measures in combination to obtain an idea about the disability status of the whole spine is a conventional method. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) are two outcome measures used together. Test re-test reliability of ODI in healthy subjects has clinical importance and the test re-test reliability of NDI may have clinical significance. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the test re-test reliability of the NDI by using long-term test re-test reliability method of ODI on healthy office workers. METHODS: Participants who have …no chronic neck pain history were included in the study. Subjects were assessed by the Turkish-NDI (e-forms) on 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 15th, 30th days. 49 (20 female, 29 male) of 106 participants (57 female, 49 male) completed the study. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Friedman tests were used. RESULTS: The difference between median score of each day (χ = 9.275, p  > 0.05) was neither statistically nor clinically significant. CONCLUSIONS: NDI has test re-test reliability in healthy subjects over a 1-month time interval and the test re-test reliability is also valid in cases where both questionnaires are used in combination in this time interval. Show more

Keywords: Healthy subjects, neck pain, outcome measure

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193024

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 635-640, 2019

Authors: Smith, Thomas J. | Henning, Robert A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 1937, Ronald Coase published ‘The Nature of the Firm’ [1 ], addressing the question of why firms exist. He concluded that firms emerge to reduce costs of transactions. A ‘transaction’ is defined both as the action of conducting business, as well as an interaction between people. OBJECTIVE: Both senses of the term prompt the present social cybernetic analysis of the nature of the firm. Social cybernetics focuses upon the reciprocal feedback control and feedforward interactions between two or more individuals in a group or organizational setting, a process termed social tracking . METHODS: Social …cybernetic principles can be used to understand how firms establish and maintain the high levels of transactional efficiency necessary to survive and remain competitive. RESULTS: Selected examples are introduced, and subjected to social cybernetic analysis, of the types of transactions that the manager of a firm is expected to engage in regularly and with a high degree of effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: From the perspective of social cybernetics, the potential for continued market success of a firm is equated with the degree to which the fidelity of social tracking among transactional participants is developed, maintained and refined through organizational design and management. Show more

Keywords: Transactions, social cybernetics, organizational design and management

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193000

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 641-650, 2019

Authors: Judon, Nathalie | Galey, Louis | de Almeida, Valérie Saint-Dizier | Garrigou, Alain

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In a context where preventive measures are developed via a functionalist and technological approach, the aim of this work is to set out general principles and methods for new preventive solutions that will enrich these existing measures. OBJECTIVE: We propose an approach centered on the involvement of workers at all hierarchical levels around “intermediary objects” of prevention in order to foster a collective debate. This might provide empowered workers to be actors into their own prevention of risk faced. METHODS: Observational data was coupled with chemical and physiological measurements. We developed, reworked and enriched the …notion of risk representation, which promotes the visibility and recognition of the knowledge built, developed and held by workers on their activities and on ways to protect themselves from dangers or hazards. RESULTS: Implementation of the method generates detailed knowledge of chemical risks, knowledge that is constructed by the workers. This knowledge is made possible by the experience of the body and senses, and becomes accessible via references to the domestic and professional sphere in reflexive activities. The actors get involved and make use of their individual, collective and organizational resources to propose prevention solutions CONCLUSIONS: Use of intermediate prevention objects in an “intermediate space for dialogue” allows dialogues to be produced and fostered. Ultimately, these spaces are circulating entities for the co-production of knowledge for action: to generate knowledge and innovative prevention solutions collectively. Show more

Keywords: Reflexive activities, risk representation, intermediate objects, chemical risk prevention, participatory ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193001

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 651-660, 2019

Authors: Tamminen-Peter, Leena | Nygren, Kimmo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Perioperative nurses have several high-risk tasks. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are severe problems, while preventive measures are mostly insufficient. The ‘Ergonomic patient handling card® ’ education scheme was introduced in Finland in 2009 aimed at improving both nurses’ and patients’ safety. Experiences of this multicomponent program from the care units and home care are good; the physical workload and sickness absences due to MSDs are decreasing. As the perioperative nurses’ work in operating rooms (OR) varies considerably from the work in care units, a special education scheme needed to be developed. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to plan the …‘Ergonomic patient handling card® ’ perioperative care education scheme [later pCard ] and to define competencies, skills, and knowledge levels required to perform perioperative work safely, complying with legislative requirements, OR-safety and care quality. METHODS: Using a focus group and risk assessments in the acute care hospital the most stressful tasks in ORs in Finland were defined. The planning of the pCard content was based on the risk analysis aimed at defining competencies to mitigate the physical risks and on the evaluation of two pilot courses. RESULTS: The requested, approved corrections were incorporated into the new pCard scheme. Practical training emphazises working with safe methods and the safe usage of appropriate equipment. Show more

Keywords: Safe patient handling, musculoskeletal disorders, operating room, patient safety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193002

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 661-667, 2019