Work - Volume 65, issue 1

Authors: Cotrim, Teresa | Soares, Gabriel | Ferreira, Paula | Barnabé, Raquel | Teles, Júlia | Prata, Nuno

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The work of cemetery workers presents high physical demands and significant psychosocial stressors, but there are no studies about the influence of these risk factors on their work ability. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to analyse how socio-demographic and psychosocial factors are related to work ability among cemetery workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was applied at seven cemeteries of Lisbon, between November and December of 2015. The response rate was 88.9% (n  = 168). The survey involved socio-demographic data, the Work Ability Index, and COPSOQII. Multiple linear regression analysis, using the backward elimination stepwise method, was …done to identify the significant predictors of work ability. RESULTS: Results indicated a high prevalence of unsatisfactory WAI scores (39.5%), which, together with a mean age of 51 years showed these participants may have a high probability of being declared unfit for their current jobs. The main predictors of work ability were: general health, burnout, temporary work impairment, job satisfaction, age, and quality of leadership. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the relationship between age, health perception, work impairment, psychosocial variables, and work ability. This knowledge is crucial for the organization of occupational health programmes fitting the needs of cemetery workers and aiming at retaining these workers until the legal retirement age. Show more

Keywords: Work ability index, psychosocial risk factors, COPSOQ II, ageing, municipal workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193063

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 111-119, 2020

Authors: Saraei, Maryam | Najafi, Arezu | Heidarbagi, Ehsan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The screening of risk factors for sleep apnea among drivers with safety-sensitive jobs is considered as an issue of utmost importance in a safe transportation system. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the risk factors of sleep apnea among locomotive drivers. METHODS: The present research is a cross-sectional study conducted in Baharloo Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The study population included 281 locomotive drivers referred for their annual physical examination. Demographic characteristics, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and laboratory measurements including fasting blood sugar (FBS), …cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were recorded for each participant. Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg, history of drug use, BMI > 35 kg/m2 , age >50 years, and neck circumference >40 cm were defined as risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA-RFs). RESULTS: All participants were male with a mean age of 43±10 years. The mean BMI was 26.9±3.9 kg/m2. Also, the mean FBS and Total cholesterol of participants was 96.9±24.9 and 181.7±41.8, respectively. Among participants, 166 (59.9%) drivers had two or more risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA-RFs) CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicated a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among locomotive drivers. Therefore, further research is warranted to re-evaluate the current screening regulations of diagnosing sleep apnea among locomotive drivers. Show more

Keywords: Locomotive driver, railway, safety-sensitive jobs, Iran, obesity, sleep

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193064

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 121-125, 2020

Authors: Gharibi, Vahid | Khanjani, Narges | Khosravi, Ahmad | Hossein Abadi, Majid Bagheri | Norouzi, Pirasteh | Khammarnia, Mohammad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of risk factors that are associated with increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components among Iranian bakery workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolling 163 randomly selected bakery workers from Semnan province (Northeast Iran), was conducted in 2017. A standard questionnaire was used for data collection. Analyses were performed using t -test, one-way ANOVA and Latent Class Analysis (LCA) in R software. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 19.8% among bakery …workers. More bakery workers with MetS had no regular exercise (p  = 0.001) and worked more than eight hours a day (p  = 0.001). In this study, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) diagnostic criteria had more agreement with the American Heart Association (AHA) (49.1%) than the World Health Organization (WHO) and Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) criteria. Also, the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII) had the highest sensitivity for diagnosing MetS. The sensitivity of the four diagnostic methods, WHO, IDF, ATP and AHA, were 45.2%, 61.7%, 67.9% and 64.8%; and their specificity were 98.2%, 100%, 100% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS is high among bakery workers in Iran. Increased physical activity and intake of fruit and vegetables are recommended for the prevention of MetS. Show more

Keywords: Diagnostic screening programs, cardiovascular disease, occupational health, sensitivity and specificity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193065

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 127-135, 2020

Authors: Mokarami, Hamidreza | Kalteh, Haji Omid | Marioryad, Hossein

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a suitable and valid instrument, which provides a general view of workers’ abilities and functional capacities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of work-related and sociodemographic factors on work ability among employees of a company in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 employees. Work ability was measured by the Persian version of WAI. A questionnaire was also developed to assess work-related and sociodemographic factors. The data were analyzed using univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent t -test, and Pearson’s correlation. RESULTS: The …mean (SD) score of WAI was 38.4 (6.4). WAI mean score (p  < 0.05) was associated with age, gender, sleep quality, smoking, work schedule, the conflict between the work and individual, family, and social lives, work injuries, and job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the workers’ work ability, interventional programs should be concentrated on changing work schedules, improving sleep quality, limiting work hours, and not scheduling sensitive individuals to night shifts, those whose circadian rhythm stability and circadian rhythm amplitude is rigid type and languid type, respectively. Show more

Keywords: Workplace stress, sleep, shift work schedule, occupational health, aging workforce

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193066

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 137-143, 2020

Authors: Cieślak, Ilona | Kielan, Aleksandra | Olejniczak, Dominik | Panczyk, Mariusz | Jaworski, Mariusz | Gałązkowski, Robert | Pękala, Jakub R. | Iwanow, Lucyna | Zarzeka, Aleksander | Gotlib, Joanna | Mikos, Marcin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Occupational stress-related factors among working municipal police officers in Poland have not been examined in the literature. The purpose of the paper was to evaluate the impact of selected work-related factors on occupational stress in active municipal police officers in Warsaw by using configural frequency analysis (CFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 578 participants, which accounted for 55.1% of all municipal police officers in Warsaw. The majority of study participants were men (72%) (mean age 43 years old). Two groups of workplace-related stress factors were analysed in the study: physical conditions …and organisational working conditions causing stress. The study was carried out using the PAPI method (Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing), based on a proprietary questionnaire developed for the study. CFA searches for templates and patterns in contingency tables. RESULTS: Municipal police officers who claimed that stress did not affect health, took advantage of psychological/psychiatric advice less often than those who thought so (1.7% vs 10.1%; χ 2 = 20.152, df = 2, P  = 0.000). Those who declared that they often experienced stress at work were also more prone to claiming that one or two factors affected their level of stress: physical abuse, contact with infectious materials, working at uncomfortable temperatures or working in a noisy environment. In the opinion of the study population, there were some factors which contributed to the occurrence of stress at work, and these factors included: working in a hurry, lack of necessary resources, devices and materials at work, the need to be available at all times and the unpredictability of the work. The municipal police officers from the study population combined two or three methods to cope with stress, such as watching TV, surfing the Internet and talking with their families. CONCLUSION: Due to the specificity of a municipal police officer’s occupation, special attention should be paid to the occupational stress risk factors characteristic for this group of professionals, and measures should be taken to reduce the number of stressors. It is important to organise training events devoted to effective methods of coping with stress. There is need to carry out more in-depth studies of occupational stress among municipal police officers. Show more

Keywords: Safety, health at work, occupational medicine, uniformed services

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193067

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 145-152, 2020

Authors: Kumar, Mukesh | Srivastava, Sanjay

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The lateral malalignment of patella is considered to be the main cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). PFPS, in an occupational setup, is aggravated by prolonged sitting, climbing stairs, squatting, and kneeling. Strengthening of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) opposes the lateral force produced by vastus lateralis (VL) and helps in stabilizing patella. OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to compare six common rehabilitation exercises (REs) and to identify those which could possibly activate VMO selectively to alleviate PFPS of occupational workers. METHODS: Ten subjects, having no history of PFPS, performed six REs, namely, straight leg raise …with neutral hip position (SLRN), straight leg raise with externally rotated hip position (SLRER), short arc quad with neutral hip position (SAQN), short arc quad with externally rotated hip position (SAQER), medial tibial rotation and hip adduction (HA). REs were compared on the basis of integrated electromyographic activity of VMO and VL. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that VMO activity was more than that of VL during all REs. However, this difference was not statistically significant in any of the six REs. HA produced significantly higher VMO activity than SLRN, SLRER and SAQN. CONCLUSIONS: The results provided a wider range of options for selecting apposite REs for treating patients diagnosed with PFPS. Show more

Keywords: Patellofemoral pain syndrome, rehabilitation exercises, electromyography, vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193068

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 153-159, 2020

Authors: Jerome, Gerald J. | Lisman, Peter J. | Dalcin, Arlene T. | Clark, Austin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are significant concerns for first responders (firefighters and emergency medical service providers). OBJECTIVE: This pilot study examines the feasibility of a weight loss program for career first responders. METHODS: Participants were career first responders with BMI≥30 and interest in losing weight. Baseline height, weight, and body composition using dual x-ray absorptiometry, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) with follow-up weight and body composition were assessed. A 10-week weight loss program used evidence-based lifestyle goals (encouraged increasing activity levels, using tailored calorie goals, following the DASH diet, tracking …with a phone app) and weekly in-person sessions with a student coach-in-training who reviewed weight and tracking information. RESULTS: Participants (N = 10) were 39.0±9.9 years old with a BMI of 35.6±4.7 kg/m2 . There were significant reductions in weight –4.8±2.3 kg and percent body fat –3.9±1.7%. All participants had a PSQI score >5 indicating poor quality of sleep. Nine participants had FMS scores ≤14 indicating increased risk of injury. CONCLUSION: The use of commercially available apps with support from a student coach-in-training and evidence-based weight loss recommendations is a feasible approach to support career firefighters in their weight loss efforts. Show more

Keywords: Obesity, firefighter, EMS, functional movement screen

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193069

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 161-166, 2020

Authors: Min, Seung-Nam | Subramaniyam, Murali | Park, Se Jin | Lee, Kyung-Sun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Falls are caused by difficulties in maintaining stable posture or center of pressure (COP). Studies on construction-related falls and their prevention are limited OBJECTIVE: To propose a fall prevention index (FPI) based on the working environment at height (with or without a handrail) and experience of workers on movable scaffolds. METHODS: Thirty participants were enrolled, and their COP distances were measured at the time of falling in the anterior-posterior (AP), mediolateral (ML), and diagonal directions. RESULTS: The probability of falling in the diagonal direction is almost zero for workers with more than 20 …years of experience and that in the AP direction is almost zero for workers with up to 30 years of experience. There was almost zero probability of falling in the ML direction for workers with >15 years of experience. This index can be used as a tool for predicting the risk of falls, screening workers, and implementing proactive measures to prevent falling accidents on work sites. CONCLUSIONS: Preventing falls from movable scaffolds (and height in general) is needed in the construction industry. We propose a fall prevention index based on the working environment (at height, with or without handrail) and experience of workers on movable scaffolds. Show more

Keywords: Center of pressure, fall accident, construction industry, falling limit point

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193070

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 167-173, 2020

Authors: Abaraogu, U.O. | Duru, D.O. | Imaji, B. | Ezenwankwo, E.F. | Fawole, H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The health implication of backpack carriage among school-aged children is a topic of growing research and public health interest. Low weighing backpacks may decrease the risk of musculoskeletal discomforts (MSDs). OBJECTIVE: To investigate MSDs and their association with backpack carriage practices among secondary school students in eastern Nigeria. METHOD: Across-sectional study of 404 (243 females and 161 males) secondary school students aged thirteen to seventeen who were residents of Enugu State, Nigeria was conducted. The Modified Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was adapted and used to collect information onstudents’ demographics, musculoskeletal painand backpack carriage. Descriptive statistics …(frequencies and percentages) were utilized to summarize results. Chi-square test was used to explore the association between MSD prevalence and backpack carriage practices. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Alpha level was kept at 0.05. RESULTS: The average backpack weight carried by the students in this study was 2.49 kg. Shoulder (185, 45.8%), neck (121, 30.0%), upper back (91, 22.6%) and lower back (22, 5.5%) in that order were the body regions most affected by MSDs within the last 12 months. More females than males reported MSDs (60.5% vs 45.2%; x 2  = 8.09, p  = 0.04). Other students’characteristics and backpack carriage related factors were not associated with MSDs. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of MSDs among secondary school students in this study but it is not related to backpack carriage. Further research is required to identify the factors responsible for the MSDs, as well as suitable interventions to reduce its impact in this population. Show more

Keywords: Spinal pain, musculosketal problems, backpack, prevalence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193071

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 175-180, 2020

Authors: Ståhl, Christian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This Sounding Board article uses a number of societal stereotypes related to work and welfare to problematize the relationship between work and health, and how this relates to the prevention and management of work disability. It outlines current discourses in policy and research around these issues, and discusses some of the ethical implications of these discourses. The article concludes that the current policies on work disability and sickness insurance takes their point of departure in over-simplified accounts of the relationship between work and health, and that a more critical reading of the evidence is called for. The implications for research …are also discussed, where a system-oriented perspective with attention to social gradients and the various working environments is called for. Show more

Keywords: Work disability, sickness absence, health, prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193053

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 181-186, 2020

Authors: do Carmo Alonso, Carolina Maria | de Lima, Anderson Nogueira | Oggioni, Barbara de Macedo Passos | Teixeira, Melissa Ribeiro | Oliveira, Eliel Prueza | Couto, Maria Cristina Ventura | Duarte, Francisco Josde C.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of electronic health records (EHR) is related to the improvement of service quality and care coordination. The design of this platform generally focuses on the individual use of the system and does not integrate the specific needs of workers to provide support for collaborative activities. OBJECTIVE: The study investigated how activity ergonomics (AE) contributed to improve the design of an EHR that supports the collaborative mental health care of children and youth. METHODS: This qualitative study, based on the theoretical framework of AE, used individual and group interviews and document analysis as research …procedures. The data collection occurred between March and September 2017 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. RESULTS: The study highlighted the following points: the characteristics that marked the different perceptions of workers regarding the use of a communication tool for collaborative care; the problems related to spreadsheet usability; and the desirable attributes that should be considered in the conception of a new EHR. CONCLUSIONS: The research indicated that AE favors improving the design of an EHR by incorporating the work dimension into the project. Show more

Keywords: Participatory design, human engineering, service integration

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193048

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 187-194, 2020

Authors: Adeyemi, Ademola James | Lasisi, Olusegun Isa | Ojile, Paul | Abdulkadir, Muyideen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mismatch between classroom furniture and the students’ anthropometry have been identified as a major cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among students. Such discomforts can affect students’ performance. OBJECTIVE: This paper is aimed at investigating the prevalence of MSDs and the effect of furniture intervention among students of tertiary institutions in Northwest Nigeria. METHODS: The Cornell’s MSD questionnaire was used to investigate the prevalence of MSDs in twelve body regions of students aged between 16 and 25 years. Eleven students’ anthropometric dimensions were also measured and used to compute the ergonomically compliant furniture dimensions for the …participants. A new set of furniture was introduced, and the questionnaire was used to investigate if the intervention made was significant or not. The academic performance of some of the students before and after the intervention was analyzed using the t -test statistical technique. RESULT: None of the furniture in use was suitable for the majority of the students. MSDs prevalence ranges from 14% to 67.3% among the body regions with the students reporting that low back pain is the most prevalent (67.3%), severe (19.4%) and interfering with their studies (15.8%). The intervention also reduced MSDs in all body regions except at the upper arm and the right side of the forearm. Only sitting, knee, and popliteal heights were significantly associated with MSD occurrence. There was also a significant improvement in the students’ academic performance after the intervention (t  = –3.239, p  = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The limited success of the intervention is an indication of the need to carry out a more holistic intervention that incorporates other inputs such as continuous enlightenment and classroom facility design. Show more

Keywords: Anthropometry, musculoskeletal disorders, furniture mismatch, school ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193049

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 195-203, 2020

Authors: Molan, Gregor | Molan, Marija

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In a real working environment, workers’ performance depends on the level of competence, psychological and health condition, motivation, and perceived stress. These are the attributes of actual availability. It is crucial to identify the most influential attributes to develop an adequate level of worker’s performance. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to upgrade the Availability-Humanization-Model (AH-Model) with an implementation of the artificial intelligence classification tree to identify influencing factors of the well-being attributes on human performance, where the identified influencing factors are gripping points for maintaining sustainable performance in real-life conditions of different professions. …METHODS: Well-being attributes are collected with the Questionnaire Actual Availability (QAA) from AH-Model and then analysed by implementation of the decision trees classification algorithms. An embedded clustering analysis of QAA ensures an efficient feature construction and selection. It negates the need of applying tree pruning or any other noise reduction algorithms. RESULTS: An implementation of the machine learning algorithms reflects the real conditions of working environments: (a) real performance of workers depends on the perception of well-being and availability and (b) the most influencing factors explicitly reflect the content of work in a specific domain (Fintech, health, forestry, traffic) with a high level of stress. CONCLUSIONS: The presented approach offers a possibility to identify the most important well-being attributes to determine an adequate efficiency and to improve the performance level in the real working conditions. Show more

Keywords: Questionnaire of actual availability, well-being, artificial intelligence, machine learning, classification tree, AH -model

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193050

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 205-213, 2020

Authors: Yoo, Taekbeom | Park, Woojin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most existing models/algorithms for simulating goal-directed human motions were designed to generate a single “realistic” motion for a given input scenario. OBJECTIVE: This study presents a novel reach motion generation algorithm utilizing multiple posture memories. The algorithm aims to compute and visualize a set of human reach motions that approximates the full range of physically and physiologically feasible human motions for a given input scenario. METHODS: The algorithm utilizes posture memories constructed specifically for an individual worker using a probabilistic posture generation and registration process. The posture memories relate a hand position to the set …of postures that place the individual’s hand in its vicinity. When given an input scenario, the algorithm first generates different hand paths connecting the starting and ending hand positions specified in the scenario. Then, for each hand path, the algorithm produces different “feasible” motions by selecting and connecting multiple postures stored in the posture memories; the postures corresponding to the hand positions along the hand path are utilized. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed algorithm helps understand the impacts of workplace design on the range of feasible human motion behaviors, and, thereby, contributes to the computer-aided ergonomics design of work tasks and workplaces. Show more

Keywords: Digital human modeling, human motion simulation, computer-aided ergonomics, virtual ergonomics, reachability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193051

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 215-223, 2020

Authors: Reinert, Fabíola | Caselli, Raoni Pontes | Moro, Antônio Renato Pereira | Gontijo, Leila Amaral | Ferreira, Marcelo Gitirana Gomes

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the ergonomic requirements in the use of desktop computers and laptops. For comparison, postures in the sagittal and transversal planes involved while performing a typing and editing task on a desktop and laptop computers were verified. Thus, a case study was conducted with a Brazilian male of medium height, who works around 20 hours per week in a computer. Nine spherical markers of 2.5 cm in diameter were joined up with duct tape on the right side of the participant and the positions adopted by the subject were analyzed in the …use of a desktop and a laptop computer, through direct observation and filming, using the videography technique. It is concluded that the use of desktop computers has lesser biomechanical demands since it showed angles closer to a neutral position and consequently having a lower risk of musculoskeletal complaints. Show more

Keywords: Notebook computer, musculoskeletal disorders, posture, workstation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193052

Citation: Work, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 225-230, 2020