Work - Volume 66, issue 1

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203142

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2020

Authors: Pilipiec, Patrick

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Insufficient evidence exists that can explain two conflicting views (i.e. positive and negative relationship) regarding the effect of job insecurity on job performance. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of time in explaining these ambiguous views. A positive association was expected cross-sectionally and a negative relationship longitudinally. I hypothesized that available coping resources may delay the negative effect on job performance until being exhausted. METHODS: Longitudinal self-reported data of 928 participants were used. Job performance was operationalized as core task performance and productivity loss. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations were analyzed using linear and logistic regressions. Duration …analyses were performed using the two-year duration of job insecurity. RESULTS: Short-term and long-term, job insecurity was only related with increased productivity loss. No evidence was found for core task performance. The duration of job insecurity, and chronic job insecurity in particular, did not predict core task performance or productivity loss two years later. CONCLUSIONS: The factor time, operationalized as the time of follow-up and the duration of exposure to job insecurity, did not clarify the conflicting views. Managers should be more aware of the adverse effects of using job insecurity as a motivational strategy to increase job performance. Show more

Keywords: Chronic exposure, core task performance, duration of job insecurity, productivity loss

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203145

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 3-15, 2020

Authors: Dockrell, Sara | Forde, Cuisle | Gormley, John

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls are prone to increased sedentary behavior and are more sedentary than their male peers or younger girls. This study compared the energy required for identical tasks in standing and sitting. METHOD: Energy expenditure (EE) was measured using indirect calorimetry (n  = 24) in four tasks (sitting/standing quietly; reading; typing; sorting paper) under two postural conditions (sitting; standing). The currently accepted definition for sedentary behavior of energy expenditure of ≤1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) and being in a seated or reclining position was used. RESULTS: All seated tasks resulted in mean EE <1.5 METs with the exception …of sorting paper. All standing tasks resulted in mean EE of >1.5 METs with the exception of standing quietly. Standing sorting paper was the only task with a mean EE significantly >1.5 METs. A significant interaction between task and posture was found. CONCLUSIONS: Active tasks in standing had significantly greater EE than in sitting, and sorting paper while standing was the only task with an EE significantly >1.5 METs. The difference between the two postures is likely too low to produce positive metabolic health benefits in the short term. Studies of the effects of long-term use of standing desks in the classroom are required. Show more

Keywords: Sedentary behavior, calorimetry, METs

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203146

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 17-23, 2020

Authors: Putri Anis Syahira, M.J. | Karmegam, K. | Nur Athirah Diyana, M.Y. | Irniza, R. | Shamsul Bahri, M.T. | Vivien, H. | Nurul Maizura, H. | Sivasankar, S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Malaysian traffic policemen are constantly exposed to unhealthy air in the outdoor environment, which results in various health problems. This study investigates the relationship of the personal exposure level to PM2.5 and lung functions in traffic policemen in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. METHODS: A pulmonary function test using a spirometer was carried out to measure the lung function of the traffic policemen. The personal exposure level to PM2.5 was measured using a pump with a PVC filter and 5.0μ m pore size. A questionnaire requesting the background data, such as age, height, and weight, …was also used for testing lung function abnormalities. RESULTS: The PM2.5 personal exposure level was found to be significantly related to lung function (predicted FEV1 and predicted FVC) at p -value < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Traffic policemen are mainly exposed to physical hazards from traffic pollutants emitted by vehicles, such as fine particles and particulate matter. The findings of this study indicate that there is a trend of lung function deterioration among traffic policemen. These baseline data can serve as a reference for the top management of traffic police to aid in the development of occupational safety and health guidelines for police officers, as the traffic police are not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, Act 514 1994). Show more

Keywords: Spirometer, lung function, occupational health, respiratory health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203147

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 25-29, 2020

Authors: Rugs, Deborah | Powell-Cope, Gail | Campo, Marc | Darragh, Amy | Harwood, Kenneth | Kuhn, Judy | Rockefeller, Kathleen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Increasingly, occupational and physical therapists are using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) equipment, such as mechanical lifts, in rehabilitation. However, there is little guidance in the literature on how SPHM equipment can be used to assist patients to reach rehabilitation goals. The purpose of this projectwas to document and categorize common and innovative ways rehabilitation therapists use SPHM equipment in their clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This article investigates common and innovative uses of SPHM equipment in rehabilitation practice. METHODS: Occupational, physical and kinesio therapist employed at the Veterans Health Administration wrote narratives and took photos …describing rehabilitation therapy activities where they used SPHM equipment in their clinical practice. The authors used a systematic process to review and categorize the narratives and subsequent photos by using the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). RESULTS: Thirty narratives (13 innovative and 17 common) were coded into four categories on the ICF section of mobility. The most common category was “changing and maintaining basic body position”(21) followed by “walking and moving” (5). The category “carrying, moving and handling objects” garnered two narratives and there were no narratives for “using transportation.” CONCLUSIONS: Project findings may serve as a guide for therapists who would like to enhance their use of SPHM equipment in rehabilitation. Additional research is needed to expand the use of SPHM in rehabilitation practice and evaluate the impact on patient rehabilitation outcomes and therapist safety outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation therapy, international classification of functioning, occupational therapy, physical therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203148

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 31-40, 2020

Authors: Owlia, Mohammadhasan | Kamachi, Megan | Dutta, Tilak

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patient handling activities require caregivers to adopt postures that increase the risk of back injury. Training programs relying primarily on didactic methods have been shown to be ineffective at reducing this risk. The use of real-time biofeedback has potential as an alternative training method. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of real-time biofeedback on time spent by caregivers in end-range lumbar spine flexion. METHODS: Novice participants were divided into intervention (n  = 10) and control (n  = 10) groups and were asked to perform a set of simulated care activities eight times on two consecutive days. Individuals in …the intervention group watched a training video on safer movement strategies and received real-time auditory feedback from a wearable device (PostureCoach) in four training trials whenever their lumbar spine flexion exceeded a threshold (70% of maximum flexion). Changes in end-range lumbar spine flexion were compared between groups and across trials. RESULTS: Participants in the intervention group saw reductions in end-range lumbar spine flexion during the simulated patient handling tasks at the end of the training compared to their baseline trials while there was no change for the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The training program including PostureCoach has the potential to help caregivers learn to use safer postures that reduce the risk of back injury. Show more

Keywords: PostureCoach, personal support workers, family caregivers, low back pain, multi-component training intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203149

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 41-51, 2020

Authors: Oh, Hyunsung | Park, Soo Kyung

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Precarious work is featured with disadvantaged job conditions such as to employment contract, job description, and occupational environment, and has been recognized as an emerging social risk for mental health. Social capital deserves further attention, believed to buffer stress produced by precarious employment. Yet, recent evidence suggests that the mental health benefits of social capital vary by gender, as gender norms that oblige women to assume a caregiving burden may nullify the benefits of a richer social capital. OBJECTIVE: Our study focused on two types of social capital, bonding and bridging, testing their stress-buffering effects, as focusing …on the posited gender-moderated effects of social capital. METHODS: We analyzed 333 precarious workers in South Korea. Chi-square tests and t -tests are used to compare socio-demographic factors, depressive symptoms, and daily stressors by gender. Multiple regression analyses were used to test significance of an interaction term between daily stress and sub-domains of social capital by gender. RESULTS: Male workers with higher bonding and higher bridging social capital reported lower depressive symptoms. Yet, female workers gained no direct benefit from higher bonding social capital and those with higher bridging social capital reported even higher depressive symptoms when their daily stress was lower. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the notion that social capital is not universally beneficial and female precarious workers lacking resources seem to suffer despite increased social participation. Show more

Keywords: Social network, daily stress, mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203150

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 53-62, 2020

Authors: Patterson, Megan S. | Gagnon, Leah R. | Nelon, Jordan L. | Spadine, Mandy N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Working adults in the United States often do not engage in enough exercise to experience health benefits. With workplaces becoming increasingly sedentary, more emphasis is placed on providing exercise opportunities at work. Evidence suggests participating in exercise during the workday and socially connecting with others while exercising, can lead to positive health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine whether mental and social health factors were related to increased exercise among employees participating in a worksite group exercise program. METHODS: An egocentric network analysis was conducted on a sample of university employees …(n  = 57). RESULTS: Regression analyses (Adjusted R2  = 0.501, F = 4.686, p  = 0.001) suggest that depression (β = –0.548, p  = 0.041), stress (β = 0.530, p  = 0.016), nominating alters who exercise similarly (β = 0.326, t = 2.111, p  = 0.045), average exercise scores across egonetworks (β = –0.330, t = –2.135, p  = 0.043), and nominating other group exercise members (β = 0.579, t = 3.721, p  = 0.001) were related to physical activity scores. CONCLUSION: These findings provide empirical support for using group exercise environments as a mechanism for increasing exercise among employees. Specifically, fostering social connections between employees involved in the program can lead to greater physical activity scores. Future research should confirm these results in larger samples, along with determining more causal relationships with longitudinal and experimental designs. Show more

Keywords: Egonetworks, worksite wellness, group exercise, employee wellness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203151

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 63-72, 2020

Authors: Pradeepkumar, H. | Sakthivel, G. | Shankar, S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related health problems result in an economic loss of 4–6% in GDP (Gross domestic Product) of the most countries. In the industrialized countries, 1/3rd of the health-related absence to duty are due to musculoskeletal disorders. Professional driving is one such occupation which looks like sedentary occupation, but involves many risk factors that contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) due to its nature of working and work environment. This research describes the various risk factors associated with WMSDs and their effects on drivers health. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of WMSD and its associated risk factors among the …bus drivers of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Karnataka. METHODS: Subjects considered in this study are 301 full-time bus drivers from the central division KSRTC which consists of 6 depots in Bengaluru. Information regarding reported WMSD symptoms during immediate past 7 days to 12 months, the intervention of WMSD in their day-to-day life and the overall comfort of the body are determined through Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and also by direct observation. The survey questionnaire is conducted by face to face interview. FINDINGS: From the statistical analysis, it is found that around 55.8% of the study population has experienced WMSD. The prevalence of WMSD is most common in the age group of 29–39 years (53.5%) followed by the age group of >40 years. CONCLUSION: In this study, some of the work-related and lifestyle/health-related factors show significant association with WMSD in bus drivers of Karnataka. Musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented by designing the driver’s workspace ergonomically so that the design suits to all sorts of drivers and the drivers should also be trained on basics of vehicle ergonomics (posture, seat adjustments, in-vehicle controls adjustments). INTERPRETATION: KSRTC should educate drivers on the basics of vehicle ergonomics, harmful use of tobacco/alcohol, unhealthy food habits and also to involve in physical exercise at least 75–150 mins weekly. If not, the trend of drivers suffering from WMSD belonging to mid-age will increase exponentially. SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK: Statistical result and direct observation insist on undertaking further studies on ergonomic interventions at driver’s cabin, lifestyle/occupational health factors which mitigate WMSD in different parts of the body during driving. Show more

Keywords: WMSD, bus drivers, risk factors, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203152

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 73-84, 2020

Authors: Tahmasebi, Reza | Anbarian, Mehrdad | Torkashvand, Sadaf | Motamedzade, Majid | Farhadian, Maryam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are one of the major problems in industrial societies. Awkward postures in theworkplace are considered as a main reasons for these disorders. Therefore, the study and investigation of postures to improve them (in the workplace) have a significant role in appropriate intervention. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to design an ergonomic chair for near-ground welding operations and evaluate its impact on the electromyography (EMG) activity of a select group of lower limb muscles. METHODS: The EMG activity of lower limb muscles was measured in eight postures consisting of three postures identified via …observing welders at work, and five on-chair postures suggested for chair use during welding. The usability of the designed chair was evaluated through the use of the System Usability Scale (SUS). RESULTS: The results showed that the suggested on-chair postures had significantly lower mean muscle activity compared with the identified postures (p  < 0.001). Among the identified postures, kneeling posture had the lowest mean muscle activity (p  < 0.01), still significantly higher than the mean activity of the on-chair postures (p  < 0.001). Applying a 15° slope to the seat pad led to a decrease in muscle activity and an increase in usability score. The usability score of the chair was acceptable in all postures except KCC-90 posture. CONCLUSIONS: Using a suitable chair or support for different work postures can prevent detrimental muscle activities during work and the development of musculoskeletal disorders caused by intense muscle activity due to awkward postures. Show more

Keywords: Chair design, working posture, electromyography, usability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203153

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 85-93, 2020