Work - Volume 66, issue 4

Authors: Clark, Tyler Lee | Schwerha, Diana J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As the last of the millennial generation is graduating and entering the work force, it has become imperative to devise new ways of engaging this group in safety initiatives. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to investigate if messages aligned with particular identified millennial workplace culture preferences (i.e. teamwork and CSR) can more effectively engage millennial workers. METHODS: Thirty participants completed surveys to determine their predisposed attitudes of teamwork and CSR. They then viewed three versions of a safety presentation each addressing the same topic and information, but each with a different theme behind their safety message …(i.e. control, teamwork, and CSR). RESULTS: The pooled teamwork and CSR data showed that these messages were favored in larger proportion than the control message. No statistically significant differences were found between the three messages when analyzed individually. CONCLUSIONS: ANOVA analyses showed a significant difference between the control presentation data and the pooled teamwork and CSR presentation data indicating that millennials prefer safety messages aligned with teamwork and social responsibility to a safety message with no extrinsic motivational theme. Show more

Keywords: Millennial, safety, training, teamwork, corporate social responsibility

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203226

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 799-815, 2020

Authors: Ghasemi, Fakhradin | Gholamizadeh, Kamran | Rahmani, Ramin | Doosti-Irani, Amin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common disorder among occupations where upper extremities are actively involved in. Many occupational and non-occupational risk factors may contribute to this disorder. Knowledge regarding occupational risk factors can guide us to implement interventional programs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and severity of CTS symptoms among butchers and their association with several occupational and non-occupational risk factors. METHODS: In this study, 152 butchers in Hamadan, Iran, were examined. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) was used to investigate the severity of CTS …symptoms among the individuals. Several risk factors such as body mass index (BMI), wrist ratio, active working hours per day, working experience, and the ergonomic quality of hand tools used by butchers were also investigated. Statistical tests such as the crude and robust regression were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate and mild symptoms of CTS were 7% and 54%, respectively. Moreover, 39% of the butchers were free of CTS symptoms. Crude regression analyses showed that the severity of CTS symptoms had a significant relationship with age, work experience, active working hours per day, working hours per week, and ergonomic quality of the hand tools (p value <0.05). There was no significant relationship between the severity of CTS symptoms and wrist ratio and BMI. Results of the robust regression analysis showed a significant relationship between the severity of CTS symptoms with experience, active working hours, and quality of the hand tools. CONCLUSION: Occupational risk factors such as working experience, active working hours per day, and the ergonomic quality of hand tools are significant risk factors of CTS symptoms among butchers. Slippery handle is the main non-ergonomic feature of knives and cleavers used by butchers. There was no association between BMI and wrist ratio with CTS symptoms. Show more

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, upper extremity, meat products, ergonomics, occupational risk factors, butchers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203227

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 817-825, 2020

Authors: Gupta, Charlotte C. | Dorrian, Jill | Coates, Alison M. | Zadow, Amy | Dollard, Maureen | Banks, Siobhan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Residential support workers (RSWs) provide 24-hour care to clients and many work overnight sleepover nightshifts. Although RSWs perform safety-critical tasks and are at high-risk of work stress and exhaustion, the health and safety of RSWs has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: This explorative workplace case study explored the impact of support work on the eating and driving behaviours of RSWs. METHODS: Thirteen RSWs who had worked a dayshift (n  = 6) or a sleepover nightshift (n  = 7) completed questions on the timing of food intake during their shift, motivations for eating during the shift, subjective work performance, …alertness and sleepiness post-shift, and driving performance post-shift. RESULTS: RSWs reported snacking during the night on a sleepover nightshift. Time available was the biggest determinant for when RSWs ate during a day and sleepover nightshift. Ratings of subjective alertness and sleepiness after eating were not different between shift types, however participants reported an increase in work performance after eating during a dayshift. Driving events were more frequently reported post-sleepover nightshift, compared to post-dayshift. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate an impact of shift type on eating and driving behaviours of RSWs and highlight the importance of further investigation of this under-researched group to identify appropriate strategies for improving health and safety. Show more

Keywords: Residential support, shift work, health, safety, carer

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203228

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 827-839, 2020

Authors: Mavindidze, Edwin | van Niekerk, Lana | Cloete, Lizahn

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unemployment rates are generally higher among persons with mental disabilities who experience many barriers and challenges that limit their participation in work and employment. Occupational therapy can play a key role in promoting participation and engagement in work by persons with mental disabilities. OBJECTIVE: This review sought to identify the barriers and facilitators to work participation for persons with mental disabilities globally in comparison to Zimbabwe, and to identify the competencies related to work practice in occupational therapy curricula internationally and regionally. METHODS: A narrative literature review was conducted using the SALSA (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis …and Analysis) framework which informed retrieval and analysis of articles published between 2012 and 2018. RESULTS: Fifty-one out of 227 articles were selected to inform the review. A synthesis of the literature provided insights and ideas on facilitators and barriers to work for persons with mental disabilities and the competencies related to work practice in occupational therapy curricula. CONCLUSION: Barriers to participation in work for persons with mental disabilities are real. However, occupational therapists from different contexts have a variety of competencies to facilitate participation in work. There is a need to develop work practice competencies particular to the Zimbabwean context. Show more

Keywords: Barriers to work, knowledge, skills, professional attributes, work practice

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203229

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 841-848, 2020

Authors: Jadhav, Ganesh Suresh | Arunachalam, M. | Salve, Urmi Ravindra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The footwear manufacturing industry is one of the significant sectors of leather businesses in India. In the Indian footwear production industry, there is an enormous potential for employment, export, and development. Kolhapuri footwear is a popular handmade craft in India. It is a well-designed craft used by Indian people for many years. Artisans using traditional tools manufacture this footwear manually. Workers of this craft use traditional methods and work in cottage-based enterprises where organized laws and legislations are not applicable. Therefore, any occupational hazard-related documentation is not available. Due to the nature of the job, workers occupy various apparent …non-optimal postures that may cause multiple work-related disorders such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to study and assess different footwear manufacturing workstations and working postures. The work further aimed to improve the design of current workstations and evaluate the proposed design using virtual ergonomic assessment techniques. METHODS: An anthropometric database for the Kolhapuri footwear making population was developed. This work measured 35 different body dimensions of the footwear manufacturing artisans. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used for postural analysis of the artisans. RESULTS: It was observed that the entire footwear making activity was carried out in awkward postures. RULA scores suggested that ‘a change in posture’ to improve the efficiency of artisans was required for most of the workstations. This work proposed a novel workstation design to reduce the high risk of MSDs. The design was evaluated for thigh clearance, vision analysis and RULA analysis with the help of Digital Human Modelling (DHM). The virtual ergonomics assessment of this design revealed that the vision, thigh clearances, and RULA scores were satisfactory in the new design. CONCLUSION: The anthropometric database proposed in this study is likely to be useful in designing Kolhapuri footwear manufacturing tools. The proposed workstation and work layout are helpful to improve the accessibility of required tools and materials to footwear workers. It also helps to reduce occupational risks by easing uncomfortable work positions. Show more

Keywords: Workstation table, anthropometry, Digital Human Modelling (DHM), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), footwear

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203230

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 849-860, 2020

Authors: Rau, Pei-Luen Patrick | Tsao, Liuxing | Dong, Lili | Liu, Xueqian | Ma, Liang | Wang, Junwei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) has been reported among flight attendants. Identifying the root causes of these disorders may improve the health conditions of flight attendants and further improve flight safety and service quality. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to identify WMSD risk factors for a specific population, namely Chinese female flight attendants. METHODS: A two-stage survey including an online questionnaire (46 flight attendants) and a semi-structured interview (16 flight attendants) was used to assess the WMSDs of Chinese female flight attendants. Text analysis tools in NVivo 11 were used to …identify the main concerns and risk factors for WMSDs of Chinese flight attendants. RESULTS: In the online questionnaire, more than 86% of the participants reported discomfort in at least one body part. Biomechanical factors, work organizational factors, and psychosocial factors were reported by participants in this study. Chinese passengers were found to have an effect on WMSD development in Chinese flight attendants. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested that WMSDs are severe problems among Chinese flight attendants. General factors as well as the passenger-relevant factor were identified as the most influential causes of WMSDs. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, passenger-induced work stress, biomechanical factors, flight attendants

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203231

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 861-869, 2020

Authors: Zaman, AnneClaire G.N.M. | Tytgat, Kristien M.A.J. | Klinkenbijl, Jean H.G. | Frings-Dresen, Monique H.W. | de Boer, Angela G.E.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work is valued as an important feature in life, however patients diagnosed with cancer can experience work-related problems. We developed a work-related support intervention to support those in need. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the performed tailored GIRONA (Gastro Intestinal cancer patients Receiving Occupational support Near and After diagnosis) intervention and to describe the experiences of those receiving the work-related support and of those providing it. METHODS: An online questionnaire was used to survey the feasibility of the intervention of the support recipients (patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer) …and the support providers (healthcare professionals including: oncology nurses and oncological occupational physicians). Five themes were covered: acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality and integration of Bowen’s feasibility model. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients, 14 oncology nurses and 4 oncological occupational physicians, shared their experiences about the tailored work-related support intervention. This intervention was generally perceived as positive and feasible by the participants. Some patients received work-related support despite not experiencing severe problems; others mentioned that they received no such support even though they did need it. Despite positive experiences, there are some barriers to tackle, such as length of consultation, timing of the initiation of work-related support and embedding the oncological occupational physician within the clinical setting. CONCLUSION: According to the healthcare professionals involved, GIRONA is feasible, however some practical barriers were mentioned. The intervention was perceived as positive by both patients and healthcare professionals, but the tailored component could be further improved to better support those in need of work-related support. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, gastrointestinal neoplasms, vocational rehabilitation, patient care, feasibility studies

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203232

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 871-884, 2020

Authors: Goyal, Sumit | Sah, Ash Narayan | Sharma, Rakesh Kumar | Puri, Jolly

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Information Technology (IT) industry of India has proved its capabilities in delivering both on- and off-shore services to clients globally over the years. However, the technological advances and innovations taking place at the global level not only present a whole new range of growth prospects, but also challenges for this highly competitive industry. Moreover, the IT sector of India also witnessed the economic recession in 2008, which had an adverse impact on the prospects of this industry. In this scenario, it is imperative for Indian IT companies not only to maintain their focus on increasing their technical efficiencies, …but also to deal with the increased competition emanating from the Asia Pacific region. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the relative efficiency of the top 18 selected Indian IT software service companies in order to determine benchmarks, output slacks and target settings. METHODS: Data envelopment analysis has been used for achieving the stated objective. RESULTS: The paper found mixed trends in efficiency. The top five IT companies exhibited higher efficiency as compared to the rest of the selected IT companies. Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Technologies Ltd. and Tech Mahindra Ltd. are more efficient while Infosys Ltd. and Mphasis have lower efficiency. CONCLUSION: The inefficient companies have to increase their workers’ productivity to become more efficient, and have to catch-up and follow the best practices of the benchmark company HCL. Show more

Keywords: Efficiency, data envelopment analysis (DEA), Information Technology (IT), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), decision making unit (DMU)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203233

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 885-900, 2020

Authors: Tamminga, Sietske J. | Jansen, Lyanne P. | Frings-Dresen, Monique H.W. | de Boer, Angela G.E.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer survivors are able to return to work. However, little is known about their work situation 5 years after diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To explore fluctuations in employment status and its association with quality of life 2, 3, and 5 years after cancer diagnosis of 65 cancer survivors employed at diagnosis. METHODS: In association with a randomised controlled trial (RCT), questionnaires were administrated to eligible cancer survivors at diagnosis, 2, 3, and 5 years thereafter comprising of validated questionnaires related to work (i.e. Work Ability Index (WAI), cancer, and quality of life (QOL) …(i.e. SF-36, VAS QOL). The RCT studied a hospital-based work support intervention in female breast and gynaecological cancer survivors who were treated with curative intent and had paid work at diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and longitudinal multi-level analysis were employed. RESULTS: Sixty-five of the 102 eligible cancer survivors participated, who were primarily diagnosed with breast cancer (63%). Two and 5 years after cancer diagnosis respectively 63 (97%) and 48 (81%) participants were employed. Reasons for not being employed after 5 years included receiving unemployment benefits (7%), voluntary unemployment (3%), receiving disability benefits (3%), and early retirement (3%). Longitudinal multi-level analysis showed that employed cancer survivors reported in general statistically significant better quality of life outcomes at 5 years follow-up compared to those not being employed. CONCLUSIONS: We found high employment rates and few fluctuations in employment status. The steepest decline in employment rate occurs after the first two years of diagnosis. Employed participants reported better quality of life outcomes. Survivorship care should therefore focus on the population at risk possibly within the first two years after diagnosis. Show more

Keywords: Neoplasm, unemployment, labour participation, work disability, cancer survivorship

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203234

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 901-907, 2020

Authors: Tosi, Francesca

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203235

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 909-911, 2020

Authors: Tosi, Francesca

Article Type: Introduction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203236

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 913-916, 2020

Authors: Safin, Stéphane | Pintus, Pinky | Elsen, Catherine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Articulating design and ergonomics skills through education is a major challenge for both fields. Indeed, professional ergonomists are increasingly deeply involved in design processes, and ergonomics education should train them in design skills. As courses in ergonomics education are often time-constrained, it is difficult to mobilize students in real-scale projects and to involve them in design processes. Conversely, activity analysis and active involvement of users in design projects (through co-creation or co-design processes) are rarely convened in architecture and design curricula. OBJECTIVE: It is therefore necessary to develop effective and relevant pedagogical settings, enabling students of both …fields to develop their abilities and equip them to act in concrete design situations. METHODS: In this paper, we describe a large-scale pedagogical setting involving groups of students from different disciplines gathered around a real-scale design project (re-shaping the waiting room of a mental health center). The ergonomics students’ main task is to analyze the needs and real activities of end-users; the interior design students’ task is to produce the design project. This communication more precisely focuses on describing the ergonomics students’ fieldwork and the practical and pedagogical innovations put in place to help them face the various challenges encountered during the project. RESULTS: Based on formal feedback from students, teachers and stakeholders, we address three main challenges: (1) dealing with the temporal constraints of the intervention, (2) documenting and observing a sensitive situation and (3) involving end-users to place them at the core of the design process. For each challenge, we describe the issue at stake, the work conducted to deal with this issue, and eventually the feedback collected from students, teachers and stakeholders. CONCLUSION: The paper concludes with an analysis of success and failure factors for such pedagogical settings, in particular for physical enquiry devices, co-creation processes, and co-constructed pedagogical settings. It shows the impact of these settings for students, but highlight that collaboration between ergonomists and designers is a key issue for learning in a positive experience. Show more

Keywords: Creativity, design education, co-creation workshop, physical enquiry, co-constructed pedagogical setting

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203237

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 917-931, 2020

Authors: Caon, Maurizio | Süsse, Rico | Grelier, Benoit | Khaled, Omar Abou | Mugellini, Elena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Connected bike computers can support professional cyclists in achieving better performances but interacting with them requires taking their hands off the handlebar compromising focus and safety. OBJECTIVE: This research aims at exploring the design of an ergonomic interface based on micro-gestures that can allow cyclists to interact with a device while holding the handlebar. METHODS: Three different studies were conducted with seven professional cyclists adopting the gesture-elicitation technique. One study aimed at eliciting free micro-gestures; a second to evaluate gestures recognizable with a smart glove; the last focused on the gestures recognized through an interactive …armband. RESULTS: The analysis of the micro-gestures elicited during these studies allowed producing a first set of guidelines to design gestural interfaces for drop-bars (a specific type of handlebar for road bikes). These guidelines suggest which fingers to use and how to design their movement in order to provide an ergonomic interface. It also introduces the principle of symmetry for the attribution of symbols to symmetric referents. Finally, it provides suggestions on the design of the interactive drop-bar. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines provided in this paper can support the design of gestural interfaces for professional cyclists that can enhance performance and increase safety. Show more

Keywords: Elicitation study, on-bike interaction, safety, sports, micro-gesture

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203238

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 933-944, 2020

Authors: Bozzi, Carolina | Mont’Alvão, Claudia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Marketing clothes online can be challenging for those who buy and sell them. They are products that people still feel the need to have direct contact with. Some of their attributes are not easily communicated digitally, such as the fit and the feel of the fabric. Besides, the lack of standardization of sizes practiced by the Brazilian clothing industry raises several doubts to the user. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to present the results of an investigation concerning the user experience (UX) resulting from the interaction with female e-commerce websites. METHODS: The methods …were organized into two stages: exploratory and descriptive. The former consisted of an exploratory interview (19 interviewees), an online questionnaire (205 respondents), and semi-structured interviews with 5 fashion specialists. In the latter, 60 users were divided into two groups of 30 participants to undertake a usability test on an e-commerce website (dafiti.com.br) to evaluate the UX when buying clothes. Group A used a desktop/laptop and Group B used a smartphone. The users were then debriefed and answered the AttrakDiff2™ questionnaire. RESULTS: Users lacked technical knowledge on clothing attributes and were extremely wary about the size and fit information provided (60% in Group A and 83% in Group B were not sure about fit and size information). Surprisingly, the AttrakDiff2™ showed no significant difference between the mobile or the desktop/laptop UX (Group A: M = 4.0 SD = 0.1; Group B: M = 4.1 SD = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: The most significant problem faced by the users concerned the fit and sizing information, as these attributes are usually poorly communicated digitally. In addition to being a usability problem, by inducing users to errors, its greatest impact was on the UX. Show more

Keywords: Keywords. E-tail, usability, user-centered design, human factors, e-commerce, user experience

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203239

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 945-962, 2020