Work - Volume 66, issue 4

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203216

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 711-712, 2020

Authors: Jahangiri, Mehdi | Cousins, Rosanna | Gharibi, Vahid

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The primary response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been to minimize social contact through lockdown measures. The closure of non-essential businesses to tackle the spread of the coronavirus has had negative consequences for the global economy, production, and employment. OBJECTIVE: To outline how known occupational health principles can be used for preventative management of the coronavirus in workplaces to support resumption of work. METHODS: A discussion of current knowledge of COVID-19, the cost of the lockdown strategy, and preventative biological cycle management. RESULTS: The evidence-based literature indicates that biological cycle management can …control the risk of coronavirus infection, provide a suitable and sufficient exit strategy from lockdown, and support getting employees back to work. Adherence to personal protective equipment standards has been insufficient, indicating a need for workplace investment and education. CONCLUSION: Imposed restrictions on workplace operations can be lifted without compromising worker health and safety when a workplace commits to practicing the three principles of biological cycle management. Show more

Keywords: Lockdown, COVID-19, biological hazard, risk assessment, personal protective equipment (PPE)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203217

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 713-716, 2020

Authors: Arefi, Maryam Feiz | Poursadeqiyan, Mohsen

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a highly contagious acute respiratory syndrome and has been declared a pandemic in more than 209 countries worldwide. At the time of writing, no preventive vaccine has been developed and tested in the community. This study was conducted to review studies aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus worldwide. METHODS: This study was a review of the evidence-based literature and was conducted by searching databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, until April 2020. The search was performed based on keywords including “coronavirus”, “COVID-19”, and “prevention”. The list of references in the final studies …has also been re-reviewed to find articles that might not have been obtained through the search. The guidelines published by trustworthy organizations such as the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control have been used in this study. CONCLUSION: So far, no vaccine or definitive treatment for COVID-19 has been invented, and the disease has become a pandemic. Therefore, observation of hand hygiene, disinfection of high-touch surfaces, observation of social distance, and lack of presence in public places are recommended as preventive measures. Moreover, to control the situation and to reduce the incidence of the virus, some of the measures taken by the decision-making bodies and the guidelines of the deterrent institutions to strengthen telecommuting of employees and reduce the presence of people in the community and prevent unnecessary activities, are very important. Show more

Keywords: Pandemic, prevention, novel coronaviruses, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203218

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 717-729, 2020

Authors: Sharma, Kanupriya | Anand, Akshay | Kumar, Raj

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of stress and anxiety worldwide. Due to the global lockdown, work, employment, businesses and the economic climate have been severely affected. It has generated stress among people from all sections of society, especially to workers who have been assigned to cater to healthcare service or those constrained to secure daily essential items. It is widely perceived that elderly or those affected by diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD’s) are prone to COVID-19. As per an ongoing survey, the initial data shows that the above-mentioned anxiety and stress cause insomnia, and …has the considerable potential to weaken the immune system, the sole protection against the virus. OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on the need of Yoga practice at work places and at home during the global lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Literature was searched using PubMed and Google Scholar for COVID-19-related stress and anxiety at work and society due to the worldwide lockdown. The predisposing comorbidities, viral mechanism of action and treatment regimen were also searched. Yoga-based intervention studies and online programs were also searched. RESULTS: As the lockdown cannot last forever and workplaces will have to be functional soon, there is an increased possibility of recurrent infection. Therefore, Yoga can provide the necessary tool for risk reduction, amelioration of stress and anxiety and strengthening of the immune function. The online platforms provide a good media for Yoga training at work places and homes. CONCLUSION: Due to social distancing norms, the availability of Yoga trainers has become restricted. Yoga practice is actively sought to achieve reduced anxiety and stress so that improved sleep may positively impact immunity. As a consequence, there is a spurt in social media, catering to daily online Yoga sessions which apparently prove useful in providing accessible means to achieve mental as well as physical well-being. Show more

Keywords: Insomnia, anxiety, immunity, mental health, COVID-19, Yoga

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203219

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 731-737, 2020

Authors: Shariat, Ardalan | Ghannadi, Shima | Anastasio, Albert Thomas | Rostad, Mitch | Cleland, Joshua A.

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prolonged home stays due to the COVID-19 quarantine can increase the use of computers and other technologies that may lead to significant reduction in activity, contributing to musculoskeletal problems, anxiety and depression. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a novel multicomponent exercise program for individuals who work with computers during the COVID-19 quarantine. METHODS: Researchers collaborating cross-institutionally and cross-nationally performed a careful literature search for exercise and stretching regiments with particular attention to methodologies that can be applied during the lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodologies were then compiled …and truncated for ease of use for the computer-based office worker during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. RESULTS: The resulting program is broken down into three categories: aerobic, strengthening and stretching components. Each component can then be further modified to meet the frequency, intensity, time and type (FITT) specifications for the participant. CONCLUSIONS: We present a novel, evidence-based strategy for functional fitness for office workers who have remained home-bound during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. Further research should seek to validate the efficacy of the proposed protocol. Show more

Keywords: Office, fitness, musculoskeletal pain, COVID-19, pandemic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203220

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 739-749, 2020

Authors: Memari, Amirhossein | Shariat, Ardalan | Anastasio, Albert Thomas

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the shutdown of much of the world’s economic and social operations. Given shutdown of exercise facilities, there has been a sharp uptick in a sedentary lifestyle. As people have lost their normal daily activity patterns, it is reasonable to assume that musculoskeletal pain-related syndromes will consequently begin to increase. In addition, there has been a rise in social network, television, and online home-based workouts. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unclear whether previous recommendations for physical activities will remain sufficient, given cessation of normal physical activities from day-to-day life. We raise …a variety of questions in dealing with the potential fallout of the COVID-19 shutdown from a musculoskeletal standpoint. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal discomforts, pain, COVID-19, pandemic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203221

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 751-753, 2020

Authors: Gohar, Basem | Larivière, Michel | Lightfoot, Nancy | Wenghofer, Elizabeth | Larivière, Céline | Nowrouzi-Kia, Behdin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nurses and personal support workers (PSWs) have high sickness absence rates in Canada. Whilst the evidence-based literature helped to identify the variables related to sickness absenteeism, understanding “why” remains unknown. This information could benefit the healthcare sector in northeastern Ontario and in locations where healthcare is one of the largest employment sectors and where nursing staff have high absence and turnover rates. OBJECTIVE: To identify and understand the factors associated with sickness absence among nurses and PSWs through several experiences while investigating if there are northern-related reasons to explain the high rates of sickness absence. …METHODS: In this descriptive qualitative study, focus group sessions took place with registered nurses (n  = 6), registered practical nurses (n  = 4), PSWs (n  = 8), and key informants who specialize in occupational health and nursing unions (n  = 5). Focus group sessions were transcribed verbatim followed by inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged, which were occupational/organizational challenges, physical health, emotional toll on mental well-being, and northern-related challenges. Descriptions of why such factors lead to sickness absence were addressed with staff shortage serving as an underlying factor. CONCLUSION: Despite the complexity of the manifestations of sickness absence, work support and timely debriefing could reduce sickness absence and by extension, staff shortage. Show more

Keywords: Qualitative study, focus groups, thematic analysis, nurses, personal support workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203222

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 755-766, 2020

Authors: Siddiqui, Ammar Ahmed | Alshammary, Freah | Amin, Junaid | Rathore, Hassaan Anwer | Hassan, Ibne | Ilyas, Muhammad | Alam, Mohammad Khursheed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prevention is the best way to manage a pandemic like COVID-19. The World Health Organization has issued public advice to create awareness by providing people knowledge to prevent/protect them from COVID-19. Hence, the present study was planned to assess knowledge of prevention and its practical use amongst samples from the Saudi Arabian population. It can be used to bring awareness among the masses not only in expanding their knowledge about COVID-19 but also on how to enforce a practicing behavior in relation to the prevention of COVID-19. The study is among the pioneer studies on the issue related to …knowledge and practice of the prevention of COVID-19 among Saudis and foreign nationals residing in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE: The prime objective of this study is to examine the existence of knowledge among the Saudi and non-Saudi nationals about COVID-19 and its impact on their behavior to practice the protocols to prevent the disastrous infection of COVID-19. This study has also examined how the residents in Saudi Arabia react to the methods and protection measures adopted by the government for their dominions to eradicate the spread of COVID-19. METHODS: The study used a survey-based methodology and data was collected from Saudi nationals as well as expatriates living and working in five different regions of Saudi Arabia. Non-probability snowball sampling was used to reach and select the population of the current study. A self-designed, structured, and validated questionnaire was electronically distributed among the respondents. SPSS version 21 was used to analyze the data of the current study. RESULTS: Out of the 443 respondents, 356 respondents (84%) knew they had to wash their hands for 20 seconds and did this as well, 303 respondents (75%) knew that sneezing or coughing into the arm/elbow can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and were doing this as well, 357 respondents (82%) knew that COVID-19 can be transferred by shaking hands and avoided this, 333 respondents (79%) knew that they had to maintain a safe distance of at least one meter and kept this distance, 315 respondents (76%) knew that touching one’s face can transfer the virus and avoid this, and 414 respondents (95%) knew that staying at home can decrease the chances of getting infected. The relationship between different regions and most of the knowledge-based and practice-based questions was significant (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results reveal that there is a significant relationship between knowledge and practice, but the strength of association is weak. It was found that knowledge and practice of COVID-19 was followed differently in the five regions of Saudi Arabia and the level of education of the respondents influenced their choice of practice to protect themselves from the effects of COVID-19. The study has contributed in the body of literature by examining the inter-relationship between knowledge and practice and their use in prevention of COVID-19 among the Saudi population. Show more

Keywords: Awareness, attitude, coronavirus, hygiene practice, infectious diseases, pandemic, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203223

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 767-775, 2020

Authors: de Macêdo, Thiago Allan Marques | Cabral, Eric Lucas dos Santos | Silva Castro, Wilkson Ricardo | de Souza Junior, Clodoaldo Carneiro | da Costa Junior, João Florêncio | Pedrosa, Felipe Martins | da Silva, Aleson Belo | de Medeiros, Veder Ralf Fernandes | de Souza, Ricardo Pires | Cabral, Marco Antônio Leandro | Másculo, Francisco Soares

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Telework has been widely studied by public and private organizations; however, in ergonomics, studies that focused on this topic are still sporadic. OBJECTIVE: Thus, this article endeavours to systematize the qualified scientific research related to ergonomics and teleworking to determine the main benefits and disadvantages and to identify the main issues addressed by authors. METHODS: A thorough research was conducted in the Scopus/Embase and Web of Science databases for this review. The following descriptors were used for the cataloguing of articles: “teleworking”, “telecommuting”, “telecommuters”, “home office”, “ergonomics” and “human factors”. 36 studies were selected. …RESULTS: The study highlights four relevant questions in the scientific literature: a) where is the discussion of these themes consolidated; b) what are the main descriptors related to the discussion; c) which journals and conferences establish a scientific debate on the topic; and d) what are its main advantages and disadvantages. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that telecommuting can be a valuable tool for balancing professional and family life, which helps to improve the well-being of workers; however, several factors can influence the overall remote working experience which leads to the need for companies to adopt unique strategies reflecting their unique situation. Show more

Keywords: Teleworking, human factors, telecommuting, flexible working, home office

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203224

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 777-788, 2020

Authors: Magnano, Paola | Santisi, Giuseppe | Platania, Silvia | Zammitti, Andrea | Tous Pallares, Jordi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The organizational climate is a quality of the internal environment of an organization that is shared by its members, can be described in terms of the values of the characteristics of an organization, influencing the workers’ behaviour. A number of empirical studies have examined the relationship between climate perceptions and a variety of variables such as job satisfaction, performance, psychological well-being, absenteeism and turnover. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to verify the psychometric properties of the Work Psychosocial Climate Scale in the Italian context. METHODS: The participants were 1063 Italian workers. The …survey comprised: Work Psychosocial Climate Scale, Majer D’Amato Organizational Questionnaire 10, Work and Organizational Motivation Inventory, Mindfulness Organising Scale, Job Satisfaction Scale, and Organizational outcomes (Turnover intentions, Exit and neglect, Performance). RESULTS: The results provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the Work Psychosocial Climate Scale, after some modifications of the original version. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of the psychosocial climate in an organization is one of most important steps to recognize the indicators of work-related stress. The Work Psychosocial Climate Scale allows to conduct the evaluation with a reduced number of items. Show more

Keywords: Job satisfaction, organizational mindfulness, performance, turnover intentions, neglect

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203225

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 789-798, 2020