Work - Volume 67, issue 2

Authors: Shin, Dong Seok | Jeong, Byung Yong | Park, Myoung Hwan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The percentage of drivers aged ≥65 years among all Korean taxi drivers has risen sharply from 3.2% in 2006 to 22.0% in 2016. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the characteristics of work-related traffic crashes between male taxi drivers aged ≥65 years and <65 years. METHODS: Using the national compensation data of South Korea, 586 injured male taxi drivers were analyzed based on driver-related (work experience, company size, employment status, injured body part, and injury type) and crash-related factors (time and day of the crash, weather condition, road type, violation and drowsiness) by age group. …RESULTS: For the injured drivers aged ≥65, percentages of the crashes related to some factors were lower than those of the drivers aged <65 years: at night (55.2% vs. 64.0%), on rainy or snowy day (7.8% vs. 21.3%), on straight road (40.5% vs 50.9%) and on the expressway (6.9% vs. 13.0%). However, the percentage of the crashes related to a violation for the injured drivers aged ≥65 years (23.3%) was higher than that of the drivers aged <65 years (13.4%). Furthermore, the taxi drivers aged ≥65 years had a higher death rate (14.7%) than the drivers aged <65 years (8.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The results can be useful for injury prevention policies and guidelines for elderly taxi drivers such as strengthened qualification tests for the aged drivers and improvement of the working environment. Show more

Keywords: Occupational injury, elderly male, driver-related factors. crash-related factors, taxi drivers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203286

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 369-380, 2020

Authors: Zoaktafi, Mojgan | Kazemi, Reza | Choobineh, Alireza | SaboorYaraghi, AliAkbar | Nematolahi, Samane | Zakerian, Seyed Abolfazl

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mental workload (MW) assessment is a key point in research and development of human-machine interfaces in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between mental workload and the amount of salivary cortisol amongst technicians of an Iranian combined cycle power plant. METHODS: A total of 18 technicians participated in this pilot study. First, task analysis was carried out to determine operation steps that forced us to separate them in to two groups. Next, the Visual, Auditory, Cognitive, and Psychomotor (VACP) technique and NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire were used to examine …their mental workload. Then, the operator’s salivary samples were collected at four specific times of both off and working days. Finally, the relationship between mental workload and salivary cortisol was examined with the analysis of Pearson correlation. RESULTS: The results of mental workload assessment with subjective methods showed a high level of mental workload amongst all technicians. No significant association was observed between the NASA-TLX questionnaire and VACP technique with concentration of salivary cortisol (p  = 0.081). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, it can be concluded that salivary cortisol might not be an appropriate physiological method to assess mental workload, since cortisol levels are highly dependent on individuals’ circadian rhythm. Show more

Keywords: NASA-TLX, VACP, power plant, mental workload, biochemical indices

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203287

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 381-386, 2020

Authors: Mokhtarinia, Hamid Reza | Abazarpour, Sahar | Gabel, Charles Philip

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) is an instrument to identify occupational risk factors, and to screen subjects for the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in their workplace. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective observational study was the cross-cultural adaptation of the QEC for Persian (QEC-Pr) speaking workers and the determination of the minimally required psychometric properties, including reliability and validity, in a Persian population. METHODS: The forward-backward translation was completed according to the published guidelines. A total of 217 male construction workers were recruited. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool was used as the criterion. …The Inter- and intra-rater reliability was performed respectively in a sub-sample of n  = 50 and n  = 30. Convergent validity was determined from the correlation between the QEC-Pr and the RULA. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s α . RESULTS: High levels of inter-rater reliability (ICC2.1 range = 0.79–0.93), intra-rater reliability (ICC2.1 range = 0.74–0.89) and internal consistency (α = 0.74) were obtained. Concurrent validity between the different sections of the QEC and RULA scores were determined to be fair but below the desired level (range r  = 0.41–0.44). CONCLUSIONS: The QEC-Pr can be applied as a specific risk assessment instrument for different occupational situations, such as the construction industry, in Persian language populations. Show more

Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, quick exposure check, psychometric properties, RULA, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203288

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 387-394, 2020

Authors: Longtin, Christian | Tousignant-Laflamme, Yannick | Coutu, Marie-France

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workers with persistent disabling low back pain (LBP) often encounter difficulty staying at work. Self-management (SM) programs can offer interesting avenues to help workers stay at work. OBJECTIVE: To establish the plausibility of a logic model operationalizing a SM program designed to help workers with persistent disabling LBP stay at work. METHODS: We used a qualitative design. A preliminary version of the logic model was developed based on the literature and McLaughlin et al.’s framework for logic models. Clinicians in work rehabilitation completed an online survey on the plausibility of the logic model and proposed …modifications, which were discussed in a focus group. Thematic analyses were performed. RESULTS: Participants (n  = 11) found the model plausible, contingent upon a few modifications. They raised the importance of making more explicit the margin of maneuver or “job leeway” for a worker who is trying to stay at work and suggested emphasizing a capability approach. Enhancing the workers’ perceived self-efficacy and communication skills were deemed essential tasks of the model. CONCLUSION: A plausible logic model for a SM program designed for workers with disabling LBP stay at work was developed. The next step will be to assess its acceptability with potential users. Show more

Keywords: Program development, rehabilitation, return to work, disability management, work ability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203289

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 395-406, 2020

Authors: Crane, A. Geoffrey | Cormier, Michelle L. | Taylor, Robyn N. | Parker, James D.A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As emotional and social competency training proliferates within a work readiness context, concerns remain regarding their efficacy. Data on these programs tends to be scarce and outcome objectives are often poorly defined. OBJECTIVE: Authors developed and tested a work readiness emotional and social competency program specifically designed for at-risk young adults, tailored with best practices in mind. METHOD: 84 clients of a community organization that provides employment support to young adults with disabilities (48 men and 36 women) with a mean age of 28.17 years (SD  = 11.64) completed measures of emotional intelligence and alexithymia on …either side of the 4-week intervention. RESULTS: Men’s interpersonal scores and women’s adaptability scores showed significant improvement across the intervention. In addition, women’s scores in both identifying and describing feelings improved significantly, as did men’s scores in describing feelings. CONCLUSIONS: Within the context of work readiness, participants in an intervention to improve emotional and social competencies can see key improvements to competencies linked to occupational attainment. Show more

Keywords: Emotional intelligence, adolescent health, work readiness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203290

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 407-418, 2020

Authors: Naghavi-Konjin, Zahra | Mortazavi, Seyed Bagher | Mahabadi, Hassan Asilian | Hajizadeh, Ebrahim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exploring experiences of individuals for barriers they confront relating to safety could help to design safety interventions with an emphasis on the most safety influencing factors. OBJECTIVE: This study strived to present an empirical exploration of individuals’ experiences across the petroleum industry at different levels of the organizational structure for factors that influence occupational accidents. METHOD: Based on accidents history, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who engaged in fatal activities, as well as authorities responsible for managing safety. The qualitative content analysis of 46 interview transcripts was conducted using MAXQDA software. …RESULTS: A three-layer model comprising organizational, supervisory and operator level influencing factors with 16 categories were found influence factors of occupational safety. The results highlighted the role of organizational factors, including inappropriate contract management, inadequate procedures, and issues relating to competency management and the organizational climate. Moreover, defects relating to the monitoring and supervision system were identified as important causes of accidents. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrated that the qualitative approach could reveal additional latent aspects of safety influencing factors, which require consideration for the appropriate management of occupational safety. This study can guide the planning of preventive strategies for occupational accidents in the petroleum industry. Show more

Keywords: Process industry, occupational accidents, qualitative study, content analysis, petroleum industry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203291

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 419-430, 2020

Authors: De Carvalho, Diana | Greene, Ryan | Swab, Michelle | Godwin, Marshall

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prolonged sitting has been shown to induce transient low back pain (LBP). Height adjustable office desks now present the opportunity to replace sitting with standing in the workplace. Since standing has also been associated with LBP, this may not be an advisable alternative. OBJECTIVE: To determine if objectively measured prolonged exposures to desk work while standing, compared to sitting, results in lower perceived LBP in healthy adults. METHODS: A systematic search of several databases was conducted. Two independent reviewers screened titles/abstracts and conducted a quality assessment. The results of three studies were pooled using an …inverse variance random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was tested using the Chi-squared test and I2 statistic. RESULTS: Objectively measured prolonged standing postures during desk work did not induce significantly less perceived LBP compared to seated postures (standardized mean difference 0.60, 95% CI –0.68 to 1.87, p  = 0.36.) There was significant heterogeneity, I2  = 90%). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that replacing seated desk work postures with standing for prolonged periods of time would not be recommended. Larger studies, including a wider age range and health history, conducted in the field with objective measures is recommended to obtain more generalizable data on which to base ergonomic standards for work postures. Show more

Keywords: Transient pain, office work, objectively measured posture, low back pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203292

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 431-440, 2020

Authors: Ashraf, Masood | Muzammil, M. | Khan, Abid A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite extensive industrial use, no major modifications to the bench drilling machine, with respect to ease of operation, have been undertaken. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to design a new feed handle (NFH) to perform the drilling task on a bench drilling machine and evaluate the existing (EFH) and new feed handles on the basis of performance measures like drilling productivity in terms of metal removal rate (MRR) and worker performance in terms of perceived discomfort score (PDS). METHODS: Participants performed the drilling task on a steel block for three different working durations …at two drilling speeds. RESULTS: ANOVA analysis carried out for the MRR data showed that drilling speed had a statistically significant effect on the task performance of the operator for both handles. However, the task duration was found to be statistically significant only for the EFH. The ANOVA results obtained on the PDS data showed that the task duration and drilling speed had a statistically significant effect on the task performance of the operator for both systems. CONCLUSIONS: The MRR obtained was higher when the drilling task was carried out using NFH. An appreciable decrease in PDS was also observed using the proposed system. Show more

Keywords: Drilling task, metal removal rate (MRR), perceived discomfort score (PDS), productivity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203293

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 441-448, 2020

Authors: Allan, Julia L. | Bender, Keith A. | Theodossiou, Ioannis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although recent economics literature suggests a link between performance-related pay (PRP) and ill health, this finding is contested on the grounds that this link is plagued by endogeneity between the two variables of interest. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the adverse effects of performance-related pay on stress which is an important determinant of physical health. METHODS: Forty subjects were randomly assigned to two equal groups: either being paid by performance or being paid a flat fee. Both objective (saliva samples to measure cortisol elevation) and subjective (self-reported stress level) measures of stress were obtained before and …after participation in the experiment. This experimental methodology purges the effects of self-selection into performance pay and identifies the direction of causation from performance-related pay to stress which is measured by cortisol levels. RESULTS: Those who were paid for their performance experienced higher levels of stress, both in terms of perceived stress and in terms of objectively measured cortisol levels, compared to those who were paid a flat fee for minimum performance. CONCLUSIONS: Performance-related pay induces objectively measurable stress. Self-reported stress levels and the objective stress measure obtained by measuring cortisol move in a similar direction for the PRP and non-PRP groups, but only the cortisol group shows statistically significant differences between the PRP and non-PRP. This also suggests that individuals underestimate the stress caused by performance pay. Show more

Keywords: Performance-related pay, real-effort experiment, stress, cortisol

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203294

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 449-457, 2020

Authors: Torres, Renan | Silva Jr , José Antonio | Vieira, Stella Sousa | Camilo de Carvalho, Paulo de Tarso | Bocalini, Danilo Sales | Andrade, Erinaldo | Casarin, Cezar | Suzuki, Frank | Antonio, Ednei Luiz | Tucci, Paulo José Ferreira | Serra, Andrey Jorge

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupations might influence the employees’ psychophysical conditions and an important issue is the human activity mechanization, which favors a hypokinetic work status and leads to several chronic diseases. One of the most hypokinetic occupations is the supermarket cashier, in which the individual may spend many hours a day in the same body position. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk, quality of life and physical activity level in supermarket cashiers. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study which included 200 supermarket cashiers aged 20 to 41 years from São …Paulo, Brazil. The following cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated: overweight, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and tobacco smoking. Physical activity level and quality of life were assessed with the short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAq) and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL), respectively. Student t test and Chi-square were carried out to evaluate mean gender comparations and frequency, respectively. Logistic regression models were applied to determine the association between cardiovascular risk factors and physical activity level. RESULTS: The prevalence for all cardiovascular risk factors was significantly high in the cashiers with a low physical activity level. However, there was a significant reduction in several risk factors in the groups with moderate and high physical activity levels. The odds ratio values were significantly reduced for the association between the cardiovascular risk factors and the moderate and high physical activity levels. The cashiers with moderate and high physical activity levels showed significantly higher quality of life scores for the social and environmental domain. CONCLUSIONS: A high physical activity level is positively related to quality of life in supermarket cashiers. Show more

Keywords: Cardiovascular risk, quality of life, supermarket cashiers, physical activity, work.

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203295

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 459-465, 2020