Work - Volume 67, issue 3

Authors: Broday, Evandro Eduardo | de Paula Xavier, Antonio Augusto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Over the last few decades, there has been a concern to improve the quality of indoor work environments and increase energy efficiency as people spend much of their time in such settings. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed a group of women developing sedentary activities to determine the Actual Percentage of Dissatisfied (APD) in the environment, considering that all people who voted any value other than zero on the seven-point scale are deemed dissatisfied. METHODS: After this analysis, using the probit regression model, hot and cold air temperature curves were plotted so as to determine in which …situation the number of people dissatisfied with the environment is minimal. RESULTS: The results showed an APD of 52.31%, which is different from the ADP recommended by ISO 7730 (2005) [–0.5 < PMV < + 0.5, PPD < 10% ]. The probit analysis using the cut of 10% as dissatisfied, according to category B of ISO 7730 (2005), showed a comfort temperature of 21.1°C, with a comfort temperature range from 19.61 to22.61°C. CONCLUSIONS: Using the fraction of people dissatisfied with the environment (52.31%) as the cutoff, when the air temperature is equivalent to 20.2°C, the lowest percentage dissatisfied by the cold and heat in the environment occurs simultaneously. Show more

Keywords: Thermal comfort, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV), Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD), Actual Percentage of Dissatisfied (APD), thermal comfort zones

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203215

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 599-609, 2020

Authors: Hemati, Karim | Darbandi, Zahra | Kabir-Mokamelkhah, Elaheh | Poursadeghiyan, Mohsen | Ghasemi, Mohamad Sadegh | Mohseni-Ezhiye, Mohammad | Abdolahian, Yeganeh | Aghilinejad, Mashallah | Ali Salehi, Mohammad | Dehghan, Naser

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most common occupational health hazards. In the flour production industry, the fast pace of work, high frequency of repetitive movements, manual handling of loads, and awkward postures put a lot of pressure on the worker’s body. OBJECTIVE: Given the high exposure of the workers of the flour production industry to ergonomic risk factors, this study aimed to reduce the rate of musculoskeletal disorders among a group of flour factory workers through ergonomic interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This interventional study was performed using the census method on the eligible workers of …a flour factory. An ergonomic intervention program was planned and implemented with the goal of reducing musculoskeletal disorders. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by measuring the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders before and six months after the interventions. RESULTS: Before the intervention, musculoskeletal disorders were most prevalent in the lower back, arms, shoulders, legs, thighs, knees, neck and wrists, respectively. Evaluation of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders after the intervention showed the positive effect of the ergonomic intervention program on musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulders, lower back, thighs, knees, and legs (P  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Engineering and management interventions implemented in this study led to a significant reduction in the level of ergonomic risk factors and a reduced rate of musculoskeletal disorders among workers of different units in the flour factory. Show more

Keywords: Flour factory, ergonomic intervention, Nordic Questionnaire, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203275

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 611-618, 2020

Authors: Sohail, Rida | Hayat, Sarah | Tariq, Jawaria | Ashraf, Danial | Karim, Meenaz | Rizvi, Beenish Elahee | Saad, Saadia | Alam, Mohammad Khursheed | Qamruddin, Irfan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are be poorly documented by primary care physicians. OBJECTIVE: Our objective for this survey was to assess the awareness level amongst medical and dental house officers, medical and dental practitioners, and ear, nose and throat specialists (ENTs) regarding OSA and its effects on daily life. METHODS: This was a questionnaire-based survey with yes and no and true and false type questions. In order to assess knowledge, questions related to the most common signs and symptoms of OSA were selected. Questionnaires were distributed in seven medical and dental colleges in Karachi, Pakistan under graduates …and above. Stratified random sampling technique was used to assess specific professionals which made a total sample size of 614. The data of this descriptive study was compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: 84% of the participants stated their awareness about OSA. After analyzing a detailed response in the form of questionnaires, an average of only 15% showed adequate knowledge of the problem in question, the rest was unaware of the pathophysiology, signs, symptoms and management of a patient suffering from OSA. CONCLUSION: knowledge about pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea and its effect on daily routine work is insufficient among health professionals. It is essential to create awareness among medical and dental fraternity regarding OSA as it is often not diagnosed and treated. Show more

Keywords: Pathophysiology, health practitioners, work, apnea

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203312

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 619-623, 2020

Authors: Fincke, Isabelle | Hieb, Amy | Harth, Volker | Mache, Stefanie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The changing of work, driven by digitization, leads to the demand of large, open spaces in which the employees can work alone or in teams, can hold meetings or even find corners to relax. OBJECTIVE: This study empirically analyzed job demands and resources that can be found in innovative office concepts, like so called “activity-based working concepts”. METHODS: 16 semi-structured face-to-face interviews were performed with employees working in activity-based offices. Content of the interviews included questions on their working conditions and health-related outcomes. RESULTS: The results show that work autonomy, the flexibility to …decide where and when to work, and an improved communication and collaboration between different departments had a perceived positive effect on well-being, performance and motivation. Job demands, like missing territoriality on individual and team level, limited privacy and distractions in form of noise and interruptions describe consequences in form of perceived strain. CONCLUSION: The study results contribute to the expansion of knowledge in the subject area of flexible work arrangements in open work spaces. They can serve to design future working environments and thus increase the well-being and job performance of employees. It needs additional research to investigate the effects of office designs on the health of employees in the long term. Show more

Keywords: Flexibility, health, office concept, organization, working conditions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203313

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 625-639, 2020

Authors: Duarte, Maria Lúcia Machado | Costal, Glauber Zerbini | Martinelli, Sthéfani Ferreira | Neves, Jorge Alexandre Barbosa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Students, as well as other professional drivers, must have focus to adequately perform their tasks. However, they are subjected to whole-body vibration (WBV) in their journey to school or work. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of in-loco WBV exposure on focus, both instantaneously, as well as residually. Analysis is performed for both genders, as well as for the presence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). METHODS: Using a tablet computer, 20 volunteers played a focus game available on an app for brain training while exposed or not exposed to WBV. The exposure was that of …a car travelling on a stone paved route. The performance measure was the score provided at the end of each game. Subjective comfort and difficulty evaluations were also investigated. RESULTS: The results suggest that WBV had a negative effect on the focus performance. However, it proved positive three minutes after the exposure (residual effect). The mean scores of females were higher than for males for most of the tests, apart from the one under WBV although at the expense of getting more discomfort. The difficulty level was not different within the gender groups. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that the group with ADHD had a small but positive influence on the results for most of the tests, indicating that they are less affected by the presence of WBV. Since many students and workers have ADHD, this may be considered an important finding. It was shown that objective results should not be the only measures to use, as the subjective evaluation may explain the results better. Show more

Keywords: Cognition, focus, gender, WBV, ADHD

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203314

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 641-654, 2020

Authors: Calvo, Daniel de Souza Costa | Ferreira, João Alberto | Cunha, Daisy Moreira | Mendes, Davidson Passos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Risk management analysis at work makes it possible to find individual and collective experiences of recognition and hierarchization of risks in view of the specificities of labor situations and the complex and contradictory application of the right to refuse in health work, whose space and technique are still in a deep structural transformation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how work organization impacts on the daily life of nursing care, in a general hospital surgical center, (un)enabling individual and collective risk management strategies in the context analyzed and how the right to refuse can be appropriate as a condition and …strategy for work management. METHODS: Ergonomics (Work Ergonomic Analysis) was used to bring about the actual work activity and Ergology for epistemological deepening, whose research approach took place in a surgical center with four registered nurses. RESULTS: The results reveal that nursing work is invisible and that individual and collective strategies are used to manage the variability and constraints of the environment. The right to refuse is one of the competencies universe strategies conceived and built at work that ensure the realization of the results found. CONCLUSIONS: The right to refuse is full of meanings. Refusing does not mean “not doing”, but also to do otherwise, by other means. It is beyond health and security and can be linked to other variables such as quality, environment, social responsibility. Show more

Keywords: Right to refuse, ergonomy, ergology, occupational risks

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203315

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 655-664, 2020

Authors: Uman, Timur | Broberg, Pernilla | Tagesson, Torbjörn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Business professionals are an important occupational group that carries responsibility for the economic welfare of organizations and of society at large. These professionals have recently been reported to be experiencing increased mental strain, which may have a significant effect on the role they play in organizations and in society. Understanding the causes of this strain is thus an important endeavour. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the antecedents of the mental health of business professionals. METHODS: Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between business professionals’ mental health and its demographic, work-related, and other …triggers. T -tests and descriptive statistics were used to explore the gender of the respondents in relation to these triggers and mental health. RESULTS: Compared with their male counterparts, female business professionals report poorer mental health; however, no gender differences were found in job satisfaction or life satisfaction. According to this study, age, overtime pay, higher salary and position as a manager have a positive relation with mental health, whereas working overtime has a negative relation with mental health. Job satisfaction and life satisfaction are important determinants of the mental health of business professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Business professionals are important to the economic welfare of their organization and of society as a whole. Our study suggests that demographic characteristics, work-related aspects and subjective dimensions of well-being have a profound effect on the mental health of business professionals. Show more

Keywords: Keyterms: Antecedents, business professionals, mental health, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203316

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 665-669, 2020

Authors: Strecker, Cornelia | Höge, Thomas | Brenner, Mirjam | Huber, Alexandra | Hausler, Melanie | Höfer, Stefan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work demands, resources and stressors affecting health, well-being and motivation also exist in the work of university students. There is a shortage of measures for analyzing work characteristics in this setting. OBJECTIVE: This article addresses that shortage of measures and describes the development and the validation of the short Work Analysis Measure for Students (WA-S Screening ). METHODS: In study 1 (N  = 422 students in Austria) the final version of the measure was developed based on analyzing the factor structure and psychometric properties of items and scales. Study 2 (N  = 333 German-speaking students in …Germany, Austria and Switzerland) was conducted for a cross validation and analyzing the criterion validity. RESULTS: An eight-scale structure of the WA-S Screening was supported in study 1 and 2. The scales have shown to be significantly associated with burnout and work engagement in study 2. CONCLUSIONS: The examinations indicate that the WA-S Screening is a short, reliable and valid instrument to identify critical, health-promoting work characteristics in the context of studying at university. Show more

Keywords: Work characteristics, studying, university, burnout, work engagement

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203317

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 671-688, 2020

Authors: Weber, Vinicius Muller Reis | Romanzini, Marcelo | Queiroga, Marcos Roberto | Panchoni, Camila | da Costa, Julio Cesar | da Silva, Luiz Augusto | Sergio Portela, Bruno | Ronque, Enio Ricardo Vaz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the adult population, the work environment and physical fitness levels are directly related to the onset of musculoskeletal pain, repetitive strain injuries, and decreased blood circulation. Although low levels of muscle strength and flexibility may lead to a higher prevalence of pain, specific anatomic regions are poorly addressed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and the association between strength or flexibility and pain in university staff. METHODS: The sample was composed of 110 members of staff from a university in Guarapuava-PR. Body mass and height values were obtained, from which the BMI …was calculated. The pain evaluation was performed by means of a questionnaire, analyzing the intensity, frequency, and anatomical region. The subjects were then submitted to strength (right and left hand grip, lumbar traction, lower limb traction) and flexibility tests (sit and reach test). RESULTS: The anatomical region with the highest prevalence of pain was the lumbar region (43.4%). When the association between the presence of pain and flexibility was performed, only the lumbar traction presented significant results, with the weakest group demonstrating pain (OR: 3.47 [1.27 – 9.49]). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that low levels of strength in the lumbar region are associated with the presence of painful symptomatology. Show more

Keywords: Muscle pain, work, physical fitness, health, lumbar strength

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203318

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 689-696, 2020

Authors: Sormunen, Erja | Ylisassi, Hilkka | Mäenpää-Moilanen, Eija | Remes, Jouko | Martimo, Kari-Pekka

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational health service (OHS) providers and their client organizations are obligated to collaborate in promoting health and work ability. Little is known how this multiprofessional co-operation is implemented in relation to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the working practices of co-operation among OHS professionals, and between the OHSs and workplaces. METHODS: In 2015 a web-based questionnaire was sent to 3900 OHS professionals in Finland. A total of 589 responded: 106 physicians, 322 nurses, 134 physiotherapists and 27 psychologists. RESULTS: The co-operation within OHS …personnel was regarded to strengthen the processes to promote work ability of workers with MSD. Despite the positive expectations of co-operation, there is a problem of having enough time to put good ideas into practice. Four main possibilities to develop co-operation were identified: creating proactive working models with defined roles; increasing awareness of importance of early intervention models; implementing the principles of good OH practice; and adopting the knowledge of the latest information to promote work ability. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its recognized importance, co-operation both with OHS colleagues and with the workplaces was not always optimal. There is a need for defined roles and common proactive working models between each stakeholder for more effective co-operation. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health services, multiprofessional work, rehabilitation, work ability promotion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203319

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 697-708, 2020

Authors: Coledam, Diogo Henrique Constantino | da Silva, Yara Machado

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The health risks that usually affect teachers are already known; however, the predictors of health related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave have not yet been fully described. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictors of health-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave among elementary school teachers. METHODS: This study involved a probabilistic sample of 519 Brazilian elementary school teachers. The outcomes were days of health-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave in the previous 12 months. Work-place and individual factors were the independent variables analyzed. RESULTS: Inadequate infrastructure of schools, disability, and medical consultations were positively associated …with all outcomes. Teachers who reported having a chronic disease, common mental disorders, and voice disorders presented higher absenteeism and presenteeism days. Musculoskeletal pain and low job support were associated with higher presenteeism and sick leave days. Teachers who performed strength and flexibility activities presented less presenteeism, those who reported physical violence at school were more frequently absent, and teachers with depersonalization presented a higher likelihood of sick leave. CONCLUSIONS: The prevention of health-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave among elementary teachers should ensure adequate work conditions and prevention and monitoring of health risks. Show more

Keywords: Chronic disease, health behavior, mental health, school health, sick days

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203320

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 709-719, 2020

Authors: de Araújo, Diná Herdi Medeiros | de Carvalho, Elaine Alves | Jatoba, Alessandro | de Carvalho, Paulo Victor Rodrigues | Gomes, José Orlando

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health crises occur both regionally and globally. Online social networks are widely used technical resources that allow users to share large amounts of information with increasing reach and velocity. Thus, the capacity of spreading information about epidemics through social media allows members of a population and health professionals or agencies to collaborate. METHOD: This study presents results obtained in an integrative review, including examples of how social media enabled collaboration in health surveillance to treat the epidemies of Dengue, Zika, and H1N1. The literature review covers studies published between 2009 and 2017. RESULTS: The studies …reviewed indicate that social media interactions are tools for the rapid dissemination of information. These networks operate at low cost and allow information to reach audiences in need of information and who otherwise would not receive it. Social media allowed researchers to monitor evolving epidemics and obtain epidemiological data useful for decision-making in health surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the widespread use of social networks, there are opportunities for improvement, especially in technology for treatment. Show more

Keywords: Social media, collaboration in health, Dengue, Zika, H1N1

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203321

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 721-732, 2020

Authors: Cimarras-Otal, Cristina | Marcen-Cinca, Noel | Rabal-Pelay, Juan | Lacrcel-Tejero, Beln | Alczar-Crevilln, Andrs | Villalba-Ruete, JosAntonio | Bataller-Cervero, Ana Vanessa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exercise has been demonstrated as effective for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) in workers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an exercise program adapted to the characteristics of the workplace is a useful supplement to general exercise recommendations in assembly line workers with chronic LBP. METHODS: Workers were randomly assigned to intervention group-adapted exercises plus general exercise recommendations (n  = 10), and control group-general exercise recommendations (n  = 8). Both received 8-week exercise program through a mobile application (APP) to manage the intervention. Outcome was based on lumbar disability (Oswestry Disability …Index), interference and lumbar pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory), and kinematic parameters. RESULTS: Significant differences were obtained for the intervention group in the “pain interference” variable, in the “mood” and “enjoyment” sub-variables, as well as in “flexion angle” variable. For the control group, significant differences occurred in the “pain intensity” variable. Adapted exercise plus general recommendations seems more effective than the general recommendations for the improvement of lumbar flexion. CONCLUSIONS: An adapted exercise program for assembly line workers with chronic LBP could be an effective treatment. Future studies with a larger sample size and with an exhaustive control of the exercise adherence are required to confirm the findings of this pilot study. Show more

Keywords: Assembly line, mobile application, occupational health, physical activity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203322

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 733-740, 2020

Authors: Sampson, Amanda K. | Hassani-Mahmooei, Behrooz | Collie, Alex

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Migrant workers have been identified in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia as a particularly vulnerable working population with a higher risk of work-related injury and mortality compared to non-migrant workers. Lack of English language proficiency is associated with an increased risk of work-related injury. Whether lack of English proficiency influences post-injury recovery or return to work outcomes remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: Using administrative data from a population based workers’ compensation dataset in the state of Victoria, Australia, we aimed to examine work-related injury rates, worker characteristics and compensation outcomes in workers who were not proficient in English. …We hypothesized that the use of an interpreter service would be associated with a poorer post-injury recovery profile and worse return to work outcomes. METHODS: WorkSafe Victoria accepted non-fatal claims for injuries and illnesses reported between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012 by workers aged 15 to 74 (n  = 402, 828 claims) were analysed. Consistent with prior research, we selected “use of an interpreter service” as the indicator of English language proficiency. The total and categorical compensable cost of recovery was used as recovery outcomes. RESULTS: Of these claims, 16,286 (4%) involved the use of an interpreter service (LOTE workers). Our analysis revealed that Victorian injured LOTE workers have significantly different demographic, occupational and injury characteristics compared to non-LOTE injured workers. Furthermore, we present novel evidence that LOTE status was associated with poorer long-term injury outcomes, observed as a greater healthcare utilisation and larger paid income benefits, after controlling for occupation, employment status and injury type compared to non-LOTE injured workers. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that English language proficiency is associated not only with the risk of work-related injury but also to the long-term recovery outcomes. We conclude that despite access to language interpreter services, injured LOTE workers experience English language proficiency dependent, and injury severity independent, recovery barriers which need to be overcome to improve long term recovery outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Migrant workers, OHS, compensation, recovery, English proficiency

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203323

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 741-752, 2020

Authors: Guner, Umit | Guner, Neslihan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several studies have been performed on the relationship between working conditions and health. Numerous parameters still require further study, including working hours and obesity among different groups, specifically older workers in national, regional, and international levels. OBJECTIVE: Working hours have considerable effects on the socio-cultural, psychological, and economic aspects of people’s lives and health. While long working hours increases income level and raises living standards, it increases the risk of certain health problems. This study investigated whether working hours are associated with obesity in upper-middle-aged workers. METHODS: The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in …Europe (SHARE) dataset was used for the analyses. Analyses were carried out by means of a Cox regression of the panel dataset created with the data in question, surveyed by European Commission to 12,000 participants. RESULTS: The survey was performed in Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ireland. We found that in most countries, especially Sweden and the Netherlands, upper-middle-aged employees working > 59 hours per week are more likely to gain weight than their counterparts working < 59 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings raise awareness of obesity in older workers, and highlight the need to regulate working conditions and hours in the European Union and other countries. Show more

Keywords: Obesity, older workforce, public health, nutrition, overemployment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203324

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 753-759, 2020