Work - Volume 68, issue 2

Authors: DaLomba, Elaina | Greer, Mary Jan | Cruz, Erika | Harris, Abigail | King, Caitlyn | Laurel, Liberty | McCuaig, Tatiana | Wilder, Remy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals married to active duty military members experience a significantly higher rate of un/underemployment than their civilian counterparts; those with advanced degrees are most impacted. Occupation is central to individual identity and adaptation; therefore, individual occupational struggles can impact family systems. Evidence shows military spouse career concerns impact service member retention, making spouse employment related to national security; however there is limited research on active duty spouses, particularly those with advanced degrees. OBJECTIVE: This phenomenological study explored the experiences of activity duty military spouses with advanced degrees focusing on maintaining and advancing their careers. METHODS: …Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to explore experiences of military spouses with advanced degrees actively seeking to work in their profession. Inductive content analysis was used to derive overarching themes to respond to the research questions. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged: uniqueness of military life impacts; professional adaptation: flexibility, creativity and reinvention of the professional self; enhanced sense of duty/professional integrity; and need for enhanced forms of career support. CONCLUSIONS: Military spouses with advanced degrees value and have a right to occupation, including work. Military life presents unique barriers to this. Results have implications for healthcare providers and policy-makers. Show more

Keywords: Military lifestyle, spouses, professional advancement, advanced degrees

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203380

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 387-398, 2021

Authors: Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed | Hare, Saabirah | Mall, Saadia | van der Berg, Jean

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a void in research that focuses on how OT programs facilitate self-esteem in forensic mental healthcare users’ return-to-work in the open labor market, particularly in South Africa. OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences and perceptions of forensic mental healthcare users, transitioning from an OT program to the open labor market. METHODS: Five individuals, diagnosed with Schizophrenia, and two key informants participated in this study that was positioned in a qualitative paradigm, with an exploratory and descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. RESULTS: Theme one reflects …on the challenges experienced by forensic mental healthcare users, when returning to work. Theme two describes various OT programs, as well as how they facilitate the reintegration of forensic mental healthcare users into the worker role. Theme three describes the positive support for forensic mental healthcare users, in the mental healthcare setting, workplace, and the greater community. Theme four describes how participation in occupation installs hope in forensic mental healthcare users, reinforcing the value of work, while positively influencing their work identity. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that stigma, residual symptoms, relapse due to substance abuse/mental health, and the lack of family support, were not be conducive to work skills development. However, the support of family and friends, workplace occupational therapy support, assembly line work, and therapeutic groups in an OT program, ensured positive workplace reintegration. Show more

Keywords: Open labor market, OT program, coping skills and strategies, workplace reintegration, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203381

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 399-414, 2021

Authors: Selçuk, Halit | Özdinç, Sevgi | Karahan, Menekşe | Kayatekin, Ayşe Zeynep Yılmazer | Uluçam, Enis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It has been found that intense noise may affect the peripheral vestibular system and consequently causes problems in balance mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to chronic noise on vestibular functions and balance in Edirne Band musicians. METHODS: Twenty-two individuals working in the Edirne Band for at least 5 years and a control group of 22 individuals working at Trakya University with similar sociodemographic characteristics were included. The socio-demographic questionnaire was used to inquire about the demographic characteristics of individuals, the ABC Scale to assess how they …felt about the balance, and the DHI to determine the quality of life related to dizziness. A 3D ultrasonic system was used to assess the static and dynamic balance of the individuals. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the band and the control group in terms of longitudinal deviation and self-spin parameters of the Unterberger test, dizziness handicap inventory scores, functional balance according to activity-specific balance confidence scale (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of our study, it has been shown that the balance, quality of life and vestibular system functions are negatively affected in the band exposed to noise for a long time. Show more

Keywords: Noise, vestibular system, balance, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203382

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 415-423, 2021

Authors: Chomem, Paula | Motter, Arlete Ana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Operating room nursing professionals are exposed to different workload. It is necessary to recognize which situations resulting from their tasks interfere with the health of the professional. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify the physical and physiological loads on operating room nurses and their impact on the health as well as trace ergonomic recommendations based on the literature and performed analysis. METHODS: The is an exploratory, observational, descriptive research conducted in the surgical center of a university hospital between August 2017 and July 2018. Nursing staff of both genders who worked as transport professionals or room …circulators were included in the study. Data collection in the OR went through stages of Ergonomic Workplace Analysis (EWA), through semi-structured interviews addressing the physical and physiological work issues and a worksheet of data collected from the observations of the practitioners’ actions. RESULTS: The study included 20 nursing workers of both genders with an average of 17.33±12.58 years of work experience. The most reported problematic factors were: lack of material, staff pressure, patient transporting, employment legal status with the institution, and lack of communication among the practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: There was a physical effort during the activity and a high prevalence of workers with pain complaints, which justifies the investigation. Show more

Keywords: Operating room nursing, workload, worker’s health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203383

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 425-435, 2021

Authors: Watts, Shelby L. | Winkelmann, Zachary K. | Eberman, Lindsey E. | Games, Kenneth E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Injury prevention interventions are limited in the fire service due to a lack of widespread implementation and underreporting. This creates a significant challenge to improving occupational health. OBJECTIVE: To determine how fire chiefs are promoting reporting and the prevention of physical and mental injuries and illnesses. METHODS: We used an open-ended, qualitative instrument to assess the presence of prevention programs and actions to promote injury and illness reporting in the fire service. The instrument contained six content validated items related to the promotion of prevention interventions and reporting. RESULTS: A total of 54 …fire chiefs (age = 51±8y; females = 4, males = 50, years of experience as fire chief = 7±6y) responded to the instrument. A majority (n  = 37/54, 68.5%) of the fire chiefs indicated their department had an established health and wellness program. Most fire chiefs reported using established guidelines, education, and a supportive culture to promote prevention and reporting. The cultural stigma of being a firefighter and fear of repercussions were barriers to the promotion of reporting of illness and injury. Fire chiefs stated that they struggled to find ways to effectively promote reporting and prevention strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The success of a fire chief’s promotional efforts was greater in instances where multiple factors were addressed. Show more

Keywords: Keywords: Tactical athlete, occupational health, fire chief, qualitative, wellness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203384

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 437-447, 2021

Authors: Kim, Kwan Woo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many Korean enterprises have been operating an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) based on Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) 18001 certification standards, which were developed in South Korea. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed health and safety performance among enterprises operating KOSHA 18001. METHODS: Accident rates from 2010 to 2017 of 1,541 enterprises that implemented KOSHA 18001 and those that did not (N = 2,507,363) were analyzed by industry and size. The differences in the accident reduction rate before and after KOSHA 18001 implementation were analyzed in enterprises that implemented the system. RESULTS: …Compared to before implementation, the accident reduction rate was greater after KOSHA 18001 was implemented. The year that an enterprise began operating KOSHA 18001 was defined as T. For industry-specific analysis, the accident reduction rate between T and T + 1 was greater than that between T-2 and T-1 increased among both manufacturing (p  = 0.020) and other enterprises (p  = 0.011). For size-specific analyses, the accident reduction rate between T and T + 1was greater than that between T-2 and T-1 among enterprises with 299 or fewer workers (p  = 0.008) and enterprises with 300 or more workers (p  = 0.043). However, the accident rates of enterprises that implemented KOSHA 18001 and those that did not varied by industry and size. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that enterprises that do not utilize an OHSMS should consider doing so to prevent and reduce industrial accidents, and industry- and size-specific features should be considered to boost safety performance through the implementation of OHSMS. Show more

Keywords: ISO 45001, OHSAS 18001, accident rate

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203385

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 449-460, 2021

Authors: Das, Bhibha M. | Adams, Brianna C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nurses report the greatest stress of all health care workers. Although physical activity (PA) is associated with health benefits among other populations, nurses have stressors that other occupations do not typically encounter. It is important for nurses to identify techniques for stress management since stressors negatively impact their health and patient care. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the relationship between PA levels and physical, mental, and occupational health among nurses. METHODS: Nurses (N = 62) completed measures of anthropometrics, demographics, and domains of physical, mental, and occupational health. Pearson correlations determined the relationship between PA and measures …health along with the relationship between PA and health among active versus inactive nurses. RESULTS: Fatigue was significantly correlated with moderate-to-vigorous PA (r  = –0.27, p  < 0.05). Relationships were found between mental health and light and moderate intensity PA (r  = 0.40, p  < 0.001; r  = 0.30, p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stress is prevalent among nurses and negatively impacts a nurse’s health along with patient care. Findings suggest health benefits associated with PA among nurses. PA interventions among nurses may be needed to fully see the effects of PA on physical, mental, and occupational health, and ultimately patient health and safety. Show more

Keywords: Compassion fatigue, stress, burnout, physical health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203386

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 461-471, 2021

Authors: Bossi, P. | Meert, P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration is a major cause of lower back pain among employees, and the medical and preventive care teams of occupational health departments are often confronted with lower back pain problems among machine operators. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this research are to determine the number of excavator drivers exposed to whole-body vibration levels above 0.5m/s2 , identify other exposure factors that may contribute to back pain, and propose corrective measures. METHODS: Vibration measurements were carried out on individual excavator drivers while they were observed carrying out working tasks, after which prevention advice is given. Factors …which determine vibration levels are logged on to a database. RESULTS: The multivariate analysis of several determining factors shows vibration exposure levels vary depending on the varied work tasks being carried out. CONCLUSION: This study identifies exposed employees among excavator operators. For each workstation, the determining factors that could explain the high exposures to vibrations are identified. This work shows the important role of tasks on exposure levels. A better adaptation of the tools used to carry out work tasks would allow a decrease in the vibration level of this type of machine. Show more

Keywords: Occupational exposure, explanatory factors, modelisation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203387

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 473-481, 2021

Authors: Schaffernicht, Sophie Kathrin | Moder, Karl | Quendler, Elisabeth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To promote the successful and sustainable inclusion of people with disabilities in different activities such as work, more precise job matching efforts may be of value, especially because people with disabilities are employed at a lower rate than people without disabilities. Requirement profiles as well as profile comparisons have not yet been recorded for horticultural work processes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to document precisely the work process of the cuttings production of the flower tradescantia and to compare the capabilities of people with disabilities with the requirements for this work process for the purpose …of verifying that the tool employed was usable. METHODS: A skilled worker performed the cuttings production of tradescantias according to good horticultural practice. Additionally, five people with disabilities participated in this study. On the one hand, a structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. On the other hand, the work processes were documented with video recordings and described related to REFA (Association for Work Design, Business Organization and Corporate Development) and evaluated according to IMBA (Integration of People with Disabilities into the Working Environment). RESULTS: Apart from the too long working hours, the work in the cuttings production was feasible for the five subjects who had different types of disabilities. There were situations of underchallenges of different degrees, but no overchallenges. It was necessary to assess each subject individually for the risk of accident. CONCLUSIONS: IMBA proved to be an effective tool to evaluate and analyse work activities for the purpose of including people with disabilities into horticultural work processes. Thus, it has the potential to facilitate a socially sustainable and skill-oriented work participation for persons with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Profile comparison systems, inclusion, people with disabilities, horticulture, activity, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203389

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 483-490, 2021

Authors: Lee, Roger | James, Carole | Edwards, Suzi | Snodgrass, Suzanne J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Non-neutral postures during computerised device use coupled with increased usage may increase the risk of neck pain. Greater knowledge of postures that individuals with neck pain adopt during computerised device use is warranted. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate neck and upper limb posture while using a tablet, laptop and desktop computer (sitting and standing) in individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Differences in three-dimensional kinematic variables were assessed during four conditions: tablet, laptop, desktop computer (sitting and standing) in 22 individuals with chronic neck pain >3 months. Differences between kinematic variables were determined using one-way repeated measures …ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests. RESULTS: Compared to the desktop (sitting), tablet and laptop use resulted in increased neck flexion (mean difference tablet – 14.42°, 95% CI – 19.88, –8.96, P  < 0.001; laptop –7.19°, –12.08, –2.31, P  = .020); upper trunk flexion (tablet –14.89°, –20.22, –9.56, P  < 0.001; laptop –5.56°, –10.02, –1.09, P  = .009) and tablet bilateral shoulder elevation (left 11.01 mm, 2.01, 20.04, P  < .016; right 13.08 mm, 3.09, 23.11, P  < .006). CONCLUSIONS: Tablet and laptop use resulted in greater neck flexion, bilateral shoulder elevation and upper trunk flexion compared to a standard desktop computer, suggesting individuals with chronic neck pain should be mindful of their posture when using these smaller devices. Future research should explore how differences in posture may influence neck pain. Show more

Keywords: Biomechanics, ergonomics, biomechanical, spine, shoulder

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203245

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 491-505, 2021