Work - Volume 69, issue 1

Authors: Miguel Cruz, Antonio | Murphy, Jessica | Chohan, Avneet Kaur | Liu, Lili | Rios Rincon, Adriana Maria

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Evidence for the adoption and acceptance of assistive devices for ladder lifting tasks by workers is scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the technology acceptance and usability of a powered and automated cargo management system (RazerLift® ) used by workers who need to lift ladders as part of their daily duties, as compared to mechanical cargo management systems (traditional). METHODS: We used a one-way repeated measures design in this study. Our primary outcome variable was a usability performance measurement measured as time (in seconds) for unloading and loading ladders using both systems. Our secondary …outcome was technology acceptance, measured using questionnaires with a 5-point Likert scale: “strongly disagree (1)” to “strongly agree (5)”. RESULTS: The participants conducted the combined unloading and loading time using the powered and automated system (RazerLift® ) 20.85 seconds faster than the traditional system (p -value = 0.000, t-value (df) = –5.730 (6), d  = 2.713). Overall, the RazerLift® system (mean = 44.28, SD 5.58) had a higher technology acceptance compared to the traditional system (mean = 30.00, SD 7.91), (p  = 0.041, t-value (df) = 6.589 (6), d  = 4.60). CONCLUSIONS: The RazerLift® was more time efficient compared with the traditional system, and (2) the RazerLift® was superior in terms of technology acceptance compared to the traditional system. Show more

Keywords: Technology acceptance, UTAUT model, ergonomics, human factors, prevention of work-related musculoskeletal injuries

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213461

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 109-118, 2021

Authors: Magnifica, F. | Colagrossi, F. | Aloisi, A. | Politi, S. | Peretti, A. | Berardi, A. | Galeoto, G. | Tofani, M. | Pierelli, F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Almost 25%of workers in the European Union suffer from back pain, and 23%complain of muscle pain. Sixty-two percent of workers carry out repetitive operations with their hands or arms, 46%work in painful or tired positions and 35%carry or handle loads. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ-I). METHODS: Translation and cultural adaptation procedures followed international guidelines. Participants were recruited from among the personnel components of the Italian Air Force, who were between 18 and 65 years old. Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass …correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to assess internal consistency and stability, respectively. The CDMQ-I was administered together with the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), and the validity was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. RESULTS: All CDMQ-I items were either identical or similar in meaning to the original version’s items. The scale was administered twice with a retest after seven to 10 days to 66 participants. Cronbach’s alpha was higher than 0.761, and the ICC ranged between 0.737 and 0.952. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed positive and significant correlations (p  > 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study produced an Italian version of the CMDQ with good reliability and validity. This scale is a useful tool to investigate the frequency and intensity of musculoskeletal disorders in various categories of workers. Show more

Keywords: Assessment, prevention, scale, validity, work interference, arthropatries, muscle diseases, bones

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213462

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 119-125, 2021

Authors: Tang, Minghao | Sommerich, Carolyn M. | Lavender, Steven A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neck discomfort and pronounced neck flexion have been associated with smartphone use. OBJECTIVE: Eye glasses with a 90 deg prism in each lens were investigated as a potential intervention to reduce awkward head and neck postures during activities involving viewing the device. METHODS: Sixteen smartphone users with neck pain and 9 asymptomatic users performed a texting task on a smartphone with and without the prism glasses, in sitting and standing postures in a laboratory setting. RESULTS: Cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius muscle activity, head posture and motion, performance, …discomfort and other subjective perceptions were assessed. Prism glasses reduced neck extensor muscle activity, neck flexion, and head tilt compared to the direct view. In the symptomatic group, the intervention produced less neck and shoulder discomfort compared to the direct view. CONCLUSIONS: This intervention could offer an alternative way of interacting with a smartphone while texting in stationary postures, by reducing exposure to pronounced flexed neck and head posture commonly seen in users, and thereby could reduce neck discomfort associated with smartphone use. Show more

Keywords: Smartphone, intervention, musculoskeletal discomfort, neck discomfort, prism glasses

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213463

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 127-139, 2021

Authors: Louw, Quinette | Kriel, Réna Isabel | Brink, Yolandi | van Niekerk, Sjan-Mari | Tawa, Nassib

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spinal pain is one of the leading causes of morbidity globally. There is an increase in the number of children and adolescents who experience spinal pain and the lifetime prevalence of adolescent spinal pain varies between countries. In Africa, one in two adolescents experiences spinal pain and the prevalence is increasing. OBJECTIVE: This study reports on the knowledge and perspectives of school-attending children, adolescents, teachers, and parents/guardians regarding spinal health. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive qualitative case study with an interpretative and phenomenological approach. Data coding, management and analysis was done using ATLAS.ti computer software. …RESULTS: Ninety-three participants (66 women and 27 men) were enrolled in the study. The barriers associated with students’ spinal health were multifactorial, including low levels of physical activity, dangerous gameplay, sports risks, poor ergonomics, school bags, insufficient knowledge, and pregnancy risks. Participants proposed strategies to improve spinal health including the provision of students’ lockers, advice on appropriate school bag types, embedding spinal education in the curriculum, general advocacy for spinal health, and integration of technology in teaching and learning. CONCLUSION: There is a need for further engagement on school-based spinal health promotion programs that consider local socio-economic, educational, and cultural factors. Show more

Keywords: Spinal pain, adolescents, children, school, back care

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213464

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 141-155, 2021

Authors: Abderhalden-Zellweger, Alessia | Probst, Isabelle | Politis Mercier, Maria-Pia | Zenoni, Michela | Wild, Pascal | Danuser, Brigitta | Krief, Peggy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Switzerland’s Ordinance on Maternity Protection at Work (OProMa) requires that companies take the necessary measures to ensure that pregnant employees can continue working without danger. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the extent of compliance with OProMa within companies in French-speaking Switzerland as well as factors which facilitate and obstruct the ordinance’s implementation. METHODS: A stratified random telephone survey of 202 companies from the healthcare and food industry was conducted. Descriptive and correlational statistics were calculated. Responses to open questions were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Only a minority of companies performed risk analyses or adapted employees’ workstations, …as per the legislation. OProMa was implemented more effectively in larger companies than smaller ones, in public rather than private ones, in the healthcare sector rather than the food industry, and when the person responsible for the wellbeing of pregnant employees within the company had undergone specific training on the subject. Data extrapolation suggested that only 2% of pregnant employees in French-speaking Switzerland’s food industry and 12% in its healthcare sector are properly protected according to OProMa’s provisions. CONCLUSIONS: Maternity protection in French-speaking Switzerland’s companies urgently requires improvement. In addition to the apparent need for stronger incentives and for monitoring of companies, our findings indicate a need to provide them with resources to meet OProMa’s provisions. Show more

Keywords: Pregnancy, legislation, women and work, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213465

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 157-172, 2021

Authors: Selvaraj, Siddharthan | Eusufzai, Sumaiya Zabin | Asif, Jawaad Ahmed | Bin Jamayet, Nafij | Ahmad, Wan Muhamad Amir W. | Alam, Mohammad Khursheed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sleep apnoea is a diagnosed condition in which appurtenances interrupt breathing whilst sleeping. The consequence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) includes road traffic accidents due to drowsiness, systemic hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus and neurocognitive disorders. This condition extends the duration of recovery phase after traumatic brain injury. OBJECTIVE: This study was intended to assess the knowledge and attitude towards OSA and compare it among dental and medical undergraduate students of University Sains Malaysia (USM). METHODS: In this study, a total of 216 clinical undergraduate students (36 from each year; 108 from medical and 108 …from dental school) of University Sains Malaysia (USM) Health campus were recruited for the study by non-probability stratified random sampling method. Total study period was October 2017 to October 2018. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the sociodemographic status and OSAKA questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and attitude regarding sleep apnoea of the respondents. Descriptive analysis was carried out to assess the knowledge and attitude of OSA amongst dental and medical undergraduate students of USM. The Mann–Whitney U test was carried out to compare the knowledge and attitude of OSA amongst dental and medical undergraduate students of USM. RESULTS: Our study findings revealed that 0.9 %and 6.5 %of the dental undergraduate students and medical undergraduate students could answer all the questions correctly regarding knowledge of OSA. Based on the assessment of the difference between medical and dental students in terms of knowledge towards OSA patients, significant difference was observed at the significance level of 95%, where p  < 0.05 but no difference found in attitude towards OSA. However, significant difference was found towards attitude on treating OSA patients p  < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: A difference was observed in the knowledge and attitude on OSA between dental and medical undergraduate students in USM; however, medical undergraduate students had better knowledge and attitude towards OSA than dental students. Show more

Keywords: Medical and dental students, obstructive sleep apnoea, road traffic injury, sleep disorder

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213466

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 173-180, 2021

Authors: Maghsoudipour, Maryam | Hosseini, Fereshteh | Coh, Paul | Garib, Seifolah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are very prevalent among dentists. Of these disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is notable. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the occupational and non-occupational risk factors and CTS among dentists. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study. We evaluated 106 dentists from dental schools in Tehran. We collected data by a general questionnaire, a hand diagram, and physical examination. A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test was used to confirm the diagnosis of CTS. The analysis was performed using an independent T -test and logistic regressions on SPSS software. …RESULTS: The prevalence of CTS among dentists was 17.9%. Significant risk factors of CTS included: vibration exposure greater than two hours per day (OR: 2.5), a wrist diameter ratio of greater than 0.7 (OR: 10.14), and female sex (OR: 13.38). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to the hand-arm vibration should be considered as an occupational risk factor for CTS in dentists. Female dentists should take more preventive measures. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, vibration, wrist

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213467

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 181-186, 2021

Authors: Tonak, Hasan Atacan | Kaya Kara, Ozgun | Sahin, Sedef

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Using objective anthropometric measurement data and anthropometric ratios, grip strength and hand functionality can be evaluated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to obtain anthropometric measurements regarding the forearm and hand, to evaluate the hand functionality in addition to hand and finger grip strengths, and to investigate the correlation between these values. METHODS: One-hundred eight-four subjects between 18 and 25 years were included in the study. Forearm and hand anthropometric measurements and ratios were measured. Hand and lateral grip strengths were evaluated. Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) was used to assess hand functionality. …RESULTS: A statistically weak and consistently negative correlation between the ratios of forearm length to forearm/wrist circumferences and the ratio of hand length to metacarpal head circumference and hand-lateral grip strengths was found. There was a statistically weak and consistently negative correlation between these ratios and the subtests of JTHFT. It was shown that there was a statistically weak–moderate positive correlation between the hand-lateral grip strengths and JTHFT subtests. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, when evaluating grip strength and hand functionality, forearm and hand anthropometric measurements and ratios, which could affect the results, should be considered. Show more

Keywords: Anthropometry, function, strength, upper extremity, physical examination

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213468

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 187-195, 2021

Authors: Sepehri, Shiva | Aliabadi, Mohsen | Golmohammadi, Rostam | Babamiri, Mohammad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In office environments, thermal comfort is one of the most significant factor affecting employees’ performance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effects of exposure to low air temperatures on human cognitive performance, physiological responses, and thermal perceptions during mental work. METHODS: Twenty-four volunteers with an age range of 18–30 years participated in this study. The subjects were exposed to four different air temperatures (10, 14, 18, and 22°C) in a climate chamber based on a within-subject design. The n-back, CPT, and PVT tests were employed to evaluate some basic aspects of cognitive performance. Body …physiological responses and the subjective thermal comfort were also measured. RESULTS: When the thermal condition deviated from relatively neutral temperature, the subjects’ cognitive responses significantly disturbed (P  < 0.05), such that the response accuracy was more affected by reduction of air temperature. The blood pressures and heart rate, galvanic skin response, and respiration rate increased as the air temperature decreased (P  < 0.05), such that the galvanic skin response as a stress indicator was more affected. In the test configurations, as a result of decrease in air temperature of 1°C, the finger and body skin temperatures reduced to 0.74°C and 0.25°C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirmed that low thermal condition can considerably affect cognitive performance and physiological responses during some office work tasks. The subjects’ thermal comfort votes proposed that air temperature lower than 14 °C can be intolerable for employees during routine mental work. It is suggested that personalized conditioning systems should be used to provide individual thermal comfort in moderate cold air conditions. Show more

Keywords: Low air temperature, body physiological response, thermal perception, cognitive performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213469

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 197-207, 2021

Authors: d’Ettorre, Gabriele | Caroli, Anna | Mazzotta, Mauro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The safety and health of healthcare workers employed in pathology laboratories and exposed to formaldehyde (FA) is a matter of concern worldwide, as several health effects have been observed in workers resulting from exposure to FA, both short and long-term. OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed to describe the strategy implemented in a hospital pathology laboratory to minimize workers’ exposure to FA through interventions to working environment and workforce. METHODS: The NIOSH 2016 method for detecting gaseous FA was adopted to perform personal and area active sampling of FA. The samples were subsequently analyzed by High …Performance Liquid Chromatography. The exposure to FA was measured before and after improvement interventions. RESULTS: The pre-intervention step showed FA levels exceeding the threshold limit values (TLV) established by ACGIH, both the time-weighted average (TLV-TWA) and short term exposure limit (TLV-STEL); after the improvement interventions, the median concentrations of personal and area FA sampling were respectively of 0.025 ppm (Range = 0.023–0.027) and 0.023 ppm (Range = 0.022–0.028) and significantly lower than pre-intervention step (p  < 0.05) and below the TLV-TWA and TLV-STEL established by ACGIH. CONCLUSIONS: In our study the workers’ involvement in the risk management of FA exposure together with engineering improvements revealed a strategic way to minimize the FA pollution in the studied laboratory. Healthcare companies should consider the need to ensure the workers’ participation in the management of occupational hazards, including FA, to reach the goal of healthy workplaces. Show more

Keywords: Cancer, occupational exposure, healthcare worker, work environment, risk management

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213470

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 209-213, 2021