Work - Volume 69, issue 3

Authors: Johansson, Malin K. | Rissanen, Ritva

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To provide a review of current knowledge about interventions aimed to facilitate young adults to return to work following work-related injuries. METHODS: A systematic review of published literature from the year 2010 and onwards was conducted to identify studies examining return to work interventions for young adults (aged 19–29) following work-related injuries using PubMed and Web of Science. Two reviewers conducted the screening process and assessed the study quality using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute assessment tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional studies. Due to wide heterogeneity and small number of studies retained post-screening, a …descriptive summary analysis of the included studies was conducted. RESULTS: No studies were identified that focused exclusively on interventions for young adults. However, two studies, in which an age category of young adults was available, were included and assessed for quality. The study populations were primarily suffering from work-related injuries in the lower back or lower limbs. Both studies revealed that return to work interventions using a case manager coordinating and providing consultation, advice, and risk management to multidisciplinary teams was associated with lower sick leave days. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the emerging evidence that young adults have higher rates of work-related injuries compared to older colleagues, information concerning work-related injuries and return to work interventions specifically targeting young workers is still lacking. Further research is therefore needed to develop and evaluate return to work interventions for the population of young adults. Show more

Keywords: Occupational accident, occupational injuries, rehabilitation, return to work, young adult

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205028

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 795-806, 2021

Authors: Ayhan, Cihan | Işık, Özkan | Kaçay, Zülbiye

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical activity is very important for a healthy life in the human existence, and regular physical activity and high attitudes towards physical activity can contribute to higher levels of life satisfaction of individuals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between university students’ attitudes towards physical activity and their life satisfaction levels. METHODS: In the study, the Cognitive Behavioral Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure the participants’ attitudes towards physical activity. In order to measure the participants’ life satisfaction levels, The Satisfaction with Life Scale was used. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t -test, …one-way ANOVA, pearson correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used in the analysis of the obtained data. RESULTS: According to gender, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference both in the result expectation and self-regulation sub-dimensions of physical activity attitude and the total score of physical activity attitude. When the correlation analysis results were analyzed, the statistically significant positive relationship between life satisfaction and outcome expectation, self-regulation sub-dimensions of physical activity attitude, and the total score of physical activity attitude was determined. Also, it was found that the attitude towards physical activity explained approximately 6%of life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that as the attitudes of the participants towards physical activity increased, their life satisfaction increased. Show more

Keywords: Physical activity, healthy life, subjective well-being, leisure benefits

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213513

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 807-813, 2021

Authors: Ilić Krstić, Ivana | Avramović, Danijela | Živković, Snežana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mining, especially underground coal mining, has always been a hazardous occupation. Injuries, including those that are fatal, are a major occupational risk that all miners have to face. OBJECTIVE: Despite the fact that all workers are aware of the risks, efforts must be made to increase their safety through the implementation of preventive measures. METHODS: This retrospective study includes injury data from all nine Serbian coal mines over a 16-year period, from 2000 to 2016. All injury data were collected from employee safety and health records. RESULTS: In the analyzed period, a total …of 9,273 occupational injuries were recorded at Resavica. The highest number of occupational injuries (over 600) were recorded in 2008 (669), 2004 (651), and 2005 (603). The data shows that almost one fifth of the total number of occupational injuries, or 20.74%, occurred during the said three years. On average, 493.06 minor, 51.12 severe, and 1.29 fatal injuries occurred each year. Every day there were 1.29 minor occupational injuries and every seven days there was one severe injury. CONCLUSIONS: Despite indications that there is a connection between some of the variables and the number of injuries, the general conclusion is that injuries are accidental and unpredictable. The high percentages of injuries are due to the organization of work and the age or qualification structure of the staff and, of course, are the consequence of likelihood –the greater the number of workers, the greater the likelihood of injury. However, the present study showed that some measures can be taken to increase occupational safety and reduce the number of injuries. Show more

Keywords: Occupational injuries, occupational safety and health, underground mining, coal mining

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213514

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 815-825, 2021

Authors: van Hees, Suzanne G.M. | Carlier, Bouwine E. | Blonk, Roland W.B. | Oomens, Shirley

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work participation among employees with common mental disorders (CMDs) is an increasingly important, yet highly complex phenomenon. Given the call for preventing instead of reacting to negative work outcomes, there is a need to understand how employees with CMDs can continue working. OBJECTIVES: 1) to provide insights in applying a realist approach to the literature review process and 2) to present a way to develop an explanatory framework on work participation, the related causal mechanisms and the interaction with the work context. METHODS: A systematic realist literature review, using stay at work (SAW) and work …performance (WP) as outcomes of work participation. This protocol paper explains the rationale, tools and procedures developed and used for identification, selection, appraisal and synthesis of included studies. RESULTS: The review process entailed six steps to develop so called ‘middle range program theories’. Each step followed a systematic, iterative procedure using context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting a realist review adds on the understanding to promote work participation, by examining the heterogeneity and complexity of intervention- and observational studies. This paper facilitates other researchers within the field of occupational health by demonstrating ways to develop a framework on work participation using realist synthesis. Show more

Keywords: Realist research, methodology, occupational health, mental disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213515

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 827-838, 2021

Authors: Szekeres, Mike | Cheung, Derek | Macdermid, Joy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is unclear how individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are affected by texting, or how the texting performance of those with CTS might be impaired or different from individuals without CTS. OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this case-control study was to determine the immediate effects of texting on superficial blood flow, sensory threshold, and symptoms of fatigue, numbness, and pain for individuals with CTS compared to asymptomatic age-matched controls. Another objective was to detect differences in texting performance between the two groups. METHODS: Superficial blood flow, pain, fatigue, numbness, and touch threshold were measured …before, and at three time points following a standardized 15-minute texting task. Overall texting speed was compared between groups. RESULTS: Changes in red blood cell concentration after the texting task was not significantly different for either the CTS group or controls for any of the measurement time points. Mean touch thresholds at baseline were 4.0 g/mm2 for the CTS group versus 2.6 g/mm2 for healthy controls; a 53%greater touch threshold. Following the texting task, touch threshold did not change for normal controls, but increased to 6.7 g/mm2 for the CTS group, representing a significant increase in touch threshold from baseline. Texting performance was compromised in people with CTS, and symptoms worsened with a short-term controlled texting task. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that texting performance is limited in individuals with CTS and that texting results in a short term increase in touch threshold values for individuals with CTS. Further study is needed to determine the effect of long term texting on carpal tunnel pressures. Show more

Keywords: Repetitive strain, typing, sensation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213516

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 839-846, 2021

Authors: Cunha, Liliana | Barros, Carla | Baylina, Pilar | Silva, Daniel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The deployment of automated vehicles is causing transport systems to undergo a transition period. Notwithstanding such technology advancements, the work activity in road transport remains severe in terms of working conditions, given an ever-increasing work intensification scenario. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the drivers’ point of view over factors that determine the intensification of their work, to take preventive measures for future working conditions with automated vehicles. METHODS: A sample of 336 Portuguese professional drivers answered the Health and Work Survey. RESULTS: Work at an intense pace (70.6%) or working beyond the assigned timetable (68.5%) …were reported as conditions that may induce work intensification. The need to follow production norms/meet strict deadlines or feeling exploited at work doubles the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, dealing with tense situations with the public, exposure to constant interruptions, and once again feeling exploited at work, are risk factors that increase, at least, four times as much the perception of generalized discouragement, anxiety, or irritability. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations that emerge from our findings aim at ensuring that automation does not end up becoming a new source of work intensification. Show more

Keywords: Road transport workers, work-related risks, health problems, automated vehicles, sustainability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213517

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 847-857, 2021

Authors: Augner, Christoph

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent research deals with the effects of employment/self-employment of elderly on mental and physical health. However, the rising group of “old-old”, aged 75 and above, is almost missing in this research. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health of employed/self-employed and retired Europeans aged 75 and above (“old-old”). METHODS: We used data recently collected by Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Our final sample consisted of N = 9,884, 57.69%were female. Employed or self-employed (vs. retired) rate was 30.20%for male and 28.88%for female. Mean age of the sample …was 81.07 (SD = 4.90). RESULTS: Employed/self-employed “old-old” showed significant better psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health than their retired counterparts. Age of the groups did not differ. Further analysis indicated the close connection between physical health (i.e. chronic diseases, negative self-perceived health, physical inactivity and ADL number of limitations) and employment/self-employment status. CONCLUSIONS: Against the background of continuity theory of ageing future research has to focus on the growing group of “old-old” still working. Show more

Keywords: Active ageing, employment, health status, psychiatry, cognition

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213518

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 859-864, 2021

Authors: AL-Oulabi, Ayman | AL Rawas, Matheel | Farook, Taseef Hasan | Rashid, Farah | Barman, Aparna | Jamayet, Nafij Bin | Alam, Mohammad Khursheed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Two patients received ocular injuries from rusted metallic projectiles at their industrial workplaces. Said injuries resulted in the loss of their eyes by evisceration surgeries to prevent fatal infections. CASE DESCRIPTION: The first case, a man in his twenties, received a stock conformer immediately after surgery and started prosthetic therapy within 2 months. The second case, a man in his forties, started prosthetic therapy after 10 years. Definitive custom ocular prostheses were fabricated and relined according to conventional protocol. RESULTS: On issue of the prosthesis, there was adequate retention, aesthetics and stability to extra-ocular movements …and treatment was considered successful for both cases. However, follow-ups showed noticeable prosthetic eye movements for case 1 which, to some extent mimicked the physiologic movement of its fellow natural eye. Case 1 adjusted to his prosthesis better while case 2 was still adjusting with little to no physiologic movement. CONCLUSION: Prosthetic rehabilitation should be started as early as possible to obtain optimum rehabilitative results. Show more

Keywords: Evisceration, ocular prosthesis, maxillofacial defect, ophthalmic, adaptation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213519

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 865-870, 2021

Authors: Schröder, Nora | Kordsmeyer, Ann-Christin | Harth, Volker | Mache, Stefanie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The increasing globalization and the advances in communication technology have expedited the formation of virtual teams. The geographical distribution of virtual team members entails significant changes in working conditions. There is limited knowledge about the demands and resources virtual team members experience and how these can affect their mental health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to identify work-related psychological demands and resources of virtual team members. METHODS: 14 semi-structured interviews with virtual team members were conducted. Study participants were recruited based on the gatekeeper principle and the snowball principle. The interviewees were asked …about self-perceived job demands and resources of virtual teamwork. The interviews were analyzed according to Mayring’s structuring content analysis. RESULTS: Based on the qualitative analysis, the following job demands were explored among virtual team members: challenges due to permanent availability, technical conditions, and communication issues with other virtual team members. Job-related resources among virtual team members were also identified and are reflected in increased autonomy, flexibility and improved compatibility of private and professional working life. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the understanding of the specific working conditions of virtual team members and identified job demands and resources of virtual teamwork. In addition, this study can be used as a basis for further quantitative investigations. Show more

Keywords: Distributed work, work stressors, geographic dispersion, electronic dependence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213520

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 871-884, 2021

Authors: Dev, Manish | Bhardwaj, Arvind

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Welding is one of the most hazardous professions across the globe. Several risk factors are associated with Indian unorganized welding units such as welding gases, fumes and dust particles resulting in various respiratory health problems. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, their associated factors and lung function impairment amongst the welders of the unorganized sector in India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted across 283 welders of age group 18–55 years from Punjab, India who responded to the interviewer-administrated respiratory symptoms questionnaire. Also, the lung function …parameters of 50 male welders (exposed group) and 50 male non-welders (control group) working in the same environment were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough (38.86%), phlegm (38.86%), shortness of breath (33.56%), wheezing (32.15%), chest tightness (36.40%,) and sputum (34.27%) was reported by the welders. The observed mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1 ) and FEV1 /FVC ratio of welders were (3.37±0.175), (2.59±0.16) and (76.63±6.16) respectively and that of non-welders were (3.70±0.15), (3.05±0.25) and (82.49±7.62) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The welders were found to be at significant risk of developing pulmonary diseases. Long working hours, low level of education, hazardous working conditions, lack of implementation of safety laws make welders more vulnerable to health risks. The welders of Indian unorganized sector work without any technical training related to welding and safety. Proper orientation sessions about the workplace hazards and to maintain hygiene at their workplace should be organized. Welders must be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Welders should take proper health check-up and medication to sustain healthiness Show more

Keywords: Welding hazards, respiratory health, lung function parameters and personal protective equipment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213521

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 885-894, 2021