Work - Volume 70, issue 2

Authors: Das, Banibrata | Gangopadhyay, Somnath | Ghosh, Tirthankar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the major health hazards among farmers. Pre-adolescents are mainly associated with agricultural work due to poor socioeconomic conditions. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to implement a new ergonomics aid for the betterment of job procedures and improvement of productivity, health, and safety of the preadolescent farmers. METHODS: 100 male and 100 female preadolescent farmers were randomly selected from the villages of Tarakeswar, West Bengal, India, to evaluate and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, physiological stress. Modified Nordic questionnaires, Body Part Discomfort (BPD) scale, and handgrip strength were assessed before and after using …the ergonomics aid. RESULTS: The results of the study show that there was a significant change (decrease) in discomfort in the lower back, wrists, shoulder, and hands among preadolescent farmers when using the newly designed ergonomic aid. Handgrip strength increased and physiological stress was decreased among preadolescent farmers in post-intervention than pre-intervention in just after work conditions. Productivity has been increased in farming by decreasing absenteeism from work with the use of ergonomic aid. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that productivity has been increased in farming by decreasing absenteeism from work as well as by using the ergonomic aid the discomfort feeling has been decreased markedly. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomic aid, preadolescent farmers, Nordic questionnaire, BPD scale, handgrip strength

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213593

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 571-582, 2021

Authors: Vinstrup, Jonas | Jay, Kenneth | Jakobsen, Markus Due | Andersen, Lars L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: While the psychosocial work environment within the hospital sector is a topic of great debate, surveys assessing stress often do not differentiate between stress related to work- and private life. Identifying risk factors associated with these domains of daily life would help improve policies as well as target relevant treatment options. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate associations between stress during to work- and private time with Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS). METHODS: Perceived stress was assessed by the full version of CPSS (scores 0–40) as well as by two single-item questions related to …stress related to work- and private life, respectively. Associations between these single-items and CPSS were modelled using general linear models controlling for lifestyle factors. RESULTS: Overall, stress due to both work- and private time was strongly associated with CPSS scores. In the full population (n  = 3,600), “never experiencing stress” during both work- and private time was associated with low stress scores (6.0, 95%CI 5.1–6.9). “Never experiencing” work-related stress but experiencing private time stress “very often” was associated with high stress scores (22.4, CI 19.8–25.1). Likewise, experiencing work-related stress “very often” but “never experiencing” private time stress was also associated with high stress scores (22.2, CI 20.3–24.2). Lastly, Spearman’s r between the full CPSS and the two single-item questions about work- and private time stress were 0.62 (p  < 0.0001) and 0.52 (p  < 0.0001), respectively, while the two items were only weakly correlated (r = 0.32). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that perceived stress due to both work and private time is strongly associated with Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale scores. The results illustrate the feasibility of using single-item questions related to work- and private time in identifying domain-specific risk factors for psychosocial stress. Show more

Keywords: Biopsychosocial, hospital, psychometrics, work environment, nurse, Cohen’s perceived stress scale

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213594

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 583-589, 2021

Authors: Wallin, Stina | Rauhala, Auvo | Fjellman-Wiklund, Anncristine | Nyman, Pia | Fagerström, Lisbeth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational self-efficacy (OSE) is an appropriate adaption capability to react to continuous changes in work life today. While self-efficacy is an important component in work context, there is less knowledge regarding older workers’ OSE. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between work ability, OSE and work engagement among a middle-aged workforce, and whether there were any differences between age groups and between professionals in different work context. METHODS: Data were collected by questionnaire, which included Work Ability Index (WAI), Occupational Self-Efficacy Scale, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. RESULTS: A …total of 359 home care workers and engineers (response rate 43%) participated. The average age was 54 (SD±5.3) years, 69%were women. The results of logistic regression analyses revealed an association between WAI, OSE (OR 0.66; 95%CI 0.52 to 0.86) and work engagement (OR 0.61; 95%CI 0.47 to 0.78). Higher OSE and work engagement were related to higher work ability. No difference in OSE (5.9; ±0.8) between professional groups was seen, but the home care workers scored considerably higher work engagement (5.1; ±0.9) than the engineers (4.5; ±1.3). CONCLUSIONS: Improving OSE could be worthwhile to support work ability among middle-aged workers, despite dissimilarities in work context and educational level. Show more

Keywords: Self-concept, middle-aged, occupational gerontology, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213595

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 591-602, 2021

Authors: Vooijs, Marloes | Bossen, Daniël | Hoving, Jan L. | Wind, Haije | Frings-Dresen, Monique H.W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A guideline for occupational health professionals (OHPs) is developed which provides them with knowledge and skills to optimize their guidance to people with a chronic disease. OBJECTIVE: Developing a training programme to acquire and apply knowledge and skills provided by the guideline, through a bottom-up approach. METHODS: First, OHPs training needs were explored using focus groups. Second, learning objectives were formulated by the researchers. Third, experts in the field of education were interviewed to explore relevant training activities. Fourth, researchers integrated all the results into a training programme. RESULTS: …Based on the training needs identified, we formulated 17 learning objectives, e.g. being able to name influential factors and effective interventions, increase the individual client’s role, and increase communication with a professionals to enhance work participation of people with a chronic disease. The training activities identified by experts for OHPs to acquire and apply knowledge and skills were: a case study, role play, discussion of best practices and interviewing stakeholders. These were all performed in plenary sessions or small groups. CONCLUSIONS: Training needs, -activities and learning objectives were integrated into a six-hour training programme. This bottom-up approach can serve as input for others developing training programmes to transfer knowledge and skills to OHPs. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, guideline adherence, occupational health physicians, return to work medical education

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213596

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 603-614, 2021

Authors: Li, Kai Way | Li, Wenbao | Peng, Lu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Manual demolition tasks are heavy physical demanding tasks which involve forceful exertion of sustained pushing. They result in muscle fatigue which could lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Assessments of maximum endurance time (MET) are essential in understanding the developing of muscle fatigue for these tasks. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of handle height and load conditions on the MET, and to establish MET models for the simulated demolition tasks. METHODS: Twenty three male participants performed simulated demolition tasks under three loads and three handle heights conditions until …they could not do so any longer. Their METs and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed that both load and handle height were significant (p  < 0.0001) factors affecting the MET. Regression models to predict the MET under handle height and load conditions were established. The mean absolute deviations of these models were between 1.91 and 4.84 min. CONCLUSION: The MET models established may be used to estimate the MET which may be adopted in work/rest arrangement for demolition tasks using a handheld demolition hammer. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, muscular fatigue, hand tool operating, pushing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213597

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 615-624, 2021

Authors: Bieńkowska, Katarzyna | Gos, Elżbieta | Kutyba, Justyna | Rajchel, Joanna | Skarżyński, Piotr Henryk | Raj-Koziak, Danuta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is an auditory impression without any external auditory stimulus. It may cause negative symptoms (anxiety, insomnia, depression) significantly affecting work performance and job satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the job satisfaction in tinnitus sufferers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study were conducted and 51 individuals (23–70 years) were recruited. Participants completed two questionnaires: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Job Satisfaction Scale. RESULTS: People affected by tinnitus report higher job satisfaction than healthy people. Job satisfaction was significantly related to age: r  = 0.31; p  < 0.05 in all tinnitus patients. There was a correlation between job satisfaction and tinnitus …severity but only in people with normal hearing (–0.69; p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that job satisfaction is affected by the level of tinnitus annoyance (from both its emotional and functional aspects), but only in people with normal hearing. In future research it is recommended that additional factors be investigated, both work and non-work related, to thoroughly explore the impact of tinnitus on job satisfaction. Show more

Keywords: Hearing loss, work satisfaction, mental health, psychological functioning

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213598

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 625-632, 2021

Authors: Hajaghazadeh, Mohammad | Taghizadeh, Mohsen | Khalkhali, Hamidreza | Mohebbi, Iraj

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hand anthropometry is useful for designing manual systems such as hand tools, controls, and gloves. There are limited published data on the hand dimensions of Iranian male and female adults. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to measure the hand anthropometric dimensions in Iranian adults to compare data between two genders and also with the corresponding data from other nationalities. METHODS: A total of 34 dimensions of the right hand were measured in 217 male and 128 female adults using a digital caliper and tape. The mean, standard deviation, and the main percentiles are summarized in …a table and the mean of each dimension is compared by independent t -tests between genders. Hand dimensions are compared between Iranian and other nationalities such as North Colombian, Korean, Turkish, Nigerian, Bangladeshi, Jordanian, and Vietnamese using the published data. RESULTS: Females had significantly smaller hand dimensions than males in all dimensions ranged from 4.21%to 18.16%, with the largest differences in hand breadths. Compared with other nationalities, the Iranian male and female adults had wider (greater breadth and circumferences) hands with shorter fingers. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed significant differences of hand anthropometry between Iranian and other nationalities which should be included in the design and selection of hand tools for Iranian population. Show more

Keywords: Anthropometric measurement, hand, female, male

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213599

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 633-644, 2021

Authors: Zlatar, Tomi | Junior, Béda Barkokébas | Bezerra, Laura Martins | Araujo Brito, Margarida Maria | Costa, José Torres | Vaz, Mário | dos Santos Baptista, João

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Environmental temperatures in the fresh food industry vary from 0°C to 10°C, and go below -20°C for the frozen food industry, representing risk for the health and safety of workers involved. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to evaluate the cold thermal stress risks for workers working in a frozen food industry. METHODS: A total of 27 acclimatized workers (13 male and 14 female) participated in a study which was conducted during 11 working days. The thermal sensation questionnaire and the cold work health questionnaire (CWHQ) were applied to all participants. Additionally, 4 workers …were chosen to be fully monitored with a thermometer telemetry capsule for measuring the intra-abdominal temperature and 8 skin temperature sensors. RESULTS: The lowest recorded hand temperature was 14.09°C, lowest forehead 18.55°C, mean skin temperature had variations of 1.10 to 3.20°C along the working period. Highest and most frequent fluctuations were found in the hand and forehead skin temperatures, small changes were found in mean skin temperature. CONCLUSIONS: Answers to the CWHQ increase concern on clinical forms of “a frigore”, and in two cases the mean body temperature decreased below 35.0°C, which is defined in the current literature as a mild form of hypothermia. Show more

Keywords: Cold exposure, thermoregulation, core temperature, thermal sensation, cold work health questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213600

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 645-655, 2021

Authors: Hoque, Mojahidul | Halder, Pobitra | Rahman, Sumon | Ahmed, Tazim | Szecsi, Tamas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Bangladesh, workers typically spend at least eight hours a day at garment factories in sitting and/or standing position. Prolonged sitting on ergonomically unfit furniture causes back, neck, and shoulder pain, which reduces the working efficiency and leading to low productivity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to design ergonomically correct furniture for Bangladeshi garment workers considering multivariate analysis on the anthropometric data. METHODS: Twelve anthropometric measures and five furniture dimensions were measured. The sample comprised of 600 volunteer workers from different garment industry. The furniture dimensions were compared with the relevant anthropometric characteristics …and found a high level of mismatch (e.g. seat height (male 18%, female 94.25%), seat depth (male 96%, female 63.50%), seat width (male 9.50%, female 36.25%), sewing table height (male 56.50%, female 50%), and desk height for inspection, cutting and ironing table (male 100%, female 100%). RESULTS: New design specifications were proposed of the worker which improved the match percentage. The multivariate anthropometric analysis generated 8 cases and for each case the ranges of anthropometric measurements have been identified. CONCLUSION: The results will help to design robust ergonomic garments furniture. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, garments furniture, anthropometry, mismatch, bangladeshi workers, multivariate anthropometric analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213601

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 657-671, 2021

Article Type: Retraction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-219001

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 673-674, 2021