Work - Volume 70, issue 4

Authors: Roman, Gretchen | Peterson, Daniel S. | Ofori, Edward | Vidt, Meghan E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals fluent in sign language (signers) born to non-signing, non-deaf parents (non-natives) may have a greater injury risk than signers born to signing, deaf parents (natives). A comprehensive analysis of movement while signing in natives and non-natives has not been completed and could provide insight into the greater injury prevalence of non-natives. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine differences in upper extremity biomechanics between non-natives and natives. METHODS: Strength, ‘micro’ rests, muscle activation, ballistic signing, joint angle, and work envelope were captured across groups. RESULTS: Non-natives …had fewer rests (p  = 0.002) and greater activation (p  = 0.008) in non-dominant upper trapezius. For ballistic signing, natives had greater anterior-posterior jerk (p  = 0.033) and for joint angle, natives demonstrated greater wrist flexion-extension range of motion (p  = 0.040). Natives also demonstrated greater maximum medial-lateral (p  = 0.015), and greater minimum medial-lateral (p  = 0.019) and superior-inferior (p  = 0.027) positions. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that natives presented with more rests and less activation, but greater ballistic tendencies, joint angle, and envelope compared to non-natives. Additional work should explore potential links between these outcomes and injury risk in signers. Show more

Keywords: Sign language, joint angle, ballistic signing, ‘micro’ rests, muscle activation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213622

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1111-1119, 2021

Authors: Petersen, K.S. | Madsen, L.S. | Nielsen, C.V. | Labriola, M. | Stapelfeldt, C.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Validation studies have not been able to confirm the stage-specific understanding as operationalised in the readiness for return to work (RRTW) questionnaire. OBJECTIVE: To explore retrospectively how working female cancer survivors experienced the process of becoming ready to RTW during and beyond participation in an occupational rehabilitation intervention and thereby expand the understanding of the RRTW construct. METHODS: A qualitative research design was employed. Thirteen female cancer survivors were included for semi-structured interviews one to two years after they had completed active treatment and returned to work. The RRTW construct guided data …generation and analysis. Content analysis was performed in four analytical steps that combined a concept-driven and a data-driven analytic strategy. RESULTS: Three themes were identified; “To have and then lose the safety net”, “Realise a changed life situation”, “Strive to balance work and everyday life”. In a time span of approximately one to two years (from receiving treatment, being enrolled in an intervention and to gradually returning to work); the identified themes were interdependent of each other as one theme gradually evolved to the next theme in the process of engaging in sustained work participation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study points towards continuous development of the RRTW construct and whether the addition of a preparedness dimension would improve validity. Show more

Keywords: Survivorship, work-life-balance, rehabilitation, vocational, qualitative

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213623

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1121-1130, 2021

Authors: Ericsson, Ulf | Pettersson, Pär | Rydstedt, Leif W. | Ekelund, Elin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Using 24-hour narratives as a starting-point, the present study examines conditions for recovery from work. The third shift concept forms the explorative starting point for highlighting the interplay between work, family responsibilities, leisure time and recovery. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to explore how the third shift affects possibilities for recovery. METHOD: The material was gathered by group interviews and diaries. Thirty employees participated in the study. Ten participants where women between 30 and 45 years of age with children living at home. RESULTS: Being solely …responsible for the third shift reduced the chances of recovery during work-free time. The material showed that women aged 30–45 years had to a greater extent than others the main responsibility in a complex third shift. CONCLUSION: As a precondition for external recovery, this study show how theoretically beneficial the breakdown of the second shift and development of the third shift is for understanding different preconditions and the way they affect the possibility of recovery. Show more

Keywords: Equality, fatigue, stress, women’s health, work-life balance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213624

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1131-1140, 2021

Authors: Hultqvist, Jenny | Bjerkeli, Pernilla | Hensing, Gunnel | Holmgren, Kristina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related stress (WRS) presents a risk for sick leave. However, effective methods to identify people at risk for sick leave due to WRS at an early stage are lacking in primary health care. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a systematic early identification of WRS can prevent sick leave over 24 months after the intervention. METHODS: Study participants (n  = 132 intervention; n  = 139 control) were employed, non-sick-listed persons seeking care at primary health care centres. The intervention included early identification of WRS by a validated instrument, general practitioner (GP) awareness supported by a brief training session, patients’ …self-reflection by instrument completion, GP giving the patient feedback at consultation and GP identifying preventive measures. The control group received treatment as usual. Outcome data were retrieved from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. RESULTS: The intervention group had less registered median sick leave days (n  = 56) than the control group (n  = 65) but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The brief intervention was not proven effective in preventing sick leave in the following 24 months compared to treatment as usual. Further research on how to identify, advice and treat those at high risk for sick leave in primary health care is needed. Show more

Keywords: Preventive intervention, Work stress questionnaire (WSQ), common mental disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, sick leave days

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205029

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1141-1150, 2021

Authors: Buckley, Katie L. | O’Halloran, Paul D. | Oates, Jennifer M. | Ruddock-Hudson, Mandy L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Coaches critically rely on voice for occupational functioning, which has associated risks to vocal health. However, vocal occupational health and safety (OHS) and vocal ergonomics are not typically considered for, by, or with coaches. OBJECTIVE: This study piloted a participatory approach to vocal ergonomics, aiming to collaboratively (i) understand coaches’ vocally reliant occupational participation, and (ii) consider vocal ergonomic factors. METHODS: This research was undertaken at an international tournament for floorball (also known as ‘Innebandy’, ‘Salibandy’, or ‘Unihockey’). Three national coaches (n  = 3) and the lead researcher undertook cooperative action inquiry. This …piloted a participatory vocal ergonomics programme. Action inquiry methods included fieldnotes, interviews, observations, a workshop, ergonomics approaches, and a focus group. Multi-level analyses supported the findings, including categorical aggregation, direct interpretation, and reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants identified vocal ergonomic factors present at the tournament; including personal, activity, physical environmental, and organisational factors. Participants developed four vocal ergonomic approaches responsive to factors. These were: (1) player consultation, (2) ongoing feedback discussions, (3) movement and postural change, and (4) specific task adaptation. Approaches 1–2 directly supported coaches’ voices. Coaches posited limitations to other strategies, but made recommendations for future use. Coaches also reflected that this collaboration provided actionable voice insights and opportunities to address vocal ergonomics. They advocated for extended engagement with coaches, increased focus on vocal health, and inclusion of early career coaches in future programmes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support engagement of coaches, and other vocally reliant workers, in addressing voice use and vocal health at work. Show more

Keywords: Voice use, vocal health, occupational voice users, voice ergonomics, participatory ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205040

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1151-1163, 2021

Authors: Formosa, Amanda | Dobronyi, Isabelle | Topolovec-Vranic, Jane

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a higher prevalence in the homeless population. Caregivers to individuals who have TBIs may require better education surrounding screening, diagnosis and management of this disease to tailor interventions to their clients’ needs. OBJECTIVE: To assess the insight and educational needs of homeless care providers in recognizing and dealing with clients who had experienced a TBI. METHODS: A survey assessing the point of views of homeless care providers across Canada regarding their level of confidence in identifying and managing symptoms of TBI. RESULTS: Eight-eight completed …surveys were included. Overall, frontline workers expressed a moderate level of confidence in identifying and managing TBI, stating that educational initiatives in this context would be of high value to themselves and their clients. CONCLUSIONS: Frontline workers to homeless clients rate their educational needs on the identification and management of TBI to be high such that educational initiatives for shelter workers across Canada may be beneficial to increase their knowledge in identifying and managing the TBI-related symptoms. Improved education would not only benefit frontline workers but may also have a positive effect on health outcomes for their clients. Show more

Keywords: Homeless, traumatic brain injury, frontline workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205111

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1165-1175, 2021

Authors: Naeini, Bita B. | Tabatabai Ghomsheh, Farhad | Divani, Razieh | Danesh, Mojtaba K. | Garosi, Ehsan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nowadays, although using laptops to perform many routine activities is inevitable, many wheelchair users are not able to efficiently use their laptops due to their movement limitations and inappropriate workstations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate a novel ergonomic laptop desk for wheelchair users by considering their movement limitations. METHODS: In this experimental study, we ergonomically designed and assessed a novel laptop desk in two phases in a laboratory. In the first phase of the study, design specifications were identified by an expert panel; accordingly, a new …laptop desk was designed and prototyped for the wheelchair users. In the second phase, in order to evaluate the laptop desk, 14 wheelchair users were asked to complete a typing task within 20 minutes, both with and without using the laptop desk. Postural risk level, perceived discomfort, and task performance were evaluated using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) technique, Local Perceived Discomfort (LPD) questionnaire, and the number of letters typed and typing errors, respectively. RESULTS: The postures of the wrist, arm, and neck regions were corrected from RULA action level 3 to 2 when the designed laptop desk was used. In addition, the average perceived discomfort of the participants significantly decreased in the neck, shoulder, and wrist regions. Furthermore, typing accuracy was improved significantly when novel laptop desk was used. CONCLUSIONS: Accommodating wheelchair user’s workstation with the novel designed laptop desk could reduce musculoskeletal disorders risk factors and help wheelchair users to perform their work more efficiently. Show more

Keywords: Wheelchairs, laptop desk, ergonomic design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205123

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1177-1185, 2021

Authors: Alshiddi, Ibraheem F. | Habib, Syed Rashid | Sattar, Kamran | Alshahrani, Abdullah | Almufleh, Rya S. | Basuhail, Suhailah | Andejani, Abdulelah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among dentists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study also explored the causes of occupational stress among the participating dentists. MATERIALS & METHODS: The participants included a conveniently selected sample of dentists (N  = 126; Males = 65; Females = 61). The participants’ anthropometric measurements/blood sample analysis were carried out and they completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis included demographics, gender/age wise comparison using SPSS (p  < 0.05). For the diagnosis of MS, updated criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program was applied. RESULTS: Participants …diagnosed with MS were 13 (10.3%), Males = 11(8.7%) and Females = 2(1.5%). Physical activity of 6 (15.8%) with MS was only 0–2 hours/week. 9 (14.5%) participants with MS declared positive family history for MS. The average systolic (117.55±11.33) and diastolic blood pressure (71.9±9.34) of the participants was found to be normal with no gender wise statistical difference. No gender wise statistical differences (p  > 0.05) were observed for cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL. However, significant difference (p  = 0.00) was found for the fasting glucose level (Males = 5.69±1.49; Females = 4.94±0.42). Overall mean scoring (3.00±1.11) for the stress showed that the participants fall into the average/moderate level of stress category (Males = 3.16±1.02; Females = 2.83±1.08). Almost two third (68.26%) of the participant’s responded that they were under some kind of stress. CONCLUSIONS: MS was found to be less frequent among the dentists working in the city of Riyadh. Overall, the dentists were under moderate level of occupational stress, with male dentists being more prone to work related stress. Show more

Keywords: Dentists, metabolic syndrome, occupational stress, occupational health, physical activity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205134

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1187-1194, 2021

Authors: Dropkin, Jonathan | Roy, Asha | Szeinuk, Jaime | Moline, Jacqueline | Baker, Robert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Among work-related conditions in the United States, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for about thirty-four percent of work absences. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play an essential role in the management of work-related MSDs. For conditions diagnosed as work-related, up to seventeen percent of cases are PCP managed; within these conditions, up to fifty-nine percent are diagnosed as musculoskeletal. Negative factors in treatment success confronting PCPs include time constraints and unfamiliarity with work-related MSDs. A multidimensional team approach to secondary prevention, where PCPs can leverage the expertise of allied health professionals, might provide a useful alternative to current PCP practices …for the treatment of work-related MSDs. OBJECTIVE: Provide the structure of and rationale for an “extended care team” within primary care for the management of work-related MSDs. METHODS: A systematic literature search, combining medical subject headings and keywords, were used to examine eight peer-reviewed literature databases. Gray literature, such as government documents, were also used. RESULTS: An extended care team would likely consist of at least nine stakeholders within primary care. Among these stakeholders, advanced practice orthopedic physical therapists can offer particularly focused guidance to PCPs on the evaluation and treatment of work-related MSDs. CONCLUSIONS: A multidimensional approach has the potential to accelerate access and improve quality of work-related outcomes, while maintaining patient safety. Show more

Keywords: Multidimensional, extended care teams

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205139

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1195-1217, 2021

Authors: Dain, Stephen John | Bridge, Catherine | Relf, Mark | Lukman, Aldyfra Luhulima | Manandhar, Sarita | Boon, Mei Ying

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Standards writers, national and international, have used different contrast calculations to set requirements in building elements for people with visual impairments. On the other hand, they have typically set a single requirement (30%) for specifying the minimum contrast. The systems are not linearly related and 30% means something rather different in each system. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comparison of the various scales in order to illustrate the differences caused by multiple scales with a single compliance value, recommend a single scale for universal adoption and, if a new measure is problematic for implementation, to recommend …the most perceptually uniform of the present methods. METHODS: We use the contrast between combinations of 205 paint colours to illustrate the relationships between the measures. We use an internationally accepted scale, with equal perceptual steps, as a “gold standard” to identify the most perceptually uniform measurement scale in the existing methods. RESULTS: We show that Michelson contrast is the most perceptually uniform of the existing measurement scales. We show the contrasts in the proposed method that equate to the various current requirements. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that CIE Metric Lightness could be used as the contrast measure. Alternatively, Michelson contrast is the most perceptually linear of the current measurement scales. Show more

Keywords: Accessibility standards, safe navigation, visibility assessment, visual detection, universal design, contrast measures, contrast equations

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205158

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1219-1227, 2021