Work - Volume 72, issue 1

Authors: Brucker, Debra L. | Henly, Megan | Rafal, Marisa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Job tenure is a useful economic indicator. To employees, longer job tenure creates higher rewards in pay, promotion opportunities, and job security. For employers, there are fewer costs in recruitment and retraining when job turnover is low. Marginalized populations, such as persons with disabilities, may find work in various economies, but retention is more difficult. They are often the first to be laid off in struggling economies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to highlight differences in individual and employment-related factors associated with job tenure for American workers with and without disabilities. METHODS: Using …newly available survey data (N  = 1,538), OLS regression is used to estimate job tenure for workers with and without disabilities, controlling for worker sociodemographic characteristics, a job quality index, and job characteristics. All disability types are examined. RESULTS: Multivariate results show that workers with disabilities have shorter job tenure than others when controlling for job quality, individual characteristics and job characteristics. CONCLUSION: Employees with disabilities have shorter job tenure than those without. Given the benefits of lengthened job tenure, further efforts should be made to explore this issue and to develop effective strategies that help those with disabilities retain jobs long term. Show more

Keywords: Disabilities, employment, persons with disabilities, work satisfaction, job quality

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205004

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 109-117, 2022

Authors: Kashif, Muhammad | Albalwi, Abdulaziz | Raqib, Abdul | Farooq, Maryam | Ullah, Rafi | Sakoor, Mudassar | Kamran, Zaid

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Worldwide, approximately 350 million people are currently employed in the construction industry. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, pain characteristics, and associated risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among construction workers in Pakistan. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted from February to August 2019 among 666 construction workers. The data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 4 sections: demographic information, a numerical pain intensity rating scale, a Nordic questionnaire to report prevalence, and pain characteristics. SPSS was used for data entry and analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the construction workers …was 34.49 years. Participants who reported pain were 397 out of 666 and 269 were those who reported no pain. The 12-month prevalence of pain among construction workers in more than one body area was 89% (n  = 591) and the 7-day prevalence was 52% (n  = 343); lower back pain was the most common type of pain with a 12-month prevalence of 27% (n  = 180) and a 7-day prevalence of 17% (n  = 112). Regarding the characteristics of the pain, 26% (173) of the workers suffered pain occasionally, 27% (180) participants had pain for≤2 hours per day, and 32.9% (219) had dull pain. Moreover, a significant relationship was found (p  < 0.05) between MSDs and age, lifestyle, work experience, smoking habits, and absence from work. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent, with lower back pain being the most commonly reported type. Absence from work and disability in performing normal daily activities have been reported as consequences of musculoskeletal pain. Moreover, this study underscores the importance of targeted preventive healthcare measures for construction workers. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, construction, survey method, risk factors, pain characteristics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205009

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 119-126, 2022

Authors: Balcı, Hatice | Yılmaz, Evre | Başer, Gülfidan | Başer, Doğa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nurses are the largest part of a country’s healthcare workforce and need to improve themselves professionally and plan careers. If we know the career barriers, it will guide the solution suggestions on this issue. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between working conditions and career barriers experienced by nurses. METHODS: This study was conducted using the descriptive type research design involving 379 nurses working in a province of Turkey between May and June 2020. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Characteristics Form and the Career Barriers in Nursing Scale. RESULTS: Of the participants scores, …37.21±12.1 were in the “organizational culture and policies” subscale, 17.46±6.0 in the “personal preferences and perceptions” subscale, 10.97±4.5 in the “negative thoughts about the profession” subscale, 8.37±3.0 in the “stereotypical biases” subscale, and 16.20±5.2 in the “multiple roles” subscale. The average total score of career barriers in nursing was 90.23±27.1. CONCLUSION: A significant but weak negative correlation was found between the total average of the Career Barriers in Nursing Scale score and age (r  = –0.121; p  = 0.019), graduation date (r  = –0.025; p  = 0.120), and working time (r  = –0.019; p  = 0.115). No significant correlation was found between working time in the current institution, average working time per week, and total of the Career Barriers in Nursing Scale score. Show more

Keywords: Nursing, career, hospital, health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205020

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 127-133, 2022

Authors: Nowrouzi-Kia, B. | Nixon, J. | Ritchie, S.D. | Wenghofer, E.F. | VanderBurgh, D. | Sherman, J.E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Paramedics are exposed to multiple stressors in the workplace. They are more likely to develop occupational-related stress conditions compared to other occupations. This study focused on understanding the factors affecting QoWL of paramedics in northern Ontario, Canada; a particular focus was on understanding the personal and organizational factors, such as practicing community paramedicine (CP), which may be associated with Quality of Work Life (QoWL). METHODS: Paramedic QoWL was assessed using an online survey that was distributed to approximately 879 paramedics across northern Ontario. The survey included the 23-Item Work- Related Quality of Work Life Scale . Data …analysis involved linear regressions with nine predictor variables deemed to be related to QoWL for paramedics with QoWL and its six subscales as dependent variables. Multiple linear regressions were used to assess the personal and organizational factors, such as practicing of CP, which predicted QoWL. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-seven paramedics completed the questionnaire. Overall, the mean QoWL score of all paramedic participants was 73.99, and this average compared to relevant published norms for other occupations. Factors that were most associated with higher QoWL were, experience practicing CP (p  < 0.05), number of sick days/year (p  < 0.01), and higher self- rated mental health (p  < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher paramedic QoWL appears to be associated with many factors such as number of sick days per year, self-rated mental health, and participation in CP. EMS organizations should consider establishing necessary workplace health promotion strategies that are targeted at improving QoWL for paramedics. Show more

Keywords: Paramedics, quality of work life, rural, northern, Canada

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205025

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 135-147, 2022

Authors: Sett, Moumita | Pal, Madhusudan | Majumdar, Deepti | Bhattacharyya, Debojyoti | Sahu, Subhashis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Manual brick manufacturing units in West Bengal, India are mostly unorganized sectors employing many migrant female workers in manual material handling tasks as brick moulders and brick carriers. OBJECTIVE: The study estimated the biomechanical postural stress developed due to manual load handling, carriage and brick transportation. METHODS: Body Part Discomfort Scale was used to assess the subjective pain felt by 18 adult female brick moulders and 12 brick carriers during work. Video recordings were taken during the actual field work and the images were analyzed for two-dimensional prediction kinetics and kinematics. RESULTS: Results …show that the horizontal distance of the load from the body was 59.95±3.74 cm during the initial lifting of bricks by the brick carriers and so their biomechanical trunk angle inclination was significantly detrimental. The bending moment at the lumbosacral disc was much higher during the squatting posture while initial brick lifting. Moreover, the trunk and the neck pain of the brick carriers were caused by carrying 18% of body weight load. CONCLUSIONS: The brick carriers were the more vulnerable group in terms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, ergonomic interventions such as relay brick carrying and pole supported balanced brick carrying, may be implemented to reduce the prevalence of pain. This study is the first of its kind that validates the extent or the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the female brickfield workers through approaches of predicted biomechanics. Show more

Keywords: Brick manufacturing units, predicted biomechanics, torque, compressive force, shearing force

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205067

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 149-155, 2022

Authors: Addanki, Sheila | Macedo, Luciana | MacDermid, Joy | Moll, Sandra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peer-led workplace mental health training programs informed by the principles of contact-based education have shown promising results, but research evidence largely focuses on measuring outcomes for service recipients with little attention to the experiences of peer educators in delivering these interventions. OBJECTIVE: To gain in-depth knowledge about the opportunities and challenges experienced peer educators recruited to lead a mental health literacy training program for healthcare workers. METHODS: An interpretive description approach was used to explore the experiences of peer educators in providing a structured two-day “Beyond Silence” workplace mental health training program. Peer educators were …healthcare workers with personal mental health experience, who completed an additional leadership training. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with seven peer educators. Data collection and analysis was concurrent and iterative, employing inductive analysis. RESULTS: Four overarching themes captured the key opportunities and challenges faced by peer educators: 1) the art and science of providing mental health literacy training, 2) power of personal stories, 3) competence as a journey or a destination and 4) the dual role of educator and advocate. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations are provided for recruitment, training, and support for peer educators. Future research could focus on longitudinal evaluation of engagement and sustainability of peer educators in this role. Show more

Keywords: Stigma, training, peer, interpretive description

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205084

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 157-169, 2022

Authors: Loscalzo, Yura | Shamai, Orit | Eshet, Yovav

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Heavy Work Investment (HWI) is a construct that covers both positive and negative behaviors characterized by a high investment of time and energy in working (work engagement and workaholism, respectively). In the literature, it has been introduced, recently, the Work-related Inventory (WI-10) that allows evaluating four types of worker, three of which are HWIs: disengaged workaholics, engaged workaholics, engaged workers, and detached workers. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to validate the Hebrew WI-10 on Israeli workers. METHODS: We recruited a convenient sample of 459 workers (about half females and half males) with a mean age of …37.12±10.33. We performed Confirmatory Factor Analysis, convergent and divergent validity analyses. Finally, we calculated the cut-off scores corresponding to high and low workaholism and work engagement. RESULTS: We found support for the 10-item (2 filler) and 2-factor structure (Workaholism and Work Engagement) of the WI-10, as well as for its good psychometric properties. CONCLUSIONS: The WI-10 may be used in future research aimed at disentangling the question about the positive and adverse effects that might be associated with different types of HWI. Show more

Keywords: Employee selection, heavy work investment, workaholism, work addiction, work engagement, screening

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205110

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 171-180, 2022

Authors: Wasserman, Jennifer B. | Bustos, Karly M. | Coombs, Stephen D. | Cronan, Connor M. | Dimmitt, Sarah K. | Leberman, Jacob R. | Tomaka, Victoria A. | Wasserman, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ophthalmologists/Optometrists have a high incidence of neck pain. Little research has been conducted on specific equipment that predisposes these professionals to cervical discomfort. OBJECTIVE: Primary purpose: to determine if neck position is altered by slit lamp table design. Secondary purpose: to confirm the prevalence of neck pain in eye care professionals. METHODS: A survey of work-related pain was administered to 36 subjects (8 ophthalmologist, 2 optometrists, 26 technicians). The craniovertebral (CV) angle was measured in each subject in three separate positions (resting posture, best posture, slit lamp posture) between two different slit lamps/tables: slit lamp-deep …and slit lamp-shallow. RESULTS: 79% of subjects reported neck pain in the last 6 months. The mean CV angle of all subjects at resting posture, best posture, and both slit lamp postures differed significantly. There was also a difference in CV angle between slit lamps. CONCLUSION: Neck pain is more prevalent in eye professionals than in the general population. The use of slit lamps promotes a forward head posture which decreases the CV angle, putting the user at risk for neck pain. By altering slit lamp table design, the CV angle of eye care professionals can be increased, reducing the risk for neck injury. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, craniovertebral angle, forward head posture, ophthalmologist, optometrist

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205141

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 181-188, 2022

Authors: Alam, Md Sarfaraz | Sharma, Milap | Salve, Urmi Ravindra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The hot and humid environment inside the kitchen is a cumulative sign of health impact that deteriorates the well-being and productivity of cooking workers, which could be a barrier to thermal comfort. As the cooking task progresses throughout the day, uncomfortable thermal conditions inside a kitchen work environment may diminish the work quality of the kitchen workers. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the measured environmental factors of thermal comfort during various cooking periods [morning, day, evening, night] and examine the occupant’s perception votes followed by further investigating the worker’s thermal comfort conditions using …PMV, PPD, SET, WBGT, and TSI indices. METHODS: The study was carried out inside the kitchen of the university canteen at IIT Guwahati, India. The objective and subjective measurements were accomplished during the summer season, while CBE thermal comfort software was employed for calculating the thermal comfort indices like PMV, PPD, and SET. RESULTS: The results of this study revealed that during entire cooking time, the recorded environmental factors of thermal comfort were found outside the recommended limits as per ASHRAE-55 standard, which indicates very hot prevalent conditions. Also, cook’s perception vote (TSV, TCV) for the existing environment did not follow the central three categories of votes (+1, 0, –1), even the cooking workers were also not satisfied with the prevailing environmental conditions, as 88% subjects responded dissatisfaction with the thermal environment. While, estimated values of thermal comfort indices (PMV, PPD, and SET) designated morning time cooking period slightly comfortable than the other cooking periods, but still not accordance with the ASHRAE-2017 standard. The WBGT index designated day cooking period as hazardous, with rest of cooking periods under severe risk level. In contrast, the TSI index indicated entire cooking periods under “slightly warm” thermal sensation. CONCLUSION: The assessment of this study showed that the existing kitchen environment of the university canteen is not conducive for workers. Improper ventilation design may cause the overheating inside the kitchen, which may increase the dissatisfaction rate of the employed workers and also affects the energy savings in the kitchen environment, which helps maintain thermal comfort. Further studies are required to improve the thermal comfort of the kitchen occupants by providing proper design interventions based on heating and cooling air ventilation systems. Show more

Keywords: Thermal sensation, cooking, PMV index, environmental ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205174

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 189-199, 2022

Authors: Valentim, Daniela Pereira | Freitas Carvalho, Nathalia Nascimento | Lopes de Carvalho, Talita | Paula de Souza, Leticia | Padula, Rosimeire Simprini

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An analysis of workers’ exposure to biomechanical risk factors in the workplace with a high methodological quality allows for stronger evidence of the relationship between risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the measurement properties of non-explicit observational methods. METHODS: Psychometric study design that included 50 workers in an analysis of occupational tasks (n  = 50 video tasks) using a non-explicit observational method, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, and a workers’ self-report on their perception of their biomechanical occupational exposure. The reliability was tested by a non-explicit method and the REBA method. The …validity of the non-explicit method was tested using the REBA method and the workers’ self-report, according to COSMIN guidelines. RESULTS: The intra- and inter-evaluator reliability of the non-explicit observational method ranged from moderate to strong (ICC2.1  = 0.45 to 0.87), and the agreement was acceptable (SEM = 0.60 to 2.79), expect for neck region. The REBA method showed intra-evaluator reliability to be moderate to excellent (ICC2.1  = 0.50 to 1.00), inter-evaluator reliability to be poor to strong (ICC2.1  = –0.17 to 0.83), and intra- and inter-evaluator agreement to be poor to moderate (SEM = 0.00 to 0.74). The concurrent validity between the non-explicit and REBA methods showed a strong positive correlation. CONCLUSION: The non-explicit observational method of biomechanical exposure analysis presented reproducible and valid measurement properties. Methods that present better measurement properties provide professionals with a better basis for analysis and assist in decision-making to reduce or eliminate risk exposure. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, risk factors, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205190

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 201-210, 2022