Work - Volume 72, issue 3

Authors: Lima da Silva, Iris | Machado de Souza, Eloyse Ricely | Karine Dias Silva, Lara | Claudino da Silva, Alline Thamyres | Norte da Silva, Jonhatan Magno

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The literature discussing musculoskeletal diseases of inner northeastern workers is scarce, although 67,559 cases were reported in Brazil between 2007 and 2016. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of multiple risk factors that influence the symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in wrists, elbows, and shoulders in workers from four different economic sectors. METHODS: A sample included 420 workers from the inner regions of the Brazilian states of Alagoas and Bahia. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to capture pain symptoms on both sides of the body (left and right). Sociodemographic variables, items …from the biomechanical exposure and organizational conditional, in addition to other questionnaires (JCQ, COPSOQ II, ERI) were used to assess the characteristics and occupational risks of the respondents. Ordinal logistic regression model was using to identify the relationship between symptoms and factors. RESULTS: This study highlights the psychosocial, biomechanical, occupational, and sociodemographic variables contributed to development of WMSDs. Use of hand-vibrating tool increased the likelihood of symptoms manifesting on the body. On the other hand, high job control and high job insecurity reduced the likelihood of developing symptoms. On the other hand, high job control and job satisfaction reduced the likelihood of developing symptoms. Factors such as age, curved spine, high job insecurity and excessive commitment contributed to the development of WMSDs only on one side of the body. CONCLUSIONS: The development of WMSDs is multifactorial. Sociodemographic, occupational, biomechanical, and psychosocial factors may commonly contribute to WMSD manifesting only on one side of the body more than on both sides. Show more

Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, pain symptoms, psychosocial risk, biomechanical

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210752

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 885-900, 2022

Authors: Sirbu, Elena | Varga, Mihaela Giorgiana | Rata, Andreea Luciana | Amaricai, Elena | Onofrei, Roxana Ramona

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal complaints (WMSCs) are induced or aggravated by work activities and/or work conditions. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the impact of work as a massage practitioner, with a special emphasis on WMSCs. METHODS: Massage practitioners were invited to participate in the study through an advert in the rehabilitation medical clinics. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, collecting general data and questions about WMSCs. RESULTS: Thirty-seven subjects (88.09%) reported pain in at least one body part in the last 4 weeks. The most common WMSCs was pain in …the neck region (69.04%), followed by pain in the shoulder region (54.76%), upper back (52.38%), lower back (40.48%), wrist-hand (33.33%) and elbow (21.43%). The massage practitioners aged between 21 and 30 years old reported significantly more frequently WMSCs localized in neck, shoulders, wrist-hand, upper back and lower back. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that WMSCs are widely reported among massage practitioners. The most common complaints were reported in the neck and shoulder regions, especially in younger massage practitioners. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, health workers, massage therapist

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205306

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 901-907, 2022

Authors: Díaz-Benito, Vıctor Jiménez | Barriopedro Moro, Marıa Isabel | Clemente Remón, Ángel Luis | Santacruz Lozano, José Antonio | Hervás Pérez, Juan Pablo | Vanderhaegen, Frederic

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Companies have tried to carry out interventions in order to mitigate the risks associated with losses in productivity and the health of employees. OBJECTIVE: This intervention trial evaluated the effect of a supervised exercise intervention based on aerobic capacity and strength on well-being at work and capability in performing work tasks. METHODOLOGY: The sample was composed of 67 participants (N = 67, mean age 34.31 years) and investigated a 12-week group physical exercise program in the workplace, two days per week for 50 minutes, which was supervised and based on aerobic endurance and strength. The 67 subjects …were working-age office workers, deemed sedentary and randomized into an intervention (N = 40) or control (N = 27) group. Among them, 33 were men (N = 33; 49.25%) and 34 were women (N = 34, 50.75%). Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-test in both groups. The Mann-Whitney U and Chi-Square tests were performed to compare the characteristics of the intervention and control group. η 2  = z/(n-1) was calculated as effect size rates. RESULTS: The program showed statistically significant effects on strength endurance (P  = 0.020, η 2  = 0.08), the loss of fat percentage (P  = 0.015, η 2  = 0.09), lower limb power (P  = 0.020, η 2  = 0.08) and QoL (P  = 0.0001, η 2  = 0.39 for the physical health outcome, and P  = 0.0001, η 2  = 0.35 for the outcome of total scores of mental health). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention had an impact on the endurance, fat percentage loss and QoL of the workers whose occupations were based on sedentary tasks. Show more

Keywords: Physical activity, workplace, productivity cost, absenteeism, health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205340

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 909-920, 2022

Authors: Díaz-Benito, Víctor Jiménez | Moro, María Isabel Barriopedro | Vanderhaegen, Frederic | Remón, Ángel Luis Clemente | Lozano, José Antonio Santacruz | Fernández-Pola, Eduardo Cimadevilla | Pérez, Juan Pablo Hervás

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sedentary tasks contribute to the deterioration of health and the appearance of chronic diseases. Physical exercise can contribute to the development of health, although the characteristics of the most appropriate program are unknown. OBJECTIVES: This is the second paper of the PRODET® intervention trial evaluating the effect of a supervised group exercise intervention in the worksite based on aerobic capacity and strength lasting 12 weeks. METHODS: The sample was composed of 67 subjects (N = 67, mean age 34.31 years) and the study investigated a 12-week group physical exercise program in the workplace, two days per week …with 50-minute sessions, which was supervised and based on aerobic endurance and strength. The 67 subjects were working-age office workers, deemed as sedentary and randomized into an intervention (N = 40) or control (N = 27) group. Outcomes work ability, depression, anxiety and job satisfaction were assessed with questionnaires pre-and post-test in both groups. RESULTS: The program showed effects on the mental factor of work ability (Z = 2.36, P = 0.019, η 2  = 0.09). However, there were no significant differences in the rest of the results. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention had an impact on the mental factor of work ability in the workers whose occupations were based on sedentary tasks, and reinforcing this variable with an exercise program in the workplace could contribute to reducing the mental factor of work ability. Show more

Keywords: Mental health, workplace, work ability, physical activity, intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210300

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 921-931, 2022

Authors: Abbasinia, Marzieh | Mohammadfam, Iraj

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in terms of occupational accidents. Understanding the various factors that affect work-related injuries and deaths in the industry can help develop prevention strategies, improve safety performance and reduce accidents. OBJECTIVES: This applied qualitative study was carried out in several steps to investigate, evaluate and prioritize the causes of occupational accidents in the construction industry. METHODS: In order to extract the most important criteria in construction accidents, the opinions of safety experts and the qualitative Delphi method were used. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was …used to determine the weights of selected criteria and finally, the Fuzzy TOPSIS technique was used to rank the causes of occupational accidents in the construction industry. RESULTS: According to the results, governance, occupational, organizational, individual, and environmental factors were the most determinative options for the cause of construction accidents. Prioritizing the causes of occupational accidents in the construction industry using Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS showed that governance and environmental factors were the most effective and least effective factors in construction accidents, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: According to the criteria, and based on fuzzy TOPSIS technique, governance factors were determined to be the primary option for occupational accidents in the construction industry. The results of this study indicate that in addition to organizational factors, individual factors, and environmental factors, the government must also play a role in legislation, law enforcement, implementation, and organization of safety training programs. Show more

Keywords: Construction safety, accidents, AHP-TOPSIS, work, construction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210024

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 933-940, 2022

Authors: Pedrosa, Flavia Marques | Ribeiro, Alexandre Lima de Araújo | Oliveira, Daltro Izaias Pelozato de | Araújo, Monaliza de Sousa | Clael, Sacha | Lima, Ricardo M. | Carregaro, Rodrigo Luiz | Martins, Wagner Rodrigues

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Imbalance between flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk could negatively influence spinal stability. OBJECTIVES: Investigate the strength balance between flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk in military firefighters with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). METHODS: One hundred and two male firefighters were assessed in an isokinetic dynamometer at 120°/s and 60°/s to investigate the balance ratio between flexor and extensor (F/E) muscles. RESULTS: An F/E ratio of 0.72 (SD: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.67–0.76; SEM: 0.02) was observed at 60°/s and 0.94 (SD: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.85–1.03; SEM: 0.04) at 120°/s. …The mean peak torque of the extensor muscles was 343.1 N.m/Kg (SD: 94.87; 95% CI: 322.8–363.5; SEM: 10.23) at 60°/s and 270.5 N.m/Kg (SD: 113; 95% CI 246.3–294.8; SEM: 12.18) at 120°/s. The mean peak torque of the flexor muscles was 232.4 N.m/Kg (SD: 53.86; 95% CI 220.8–243.9; SEM: 5.81) at 60°/s and 223.8 N.m/Kg (SD: 66.34; 95% CI 209.6–238.1; SEM: 7.15) at 120°/s. All torques generated by the extensor muscles were higher than the flexor muscles (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Firefighters with NSCLBP presented a normal F/E balance ratio and higher strength of extensor muscles of the trunk. Show more

Keywords: Isokinetic dynamometer, rehabilitation, F/E ratio, peak torque, military firefighters

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210015

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 941-948, 2022

Authors: Rajaee, Mozhgon | Karson, Samantha N. | McCullough, Ashley M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Teachers experience high work-related stress, which can lead to missed workdays and lower quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this exploratory pilot study was to assess occupational and environmental stressors in public school districts by income level to examine the influence these stressors have on teachers perceived stress and biological stress response. METHODS: Fifty-nine teachers were recruited from four school districts in Michigan (three low-income and one high-income). Participants completed a self-administered survey on teaching stressors, health, and demographics. Stress response was measured through blood pressure, heart rate, and salivary cortisol. Six salivary cortisol …measurements were collected for each participant; three in the afternoon and three in the evening. Each teacher’s classroom and school underwent an environmental assessment on quality and proximity to environmental hazards. RESULTS: Teachers at low-income school districts had significantly higher afternoon cortisol levels, lower self-reported health, higher body mass index, higher perceived teaching stressors, and worked at schools within one km of a greater number of environmentally-contaminated sites, in comparison to their high-income school district counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: This research aims to inform future interventions that could lessen occupational and environmental stressors for teachers, improve teacher health outcomes and retention, and impact student success rates. Show more

Keywords: School poverty, psychosocial stressors, environmental stressors, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210010

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 949-965, 2022

Authors: Das, Banibrata

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rice farming is considered the most crucial industry in India, where millions of farmers suffer from LBP. OBJECTIVES: The present study’s primary objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain among India’s rice farmers and determine the relationship between low back pain and ergonomic risk factors and psychosocial factors encountered by the farmers. METHODS: Socio-demographics, ergonomics risk factors and psychosocial factors that cause LBP among rice farmers were examined. Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Oswestry LBP Questionnaire were administered among the farmers to evaluate the LBP. Univariate analysis was done to find out …the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals among the farmers. RESULTS: The primary findings from this study regarding the psychosocial factors, such as perceived inadequacy of income (84.7%), job demands (78.1%), work demand targets specific productivity (76.5%), rigidity in work methods (75.3%), monotony at work (73.2 %), have a relationship with LBP. The results also revealed that the relationship between the low back pain and ergonomic risk factors, such as repetitiveness (OR- 4.215; 95% CI- 2.551–6.965), working in awkward posture (OR- 85.82; 95% CI- 43.134–170.77), lifting loads (OR- 0.281; 95% CI- 0.125–0.324), pulling loads (OR- 0.274; 95% CI- 0.173–0.434), showed significant relationship with LBP in the univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LBP among rice farmers connected with ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors. The awkward posture, MMH (lifting and carrying) are the main causative factors of LBP. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomic risk factors, psychosocial factors, rice farmers, low back pain, India

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210433

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 967-977, 2022

Authors: Jiang, Chunyan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As one of the most significant background factors affecting individuals’ growth and development, family environment has a specific and essential impact on individuals’ career choices. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of family cohesion and adaptability on career choice self-efficacy METHOD: This study was conducted with 584 graduates. Self-report questionnaires were used to collect data. RESULTS: The results showed that: (1) There is a significant positive correlation between family cohesion and adaptability; (2) State anxiety is significantly negatively correlated with career choice self-efficacy and family cohesion and adaptability; (3) State anxiety plays a completely …mediating effect between family cohesion and career choice self-efficacy, and (4) State anxiety plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between family adaptability and career choice self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: The current study focused on the two aspects of family function and revealed the relationship between family cohesion and adaptability and career choice self-efficacy of graduates. Show more

Keywords: Family cohesion and adaptability, career choice self-efficacy, state anxiety, graduates

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210508

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 979-988, 2022

Authors: Bujok, Jan | Bobiński, Rafał | Dutka, Mieczysław | Ilczak, Tomasz | Ulman-Włodarz, Izabela | Hajduga, Maciej | Pająk, Celina

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Craniocerebral injuries belong to the category of bodily injuries which are characterised by high mortality and a high percentage of permanent effects in the form of disability. The likelihood of this injury exists in the workplace too. Performing works at a height or using high-pressure or mechanical machinery exposes employees to a higher risk of a craniocerebral injury. CASE REPORT: This case study deals with the topic of open craniocerebral trauma suffered by a 20-year-old man who was wearing no head protection at his place of work. It details the management of this trauma at the site …of the accident, during transfer to the hospital and during hospitalisation. CONCLUSION: Fast transport, effective diagnostics and implementation of surgical treatment contributed to a good final result. Show more

Keywords: Craniocerebral injury, emergency medical teams, work accident

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205213

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 989-995, 2022