Work - Volume 72, issue 4

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223638

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1141-1141, 2022

Authors: Jin, Haizhe | Liu, Liyuan | Li, Yanmei | Chen, Chunying | Fu, Quanwei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The continuous spread of COVID-19 globally has led to busier medical practices and nurses are having to provide medical services to patients while suffering from high levels of fatigue. OBJECTIVE: This study experimentally investigated the influence of different levels of personal protection equipment (PPE) on nurses’ physical fatigue. METHODS: We collected data from 12 participants by simulating a series of nursing tasks. The participants wore one of three different protection levels of PPE, and data recording their heart rate (HR), oral temperature, task completion time, and subjective fatigue were collected. Following this, relationship models between …subjective fatigue and objective fatigue indices was established using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: By analyzing the variation trends of single indices of HR, oral temperature, task completion time, and subjective fatigue, it was found that the higher the level of protection levels of PPE worn by the participants, the higher the degree of fatigue experienced by them. In addition, taking subjective fatigue variation as the dependent variable and objective fatigue indices as independent variables, relationship models of the three different protection levels of PPE were established. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed the influence of different protection levels of PPE on nurses’ physical fatigue levels. They also provide a basis for medical administrators to monitor the degree of fatigue experienced by nurses, attempt to arrange nurses’ work content accordingly, and schedule suitably to combat and manage recorded increases in fatigue. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, personal protection equipment (PPE), nursing staff, physical fatigue, regression model

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220025

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1143-1152, 2022

Authors: Zaheer, Usman | Shahbaz, Maliha | Zaheer, Naauman | Israr, Junaid | Riaz, Asim | Yaqub, Aneeqa | Alam, Mohammad Khursheed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has immensely affected the world’s population at physical and psychosocial levels. Dentists are no different from other healthcare providers, as they are equally if not more exposed to the threat of getting infected. OBJECTIVE: To assess the experience and behavior of public and private sector dentists practicing during the COVID-19 pandemic and their knowledge about it. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online by sharing google forms through email, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The survey included questions on the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of dentists practicing during COVID-19. The data was …interpreted by SPSS 24 using a chi-square test, and a value of p  < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A considerable number of general dentists (26.9%) and specialists (39.4%) adopted partial suspension of clinics. Restriction’s ease allowed 50.2% of the clinicians to resume their duties. 67.9% of the patients were medicated online during the lockdown phase. There was no significant difference regarding years of experience and willingness to treat/care (p -value 0.648). Personal protective equipment (PPE) was readily available for use in public or private practices, and the respondents agreed with its efficacy in protecting the operators. Compliance with PPE wear was 50% in all the respondents. CONCLUSION: The psychosocial repercussion of the pandemic continues to affect dental practices. Our attitude needs to improve as far as PPE is concerned, with regular training workshops and continuous updates of the developing Knowledge on COVID-19. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, personal protective equipment (PPE), dentists

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211018

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1153-1161, 2022

Authors: Kekeç, Bilgehan | Bilim, Niyazi | Ghiloufi, Dhikra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 affected numerous industries and the mining industry has not been immune to the adverse impacts caused by the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the importance of the mining industry and its benefits to the economy of the producing countries. The paper also gives an insight into the pre-COVID global and Turkish mining industries and investigates the impact of the pandemic on the global and Turkish mining sectors. Furthermore, the study suggests numerous measures that should be adopted in mines to limit the spread of COVID-19 and conduct mining operations safely and efficiently. METHODS: An …extensive literature review was conducted and relevant papers on the importance and benefits of the mining industry, the Turkish and global mining industry, and the impact of COVID-19 on the Turkish and global mining industry were studied. RESULTS: The COVID-19 crisis has deeply affected metal and mineral production and the economic sectors that depend on the mining industry for supplies. The most significant impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the global mining industry consist of the drastic decline in demand and production and the decrease in the prices of several commodities. As with any complex global situation, the mining industries of some countries were affected more than others by the COVID-19 crisis. The Turkish mining industry was to some extent affected by the COVID-19 crisis, but it quickly recovered. CONCLUSIONS: An efficient planning of operations and adopting effective measures and precautions enable limiting the spread of COVID-19 in quarries and mines. Show more

Keywords: Mineral, pandemic, occupational safety, economics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220037

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1163-1174, 2022

Authors: Pauksztat, Birgit | Grech, Michelle R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Social support from colleagues is a key resource for employees and organizations, with beneficial effects on performance, employee well-being and resilience. Although the importance of social support is well-known, the factors that help to build and maintain social support are not equally well understood. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes the impact of workgroup characteristics (i.e., workgroup composition regarding national diversity and tenure; workload) and the COVID-19 pandemic on employees’ perceptions of instrumental and emotional support, and examines the mediating role of informal interactions. METHODS: The study is based on responses from 382 seafarers to a cross-sectional …online survey. Hypotheses were tested using OLS regression and mediation analysis using PROCESS. RESULTS: Workgroup composition regarding national diversity had indirect effects on social support through informal interactions around social foci (here: joint leisure activities). High workload and pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic reduced interactions around social foci, thus contributing to the erosion of perceived social support. CONCLUSION: The findings provide insights on the development of social support, suggesting that informal interactions provide an important mechanism for the development of social support at work. From a theoretical perspective, this highlights the value of a relational perspective on the development of social support, a perspective that is based on the insight that social support is embedded in social relationships. From a practical point of view, this indicates that organizations can proactively foster the development of social support through practices that shape workgroup characteristics and social foci. Show more

Keywords: Informal social relations, crisis, workload, social foci, maritime industry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220020

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1175-1189, 2022

Authors: Kakaraparthi, Venkata Nagaraj | Vishwanathan, Karthik

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is an exceptionally infectious virus that contaminates various systems and increases the demands on physiotherapists in the management of patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this commentary was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among physiotherapists at the workplace. METHODS: Explore the anxiety and stress levels of the physiotherapists during the pandemic and its consequence on the mental health. RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the approach of rehabilitation services to patients and increased the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs) among physiotherapists. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists must exercise due caution …and diligence while managing these patients to protect themselves from contracting the infection and avoid WMDs. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220061

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1191-1193, 2022

Authors: Park, Hoojung | Kim, Jisu | Jo, Subeen | Kim, Hanseon | Jo, Yunjo | Kim, Suhyeon | Yoo, Ingyu

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As interest in job-related psychology increased, the need to focus on understanding workplace stress was emphasized. Negative emotional states such as anxiety and stress permeate the organization and, if uncontrolled, can negatively impact the health and work performance of workers. Therefore, attempts to analyze various signals to understand human emotional states or attitudes may be important for future technological development. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify what biological variables can discriminate emotions that can significantly affect work results. METHODS: Databases (Embase, PsychINFO, PubMed, and CINAHL) were searched for all relevant literature published …as of December 31, 2019. RESULTS: Brain activity (BA) and heart rate (HR) or heart rate variability (HRV) are adequate for assessing negative emotions, while BA, galvanic skin response (GSR), and salivary samples (SS) can confirm positive and negative emotions. CONCLUSION: In the future, researchers should study measurement tools and bio-related variables while workers perform tasks and develop intervention strategies to address emotions associated with work. This may enable workers to perform tasks more efficiently, prevent accidents, and satisfy clients. Show more

Keywords: Bio-signal, emotion, technology, work, review

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205162

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1195-1203, 2022

Authors: Laal, Fereydoon | Mohammadian, Farough | Khoshakhlagh, Amirhossein | Madvari, Rohollah Fallah | Dehghan, Somayeh Farhang | Pordanjani, Sajjad Rahimi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nurses’ aides usually face various stressors, making them prone to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effect of ergonomic and anthropometric indices, postural risk, and demographic variables on MSDs in nurses’ aides. METHODS: Demographic variables, anthropometric dimensions, postural risk level (RL), and related percentiles of 75 nurses’ aides were examined using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) software, caliper, and body map questionnaire. Pearson correlation coefficient, univariate and multivariate tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The results showed that the RL of QEC in both groups of males and females was …73.67±22.34 (RL = 4) and 65.34±18.38 (RL = 3), respectively. The level of MSDs in the lumbar, thigh, and leg areas was higher than in other areas. Also, increasing age and work experience, and BMI were significantly associated with increasing disorders in the hands, wrists, and shoulders, respectively (P  < 0.05). The results showed that an increase in some anthropometric indices such as body height, buttock, knee, popliteal height, abdomen depth, standing grip access limit, sitting grip access limit increased disorders in the hands and wrists. Also, MSDs were predicted in different areas of the nurses’ aides’ bodies using regression models, which was significant in the hands, wrists, elbows, legs, and shoulders (P  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that there was a significant difference between male and female nurses in most aspects of anthropometry and the risk level of QEC. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to anthropometric dimensions, and demographic diversity to design tools and workstations. Show more

Keywords: Anthropometric indices, risk level, demographic variable, posture assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210027

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1205-1213, 2022

Authors: Hulsegge, G. | Otten, W. | van de Ven, H.A. | Hazelzet, A.M. | Blonk, R.W.B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little is known why some organizations employ vulnerable workers and others do not. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationships between the attitude, intention, skills and barriers of employers and employment of vulnerable workers. METHODS: We included 5,601 inclusive organizations (≥1% of employees had a disability, was long-term unemployed or a school dropout) and 6,236 non-inclusive organizations of the Netherlands Employers Work Survey 2014–2019. We operationalized employer factors based on the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction as attitude (negative impact), intention (mission statement regarding social inclusion), skills (human resources policies and practices), and barriers (economic conditions and …type of work). We used multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models. RESULTS: Compared to non-inclusive organizations, inclusive organizations had a more negative attitude (OR:0.81) and a stronger intention to employ vulnerable workers (OR:6.09). Regarding skills, inclusive organizations had more inclusive human resources practices (OR:4.83) and initiated more supporting human resources actions (OR:4.45). Also, they adapted more work conditions towards the needs of employees (OR:1.52), negotiated about work times and absenteeism (OR:1.49), and had general human resources practices on, for example, employability (OR:1.78). Inclusive organizations had less barriers reflected by better financial results (OR:1.32), more employment opportunities (OR:1.33) and more appropriate work tasks (OR:1.40). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, inclusive organizations reported more positive results on the employer factors of the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction, except for a more negative attitude. The more negative attitude might reflect a more realistic view on the efforts to employ vulnerable groups, and suggests that other unmeasured emotions and beliefs are more positive. Show more

Keywords: Disability, employers, hiring intention, retention, occupational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210898

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1215-1226, 2022

Authors: Andalib, Elham | Faghani, Masoumeh | Heidari, Mahmoud | Tabari Khomeiran, Rasoul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: After the spread of infectious diseases, people stay at home as a shelter space to be safe and sound. Current homes and work spaces have shown not to be a good environment for health and hygiene. During different crises of infectious diseases, architects and designers analyze the needs for change and evolve of environments to achieve a suitable design that prevents the spread of pathogens. OBJECTIVES: This proper design should help improve people’s living standards and mental health in terms of functionality and environmental psychology. METHODS: In the traditional architecture of some …countries, such as Canada, Japan, and Iran, the vestibule has provided some possibility of separating the external and internal space. The design of the intermediate space with the appropriate scale of today’s buildings at the entrance can create a filter between the indoor and outdoor environments by dividing these spaces. RESULTS: The use of intermediate space by modern technology can prevent the transfer of viral infection into the interior of the building. This can be done by removing the virus from clothes, changing or covering shoes, disinfecting equipment, separating infected items, and creating proper ventilation in the intermediate space so that microorganisms cannot be transferred into the safe environment. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we looked at the architectural design in a new light to have a healthier life and more security, by inspiration of the patterns in traditional architecture and the human body. Show more

Keywords: Vestibule, health design, COVID-19, workplace psychology

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210216

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1227-1238, 2022