Work - Volume 72, issue 4

Authors: Davenport, Katie E. | Morgan, Nicole R. | McCarthy, Kimberly J. | Bleser, Julia A. | Aronson, Keith R. | Perkins, Daniel F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Underemployment is a challenge for the civilian workforce and a particular risk for veterans as they transition from military service to civilian employment. Workers’ economic and demographic characteristics factor into underemployment risk. Veterans may be at greater risk due to specific economic and demographic factors, transitional factors (e.g., geographic relocation), and characteristics of their military service (e.g., military skill alignment with civilian jobs). OBJECTIVES: Describe underemployment experiences in employed post-9/11 veterans three years after their military transition to the civilian workforce. METHODS: The current study uses self-reported underemployment experience data from a longitudinal study of …transitioning veterans. This study compares average perceptions of veteran underemployment experiences by specific groups (e.g., by race, gender, and paygrade) using analysis of variance and logistic regression. RESULTS: Veterans reported underemployment in their current jobs based on a perceived mismatch between the skills, education, and/or leadership experience they gained during military service. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans who were enlisted rank, identified as non-White, completed a bachelor’s degree, and indicated PTSD symptoms reported higher pervasive underemployment. Intervention implications for the results, such as employer and veteran employment supports, are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Veterans, transition, underemployment, subjective experience, military

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210029

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1349-1357, 2022

Authors: Hennaert, S. | Decuman, S. | Désiron, H. | Alles, T. | Bühne, D. | Braeckman, L. | De Baets, S. | Van de Velde, D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The assessment of work capacity, workable work and the need for a common language is challenging in labour market policy. Being a specific instrument to facilitate Return To Work (RTW), the Integration von Menschen mit Behinderungen in die Arbeitswelt (IMBA) might facilitate the documentation of the individual’s work capacity, the job-related workload and the match between these two elements. Since the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is worldwide recognized as frame of reference in RTW, this paper presents the linking of IMBA to the ICF, since this is assumed to be beneficial to support RTW. …OBJECTIVE: The establishment of the IMBA-ICF linking in order to study 1) the relationship between IMBA and ICF; 2) the content comparison of IMBA with work-related ICF core sets; and 3) the extent to which the linking addresses the challenges in RTW policy. METHODS: A content comparison of IMBA and ICF was conducted, using a 7- step linking methodology in which the Delphi and Nominal Group Technique are integrated in the implementation of the ICF linking rules. An explorative conversion of the scoring systems of IMBA and ICF was established based on expert opinions. RESULTS: In the main 70 IMBA items, 107 concepts have been identified of which 94 were linked to 87 different ICF categories. Body functions and activities and participation are the most presented ICF components in contrast to the environmental factors. IMBA items regarding occupational safety and work organization are respectively ‘not covered’ and ‘not defined’ in ICF. CONCLUSIONS: An integration of IMBA and ICF addresses the challenges in RTW policy in the assessment of work capacity, workable work and the need for a common language. In order to do so, extension of ICF terminology regarding ‘occupational safety’ and ‘work organization’ is priority. In depth quantitative research is necessary to support the conversion of both scoring systems. Show more

Keywords: Disability evaluation, vocational rehabilitation, return to work, international classification of functioning, disability and health, IMBA, linking rules

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210257

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1359-1380, 2022

Authors: Pallesen, Hanne | Honore, Helene | Aadal, Lena | Kjeldsen, Simon Svanborg

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 2019, an educational programme was implemented in a sub-acute in-hospital neurorehabilitation clinic for patients with severe acquired brain injury (sABI). The programme was initiated to enhance staff competencies related to identifying and improving active participation among patients with sABI. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to evaluate the implementation effectiveness of the educational programme. METHODS: Mixed methods were chosen to assess implementation effectiveness as perceived by staff and patients. RESULTS: A survey of the professional’s experience showed an increase in perceived competence after each completed seminar and from before the first seminar to after …the last completed seminar. These results were confirmed and elaborated through staff focus group interviews. The proportion of patients achieving active participation increased from 45% before to 75% after implementation (six of eight patients). CONCLUSION: Exploring the implementation effectiveness of the educational programme seemed clinically valuable and showed a promising and probable effect of an implementation process. Show more

Keywords: Health services research, brain injuries, rehabilitation education, public health professional, professional competence, implementation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205343

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1381-1396, 2022

Authors: Hosseinpouri, Mahdi | Majarshin, Vahid Mirzaei | Sheikhmozafari, Mohammad Javad | Ahmadi, Omran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Considering that the frequency of a factor contribution to accidents occurrence is not always a reason for the importance of that factor, in addition to studying the participation of basic risk factors (BRFs) in the occurrence of the accidents, their importance must be investigated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to propose a quantitative methodology for monitoring BRFs based on Tripod Beta and Tripod Delta methods. METHODS: In the present study, first, the accidents that took place in the manufacturing companies were analyzed using a reactive approach, ie Tripod Beta. In the second …step, a proactive, ie Tripod Delta was used to identify the weaknesses in the companies using safety performance indicators. Finally, a quantitative methodology for monitoring BRFs was proposed. RESULTS: According to the results of the accident analysis, training with 33 cases, hardware with 30 cases, procedures with 25 cases and error induce conditions with 14 cases were the most frequent contributing basic risk factors to the accidents. The lowest score of the basic risk factor indicators was related to the organization (4.9), design (8.8), training (8.3), procedures (8.3), and hardware (8.7). Based on the results, maintenance management, hardware, and training have the highest weight in the occurrence of accidents, 0.23, 0.179, and 0.125, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: he proposed methodology helps the organization to continuously improve safety performance by identifying system’s weaknesses before the accident and invest optimally in the system’s critical points. Show more

Keywords: Accident analysis, performance indicators, tripod beta, tripod delta

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205313

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1397-1408, 2022

Authors: Kazemi, Morteza | Hushmandi, Kiavash | Vahedian-Azimi, Amir | Moayyed, Majid | Karimi, Leila | Goharrizi, Mohammad Ali Sheikh Beig | Salesi, Mahmood | Parastouei, Karim | Raei, Mehdi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In each community, health problems’ patterns and geographical changes are of prime importance to determine high and low-risk areas. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the Spatial patterning of occupational stress and its related factors in Iranian critical care nurses using a hierarchical Bayesian technique METHODS: The current research was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. The data includes the number of critical care unit nurses who show a high stress level based on a questionnaire. We used variables such as age, gender, collaboration status, working time, marital status, clinical experience, education, supervisor support, stress score, and …working on holiday days for this study. The survey participants had to be at least 18 years old, a registered nurse, and working in the intensive care unit (ICU). OpenBUGS version 3.2.3 was used to implement the Bayesian hierarchical Poisson model and find partial patterning of occupational stress and its related factors. RESULTS: The final sample size was 17414 nurses. The overall prevalence of occupational stress in ICU nurses was estimated at 70%. The lowest and highest prevalence was 65.8% in the North Khorasan province and 75.2% in Golestan province. Occupational stress had a statistically significant association with collaboration status, but with demographic variables, shift work, supportive supervisor, and working on holidays had no statistically significant association. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, it is necessary to eliminate or reduce job stress and increase efficiency in Iranian nurses, encourage teamwork and collaboration as an essential element of a healthy workplace environment. Show more

Keywords: Community health, critical care, nurses, occupational stress, spatial analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210284

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1409-1419, 2022

Authors: İnal, Özgü | Tunçer, Berna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) can occur for many different reasons such as compelling repetitive movements in daily readings, incorrect posture use and work-related factors. Although several treatments are available for LE, the optimal evidence-based treatment remains uncertain. Joint protection techniques have been developed as a self-management intervention to reduce pain and disability and improve functionality by applying ergonomic approaches. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of telephone-based follow up on top of a home-based joint protection education programme on pain and functionality in individuals with LE. METHODS: Individuals were randomly assigned …into 2 groups; 1) telephone-based group, receiving telephone-based follow-up on top of a home-based joint protection education programme, and 2) home-based group, receiving home-based joint protection education alone. Both groups were given training that increased awareness in LE and home-based exercise programme. In addition, telephone-based group was followed up by telephone three days a week for four weeks. RESULTS: Improvements from baseline to 4th week in Turkish version of the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation-pain (p  = 0.001; effect size = 1.11) and function (p  < 0.001; effect size = 1.77), Upper Extremity Functional Index (p  = 0.001; effect size = 0.85) and The Turkish version of the Joint Protection Behavior Assessment-Short Form (p  < 0.001; effect size = 1.54) in the telephone-based group were significantly higher than the improvements in the home-based group. CONCLUSIONS: Telephone-based follow-up in individuals with LE contributed to the awareness of pain, functionality and joint protection methods. Telephone-based joint protection education programmes can offer a health service within the scope of preventive and protective intervention programmes for LE. Show more

Keywords: Function, occupational therapy, pain, telerehabilitation, tennis elbow

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211002

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1421-1428, 2022

Authors: Kataria, Krishan Kumar | Sharma, Milap | Mohan Suri, Narendra | Kant, Suman | Luthra, Sunil

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are leading cause of injuries among economically backward workers employed under small scale metal casting units especially in developing countries. In India, most casting unit’s falls under small and medium enterprises having inadequacy of advanced technological equipment’s due to several economic constraints and rely intensively on manual labour. Foundry work is very much prone to WMSDs involving much physical interaction of workers with their jobs which includes several risk factors. OBJECTIVE: The study objectives were to analyse the musculoskeletal risk prevalence among small scale casting workers using ergonomic assessment tools and statistical approach. …METHODS: In present study, WMSDs risk prevalence has been examined using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and virtual ergonomics. Further, risk evaluations were analysed using Mann–Whitney U test and Taguchi L25 orthogonal array. RESULTS: Results revealed manual handling task as being most vulnerable followed by the fettling section. Statistically significant differences were observed (p -value < 0.05) among all the work-sections except lift-lower task and molding section (p  = 0.361; p  > 0.05) for left side region; and lift-lower task and fettling section (p  = 0.230; p  > 0.05) for the right side region, where differences were not statistically significant. ANOVA results indicated that workstation height followed by population percentile and object weight were dominant factors significantly affecting the response parameter i.e. L4-L5 spine compression (p -value < 0.01); however workstation width (p -value > 0.05) had no significant effect. CONCLUSION: The present study may guide foundry industrialists in analysing the mismatch between the workers’ job profile and redesigning existing workstation layouts in small scale foundries based on minimizing the WMSDs risk severity associated with the work tasks. Show more

Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, casting workers, REBA, digital human modelling, Taguchi analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210867

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1429-1442, 2022

Authors: Ramadan, Mohamed Z. | Alferdaws, Fares F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Manual material handling (MMH) tasks significantly contribute to musculoskeletal disorders in manual workers. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed the physical factors of precision lifting tasks that affect muscular activities (electromyography, EMGs), heart rate, and perceived exertion rating in ten healthy male workers aged 25–35 years, while considering the safety aspect of the common types of safety footwear. METHODS: The independent variables that were assessed are as follows: 1) lifting method (precise and inexact), 2) lifting frequency (one and four liftings/min), and 3) type of safety footwear worn by the worker (light, medium, or heavy). …The response variables data, represented by EMG signals, for four muscular activities (biceps brachii, deltoid, trapezius, and erector spinae), heart rate, and perceived exertion were analyzed using a three-factor within-subjects design. RESULTS: The results showed that wearing heavy safety shoes increases the effort used with precise lifting methods in trapezius and erector spinae muscular activities. We also observed that the heart rate and perceived exertion increased rapidly at four lifts/min compared to one lift/min, regardless of the lifting method. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of choosing appropriate safety footwear must be carefully assessed before replacing the conventional working safety shoes. Show more

Keywords: Precision tasks, manual materials handling, lifting method, lifting frequency, electromyography, safety shoes

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205151

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1443-1453, 2022

Authors: Ashok, P. | Madhan Mohan, G. | Manojkumar, S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are prevalent and have an impact across occupations. However, there are very few studies that document the prevalence of WMSDs in the pump industry. In manufacturing industries, the common issue for WMSDs and physiological stress among the workers is caused by poor working posture. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occupational risks at the winding station in the pump manufacturing industry. In addition, this study examined the influence of work-study on mitigating occupational risks. METHODS: Workers who were involved in circular coil winding and insulation testing were considered for the study. Awkward postures …adopted while performing these tasks cause fatigue, injuries and WMSDs. Tasks were evaluated as per the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standards. A work-study was conducted to better understand the workflow. Virtual ergonomic postural evaluation (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, RULA) was used to identify the occupational risks. RESULTS: Time taken for making circular windings and insulation testing (7.5 Hp submersible motor) was found to be 4.04 minutes and 0.95 minutes, respectively. A CAD model was used for ergonomic evaluation in the virtual environment. The RULA final score of 2 and 3 is attributed to coil winding and insulation testing. CONCLUSION: For further studies, the whole pump manufacturing process should be taken into account. The ergonomic tools used in this study will considerably reduce the occupation risks at the winding station in the pump manufacturing industry. Show more

Keywords: Occupational risks, process chart, time study, RULA, winding station

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210725

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1455-1467, 2022

Authors: Parent-Lamarche, Annick | Marchand, Alain | Saade, Sabine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Psychological distress affects between 5 and 27% of the general population [1 ]. Workers facing stressful work conditions are especially at high risk for experiencing psychological distress [1 ]. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between work organization conditions and work performance via psychological distress. While the individual contribution of work organization conditions to psychological distress and work performance has been examined in the scientific literature, their combined influence on work performance remains relatively unknown. METHODS: To adjust for design effects, we relied on cluster sampling (employees working in organizations). MPlus was used to conduct path …analyses [2 ]. RESULTS: While psychological demands, number of hours worked, and job insecurity were positively associated with psychological distress, job recognition was negatively associated with it. In the same vein, irregular work schedules and job insecurity seem to be negatively associated with work performance. On the one hand, skill utilization, decision latitude, recognition, and job promotion, all seemed to be positively associated with employee’s work performance. On the other hand, psychological demands, number of hours worked, and job insecurity were negatively and indirectly associated with work performance. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the indirect association between work variables and workers’ psychological distress could promote their work performance. Understanding this association could help shed light on the difficulties employees with psychological distress face while meeting their job requirements. The results of this study should serve as a reminder to intervene on work organization conditions. Show more

Keywords: Psychological distress, work performance, work organization conditions, path analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210843

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1469-1480, 2022