Work - Volume 73, issue 1

Authors: Górna, Sara | Pazdro-Zastawny, Katarzyna | Basiak-Rasała, Alicja | Krajewska, Joanna | Kolator, Mateusz | Łesiuk-Krajewska, Agnieszka | Kozłowska-Panek, Katarzyna | Cichy, Ireneusz | Rokita, Andrzej | Zatoński, Tomasz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Carrying a properly weighted schoolbag is an important factor in preventing the occurrence of muscular skeletal disorder in early school age children. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this cross- sectional observational study was to examine the schoolbag weight and to determine the percentage of children were carrying overloaded schoolbag. METHODS: The study group included pupils from five primary public schools in Wrocław, Poland. Anthropometrical measurements such body weight (BW) and height were conducted on 650 children (51.1% of boys). Children’s age, gender, Cole’s Index was juxtaposed with schoolbag weight. The mean age of the examined students …was 8.7±0.8 years (range 7 to 10 years). RESULTS: The mean schoolbags weight was 3.7±0.92 kg, which represented 13.0±3.8% of pupils’ BW. The percentage of pupils carry the schoolbags weighing more than 10% of their BW was 77.9%. More than a quarter of Polish children carry school backpack above 15% of their BW. The majority (96.8%) had schoolbags which may be carried on both shoulders. A significant negative correlation was observed between relative schoolbag weight and Cole’s Index (rho = –0.44, p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The problem of overloaded schoolbags among elementary school children was frequent. Pupils ought to be educated in the proper packing of their school backpacks. Additionally, parents and teachers should pay attention regarding the contents carried by children in their respective schoolbags. Show more

Keywords: Elementary school children, schoolbag, weight limit, health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210788

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 121-129, 2022

Authors: Alshehri, Sarah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Otorhinolaryngology practitioners are known to be susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), but the incidence of WMSDs in Saudi Arabia has not been documented. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to establish the prevalence, characteristics, contributing factors, work sector, and impact of WMSDs among otorhinolaryngology practitioners in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 104 otorhinolaryngology practitioners in Saudi Arabia using a six-component questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, prevalence, percentages, and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The response rate was 65.3%. The reported 12-month incidence of WMSDs was 72.7%. The neck region …(67.3%) was the most common site of disorders, followed by the shoulder (49%). The elbow and hip (10.5%) regions were the least commonly affected regions. WMSD prevalence was related to gender, with men more affected than women (neck, shoulders, low back); age, with younger otorhinolaryngology practitioners more affected than older ones (neck, shoulder); work sector, with greater prevalence in government than other sectors (neck); and sub-specialty, with general otolaryngology reporting the highest WMSD frequency, followed by otology and neurotology (neck, shoulder, low back, upper back, knees). Most otorhinolaryngology practitioners experienced two to four episodes of neck, shoulder, and low-back WMSDs. The most significant risk factor for WMSDs was sustained posture for long periods of time (61.5%). The most common strategy implemented against WMSDs was modifying the practitioner’s position during treatment (58.6%). CONCLUSIONS: WMSDs among otorhinolaryngology practitioners in Saudi Arabia are very common, with the neck and shoulders regions most often involved. Improved professional skills and an understanding of the principles of ergonomics can prevent the initial development of WMSDs in otorhinolaryngology practitioners. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, prevalence, musculoskeletal, workload, otolaryngology, Saudi Arabia

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211054

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 131-142, 2022

Authors: Patil, Sumit Vitthal | Waghmode, Laxman Y. | Jadhav, Ganesh S. | Gawade, Sanjaykumar S. | Banga, Harish Kumar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Flaps of the corrugated box folded inversely while manual packing of goods initiative this will cause tearing of the box at creased positions. OBJECTIVE: To avoid tearing, it is required to twist each box along creased positions as soon as it is manufactured and in wet condition due to liquid gum application. METHODS: To apply and evaluate the effect of Low-Cost Automation on labor productivity and labor fatigue for corrugated boxes flaps twisting. Low-Cost Automation solution is applied to overcome low labors’ productivity and excessive labors’ fatigue problems in the manual box twisting work. Productivity …need analysis is performed to identify the key productivity measures. Three automated mechanisms are developed for box stopping, clamping, and twisting activities. RESULTS: Reduction in labors muscular efforts requirement is confirmed through surface electromyography technique. It is observed that the average actual time required for twisting one box reduced from 34 seconds to 17 seconds, and labor productivity almost doubled. The muscular efforts required for twisting of flaps of the boxes are reduced significantly. CONCLUSION: The developed low-cost automation solution is unique and found worthy for small scale corrugated box manufacturers. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography, labor productivity, labor fatigue, low cost automation (LCA), mechatronics, productivity need analysis (PNA)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211065

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 143-155, 2022

Authors: Mokhtarinia, Hamid Reza | Parsons, Dave | Bain, Carmel R. | Gabel, Charles Philip

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The most prevalent neuropathy in the upper extremity is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A variety of related risk factors such as biomechanical exposures, body mass index (BMI), sex and hand shape are reported to be related to CTS. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the role of BMI, hand, wrist and finger anthropometric dimensions in the development of CTS, and to compare these measured variables between control and CTS participants. METHODS: A cross-sectional, case control study (n  = 240, CTS = 120, controls = 120) with participants recruited from a convenience sample diagnosed with CTS and referred for anthropometric measurements. The …control participants were matched by age and sex. The body height, weight, hand width, hand length, wrist depth, wrist width, wrist circumference, and finger length were measured. Hand, wrist and finger indices, hand to height ratio, and BMI were calculated. Mean values of all dimensions were compared between cases and controls, and the role of independent risk factors were determined by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean BMI, age, weight, sex and height were not significant between the two groups. Among the measured dimensions and calculated indices the significantly different variables between two groups were the wrist width, wrist depth, wrist circumference, hand index, hand to height index, and wrist index. Regression analysis showed that the wrist index (β=-1.7, p  = 0.0001), wrist depth (β=0.25, p  = 0.0001) and wrist width (β=0.21, p  = 0.0001) were the strongest factors in CTS development in the sample. CONCLUSION: Wrist parameters have a strong role in predicting the development of CTS, while BMI was not confirmed as an independent risk factor. Show more

Keywords: Hand shape, wrist index, carpal tunnel syndrome, BMI, anthropometry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210910

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 157-164, 2022

Authors: Okros, Norberth | Vîrgă, Delia | Lazăr, Theofild-Andrei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Correctional officers’ personal resources, such as psychological capital (PsyCap), may help them better manage their work environment in the penitentiary; however, there is limited research on the relationship between indicators of well-being and types of demands in this cohort and whether this relationship depends on PsyCap. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine three types of demands (job, personal, and group) and the effect of each on three indicators of low well-being: burnout, physical and mental health complaints. We also tested the potential moderating role of PsyCap in the relationship between the three types of …demands and indicators of well-being. METHODS: The potential moderating role of personal resources (PsyCap) between demands and well-being was tested via hierarchical multiple regression on a sample of 350 correctional officers. RESULTS: Results show that psychological capital attenuates the effect of personal distress and negative team relationships on all three indicators of low well-being. Psychological capital also moderates the relation between work-family conflict and mental health complaints. However, it does not act as a moderator between work-family conflict and burnout or physical health complaints. CONCLUSIONS: The findings are of value because they emphasize the importance of psychological capital, as a personal and malleable resource, for the occupational health of correctional officers. Show more

Keywords: Correctional officers, demands, psychological capital, personal resources, well-being

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205100

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 165-180, 2022

Authors: Sampathraju, Raghavan | Doctor, Pankaj B. | Tiwari, Rajnarayan R. | Mansuri, Mohammad Asif | Derasari, Anuradha | Shaikh, Idrish

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sewage treatment plant workers (STPs) are exposed to gaseous pollutants (H2 S) and bioaerosols and their health is at risk. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate exposures to dust, 1,3 Beta D Glucans, endotoxins and gaseous pollutants in different process plants and to provide suitable recommendations. METHODS: Gaseous pollutants and bioaerosols (inhalable dust, 1,3 beta D-glucans and endotoxins) were evaluated in two sewage treatment plants (STPs) of Ahmedabad city, India. The concentration of H2 S, CO, CH4 and Cl2 were monitored in two process areas of STPs using real-time gas …detectors. The dust, 1,3 beta D-glucans and endotoxins were evaluated as per standard methods. RESULTS: The mean concentration of H2 S exceeded the permissible exposure limit of 10 ppm, whereas the concentration of other gaseous pollutants (CO, Cl2 and CH4 ) were below the permissible exposure limits of Indian Factories Act, 1948. The inhalable dust concentration was also within the permissible exposure limit of 10 mg/m3 as per Indian Factories Act, 1948. CONCLUSIONS: Significant exposures to gaseous and bioaerosols were found in the work environment of STPs. The paired t -test result showed a significant difference between two STPs for H2 S, 1,3 beta D-Glucans and endotoxins. STPs were advised to reduce the exposure to H2 S and bioaerosols as per CPCB guidelines applicable to India to prevent health effects. Show more

Keywords: Wastewater plants, inhalable dust, hydrogen sulphide, endotoxins, 1, 3 Beta D-Glucans

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205208

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 181-187, 2022

Authors: Mohammadian, Farough | Sadeghi, Mehran | Hanifi, Saber Moradi | Noorizadeh, Najaf | Abedi, Kamaladdin | Fazli, Zohreh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many occupational accidents annually occur worldwide. The construction industry injury is greater than the average injury to other industries. The severity of occupational accidents and the resulting injuries in these industries is very high and severe and several factors are involved in their occurrence. OBJECTIVE: Modeling important factors on occupational accident severity factor in the construction industry using a combination of artificial neural network and genetic algorithm. METHODS: In this study, occupational accidents were analyzed and modeled during five years at construction sites of 5 major projects affiliated with a gas turbine manufacturing company based …on census sampling. 712 accidents with all the studied variables were selected for the study. The process was implemented in MATLAB software version 2018a using combined artificial neural network and genetic algorithm. Additional information was also collected through checklists and interviews. RESULTS: Mean and standard deviation of accident severity rate (ASR) were obtained 283.08±102.55 days. The structure of the model is 21, 42, 42, 2, indicating that the model consists of 21 inputs (selected feature), 42 neurons in the first hidden layer, 42 neurons in the second hidden layer, and 2 output neurons. The two methods of genetic algorithm and artificial neural network showed that the severity rate of accidents and occupational injuries in this industry follows a systemic flow and has different causes. CONCLUSION: The model created based on the selected parameters is able to predict the accident occurrence based on working conditions, which can help decision makers in developing preventive strategies. Show more

Keywords: Construction accident, data mining, workplace, neural network, genetic algorithm

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205271

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 189-202, 2022

Authors: Yagil, Dana | Cohen, Miri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research has indicated that managerial contact with cancer survivors during a long absence from work is related to cancer survivors’ inclination to return to work. OBJECTIVE: The present study explored the roles of cancer survivors’ perception of supervisor resistance to return to work (RTW) and symptom severity in the relationship between supervisor-initiated contact during the cancer survivors’ absence from work and successful work sustainability (SWS). METHODS: Israeli cancer survivors (N  = 149) who had been working at least 6 months after the termination of treatment completed online questionnaires. The scales measured frequency of contact, perceived supervisor …resistance to RTW, SWS, and symptom severity. To test the relationship between perceived and actual resistance, a partial sample of the cancer survivors’ direct supervisors (N  = 49) reported their resistance to RTW of cancer survivors. RESULTS: The results show that perceived supervisor resistance mediated the relationship between supervisor-initiated contact during absence and SWS. Symptom severity moderated the negative effect of perceived supervisor resistance on SWS: The relationship was stronger for cancer survivors experiencing severe symptoms. Cancer survivors’ perception of supervisor resistance to RTW was positively related to their supervisors’ self-report of resistance. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the need for clear guidelines and managerial training programs regarding contact and communication with cancer survivors during long absences from work. Show more

Keywords: Cancer survivors, return to work, supervisor, contact

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205341

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 203-210, 2022

Authors: Ferrara, Paolo | Terzoni, Stefano | Destrebecq, Anne | Ruta, Federico | Sala, Elena | Formenti, Paolo | Maugeri, Michele

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Assessment of workplace violence towards healthcare workers represents a challenge for healthcare organizations worldwide. Workers’ experience and perceived risk of violence may have a serious impact on job satisfaction and retention of workers. To date, no studies have been conducted on nursing students. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of physical and non-physical violence among nursing students during their clinical experiences and to analyze the perceived risk of violence. METHODS: Multicentre, cross-sectional survey. We enrolled a convenience sample of nursing students of the bachelor’s degree in Nursing of the University of Milan (Italy). The students completed …a structured questionnaire prepared in accordance with the available literature on violence in healthcare settings. RESULTS: Out of 1185 questionnaires sent, 603 were collected (50.89%). 35.1% had experience of verbal violence during the clinical internship training period, while 8.1% were victims of physical violence. 202 students (33.5%) reported unsafety, which was related to experience of physical or psychological violence, witnessed episodes of violence, gender, hospital structure and efficacy of the safety policies. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight that nursing students are exposed to the risk of violence which influences their perception of risk. Show more

Keywords: Physical assault, verbal assault, feeling of unsafety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210488

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 211-217, 2022

Authors: Phillips, Jennifer | Niemeyer, Linda | Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the rising rates of obesity in the United States, healthcare professionals will likely be seeing individuals from this population more frequently in service provision settings. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a self-directed online education program entitled BOOTH: Bariatrics, Obesity, and Occupational THerapy ; How we can help. The educational program was directed to occupational therapy practitioners and occupational therapy students and designed to increase knowledge of obesity and bariatric care. METHODS: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used in which the quantitative component was a …one-group quasi-experiment with pre- and post-measurement. Surveys with Likert-style rating and open-ended questions were administered prior to the program and following completion. RESULTS: Paired samples t-testing revealed significant differences (p  < 0.05) between pre- and post-program rated survey questions, which indicated an increase in perceived knowledge in the main topic areas. Qualitative data corroborated these findings, as most of the participants initially expressed concern about not being well-informed on obesity and bariatric care prior to taking the course. CONCLUSION: More education is needed on obesity and bariatric care for occupational therapy practitioners and occupational therapy students. An online education program was demonstrated to be an effective way of increasing knowledge on this important topic to reduce work-related injury. Show more

Keywords: Safe patient handling, work-related injury, continuing education

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210313

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 219-227, 2022