Work - Volume 73, issue 1

Authors: Podrekar Loredan, Nastja | Kastelic, Kaja | Burnard, Michael David | Šarabon, Nejc

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adequate school furniture is important to prevent musculoskeletal discomfort among students. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of school furniture compared to body dimensions of students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included a total of 442 students from primary school, secondary school, and university. Nine body dimensions along with five furniture dimensions were measured and equations for mismatch criteria were applied. RESULTS: In primary school, differences in body dimensions were more evident among students of different age, while in secondary school and university, differences between male and female students …became more apparent. The mismatch for desk height ranged from 100.0% at primary school to 48.0% at university. Similarly, the seat height mismatch was the most evident in primary school (89.7% –94.6%), lower at university (52.0%) and the lowest in secondary school (18.0%). The seat depth mismatch was present among all groups, ranging from 23.1% to 40.4%, and was in general more pronounced in males. Seat to desk clearance mismatch was the most evident among secondary school students. In primary school, seat and desk height were generally too high for most of students. CONCLUSIONS: Specific differences in body dimensions among groups of students of different age and gender were observed and a high student-furniture mismatch was identified in all educational institutions. Implementation of adjustable school furniture, covering at least two size marks, is needed to provide ergonomic and healthy learning conditions and to further enhance the comfort and well-being of students in the classroom. Show more

Keywords: Classroom, furniture, school ergonomics, students

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210487

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 229-245, 2022

Authors: Nichol, Kathryn | Ruco, Arlinda | Holness, D. Linn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Joint health and safety committees (JHSCs) are a legal requirement for most Ontario workplaces. However, few evidence-based tools exist to assess JHSC effectiveness. The JHSC Assessment eTool has been developed and tested in the healthcare and education sectors with positive results. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to test the usability and feasibility of the JHSC Assessment eTool in the construction sector. METHODS: Testing was carried out in two phases using a non-experimental study design. In the first phase, construction sector health and safety experts reviewed the content of the eTool to ensure that …it had relevance for the sector. In phase two, a convenience sample of JHSCs from construction sector workplaces were recruited to pilot the eTool and provide feedback. RESULTS: Feedback from six constructor sector health and safety experts and six JHSC committees indicated that the eTool had value and relevance for use in the sector. Additionally, our study identified several minor areas for refinement including the addition of construction-specific resources in the final report. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest minor modifications to the eTool for use by construction sector workplaces. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health and safety, joint health and safety committee, internal responsibility system, construction, effectiveness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205211

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 247-254, 2022

Authors: Basri, Rehana | Alruwaili, Mubarak | Alruwaili, Raed | Alrashed, Kholoud | Alshammari, Afaf | Alshammari, Samar | Alruwaili, Gharam | Alruwail, Hajar | Alrashed, Faisal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a common disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal that causes recurrent seizures or periods of jerky movement of the whole body. Immediately after a seizure, people are often transiently confused, weak and unable to communicate. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of school teachers towards an epileptic child. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among primary and secondary school teachers from different schools in Sakaka, Domat Al-Jandal, Al-Qurayyat, Tabarjal Northern region of Aljouf, Saudi Arabia. They were assessed on their KAP toward students with epilepsy using a self-administrated …questionnaire. RESULTS: 306 respondents participated and completed the questionnaire. The practice was poor among the teachers. Practice scores were significantly different among the male and female teachers. Teachers would do the following to the seizing child: 159 (52%) would pull the child’s tongue out (p -value 0.012), 66 (21.6%) would put a spoon in the mouth (p -value 0.055), 43 (14.1%) would remove any tight clothes (p -value 0.009) and 244 (79.7 %) would take the child to the hospital (p -value 0.029). There were significant differences among senior teachers and those with longer years of teaching experience: 83.6% of teachers with > 20 years of teaching experience think that the student with epilepsy has no need of a special classroom (P  = 0.053), 89.6% of those with > 20 years of teaching experience said that they did not move the child during seizure in comparison with less years of teaching experience (p  = 0.048), in which 97% of those with experience > 20 years said that they would ensure normal breathing (p  = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The majority of Aljouf schoolteachers were adequately knowledgeable about students with epilepsy, but they need more information about the correct way of practice towards the student with epilepsy. Show more

Keywords: Epilepsy, seizure, epileptic child, primary and secondary school teachers, knowledge, attitude, practice

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205196

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 255-262, 2022

Authors: Gkagkanteros, Athanasios | Kontodimopoulos, Nikolaos | Talias, Michael A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study investigates workplace harassment among Greek NHS employees and its impact on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we highlight that the consequences of workplace harassment and the concomitant damaged satisfaction can negatively affect health-related quality of life in Public Hospitals. METHODS: A sample of 343 employees from five Athens-based hospitals, including doctors, nurses, administrative and technical personnel, completed the Greek versions of the Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terrorization (LIPT) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Multiple logistic regression identified factors associated with mobbing, and adjusted odds ratios were computed. …RESULTS: Out of the 37.5% of the employees who reported experiencing mobbing, 22.7% were bullied daily, and 49.2% almost daily. Furthermore, 66.7% were bullied by colleagues of the same grade, while 58.7% were from superiors. Regarding HRQoL, all SF-36 dimension scores were significantly lower (p  < 0.001) for the mobbing victims, compared to others not having suffered workplace harassment. CONCLUSION: The existence of mobbing in the Greek NHS is evident, and that harms health. Preventing workplace harassment should be high on policymakers’ agendas to improve human resource management and health system performance. Show more

Keywords: Workplace, harassment, health related quality of life, mobbing, NHS hospital

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210306

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 263-272, 2022

Authors: Hassani, Mehrdad | Hesampour, Reza | Bartnicka, Joanna | Monjezi, Nasim | Ezbarami, Sahebeh Mirzaei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is generally agreed that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a severe health concern, particularly for agricultural laborers. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to identify risk factors and work-related disorders among agricultural workers at Amirkabir agro-industry company in Iran. METHOD: A total of 158 workers, of which 66 were manual harvesting workers (four postures), 40 were fertilizer transportation workers (three postures), and 52 were spraying workers (one posture), were included in the study. The research used questionnaires to collect data, and the postures were analyzed using 3DSSPP software. Related risk factors such as age, body mass index, …work experience, working hours, and sports activity were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence rate of lower back pain (94%), knee pain (82%), neck pain (69%), upper-back (63%), and shoulder (63%) were calculated. The logistic regression revealed that working hours and sports activities are significantly correlated to the wrist/hand and neck MSD with 5.62 and 6.38 times more likely among manual harvesting workers. The 3DSSPP software estimated that the lower back pain, especially in the first posture, for manure transportation workers was very high. Maximum L5-S1 compression, shear, and moment forces in the first posture among manure transportation workers were 7113 N and 472 N, -381 N-m, respectively. CONCLUSION: The 3DSSPP results also illustrated that compression, shear, and moment forces exceeded the NIOSH limit for the other postures. After interventions, compression, shear, and moment forces among all farm workers decreased. These findings emphasize that farm workers need to be under surveillance continuously at their workstations where interventions and improvement in specific tasks are required. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, risk factors, lower back, farm workers, 3DSSPP software

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210873

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 273-289, 2022

Authors: Kobayashi, Masamitsu | Sezai, Izumi | Ishikawa, Takako | Masujima, Mariko

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many patients with cancer experience challenges when they return to work (RTW) following cancer diagnosis and treatment. Psycho-educational support is important to facilitate the RTW process. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review examined published reports on psycho-educational support for patients with cancer who RTW. METHODS: We followed the preferred reported items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement and the framework of Arksey and O’Malley. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database, PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), and ICHUSHI and performed manual searches. RESULTS: We retrieved 1,586 articles and retained 48 for analysis (published January …2000 to December 2020). Physicians, occupational physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists provide considerable support in hospitals. Delivery modes included individual, face-to-face, and workbook. Psychological support included emotional, stress coping, counseling, and knowledge. Educational support included information or advice provision, communication skills, problem discussion, and work planning. Employment status was typically the primary outcome. We included 50 measurement scales across quality of life, cognitive functioning and illness, self-efficacy, psychological distress, and fatigue. CONCLUSION: This review elucidated psycho-educational support for patients with cancer who RTW, and measurement tools for related effects. Based on the characteristics of the psycho-educational support revealed in this study, future studies should examine the development, intervention, and implementation of support programs for patients’ RTW. Show more

Keywords: Cancer, return to work, psycho-educational support, quality of life, scoping review

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205326

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 291-300, 2022

Authors: Tomar, Shubhi | Tiwari, Rajnarayan R | Verma, Garima

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Indian salon industry is increasing rapidly due to demand for various kinds of beauty and personal care products. Working ability and health conditions of salon workers may be affected by specific work-related activities. Prolonged non-neutral postures, repetitive movements, lack of adequate breaks during work, working at a fast pace, general distress or prolonged standing periods make them vulnerable to musculoskeletal symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The present study was carried out to assess work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among the beauty salon workers of Udupi taluk. METHOD: A total of 240 salon workers were recruited for the study. A …semi-structured, interviewer-led questionnaire based on a modified Nordic questionnaire was used to collect data. RESULTS: As many as 80.4% study participants reported work related musculoskeletal pain in one or more body parts. The common body parts affected by pain were neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, upper back, lower back, legs and ankles/feet. The analysis according to work postures suggested that short repetitive movements, stretching of hands to reach objects, working in the same posture for a longer time and the lack of weekly break from work was significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. CONCLUSION: The beauty salon workers are at risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms which could benefit from preventive structural, operational and educational measures. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal, worker, low back pain, posture, salon industry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210623

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 301-307, 2022

Authors: Abbasi, Milad | Monazzam, Mohammad Reza | Karanika-Murray, Maria | Shamsipour, Mansour | Arabalibeik, Hossein

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Developing reliable tools to tap into all the behavioral dimensions of individual job performance and identifying the right sub-dimensions is necessary for both research and practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at developing and validating an IJPQ that addresses shortcomings of existing questionnaires. METHODS: After a comprehensive systematic literature review, a framework consisting of four dimensions, including task performance (TP), contextual performance (CP), counterproductive work behavior (CWB), and adaptive performance (AP) was structured for measuring IJP. As well, 45 sub-dimensions were identified for measuring IJP’s dimensions. Content and face validity were evaluated, and item impact score …(IS), content validity index (CVI), Kappa, and content validity ratio (CVR) were calculated. For reliability and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), 525 workers completed the validated questionnaire and Cronbach alpha and goodness of fit indexes were determined, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 62 items generated to measure dimensions, 53 were approved. Based on item-level CVI, of the 53 items, only 45 items were accepted. Finally, the results of item level CVR led to the extraction of 27 questions to evaluate IJP. The obtained scale level CVI and scale level CVR were 0.91 and 0.68, respectively. Based on the results obtained from 525 Iranian workers, values of Cronbach’s Alpha, X2/df, RMSEA, and P -value were in the acceptable range. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusively, a questionnaire containing 20 items was developed and validated for measuring IJP of Iranian worker’s culture. The four dimensions of TP, CO, CWB, and AP consisted of 6, 5, 5, and 4 items each, respectively. Overall, IJPQ is a theory-based, reliable, and valid instrument for assessing job performance. Show more

Keywords: Adaptive performance, counterproductive work behavior, contextual performance, individual job performance, measure validation, task performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211004

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 309-320, 2022

Authors: Iram, Humaira | Kashif, Muhammad | Sattar, Maha | Bhatti, Zahid Mehmood | Dustgir, Atif | Mehdi, Zunaira

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested an association between computer work and the development of musculoskeletal disorders. However, studies examining the workplace ergonomics assessment of computer offices are scarce in the Pakistani population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of ergonomic risk factors in the office using the Rapid Assessment Office Strain (ROSA) method for complaints of arm, neck and shoulder (CANS) among office computer workers. METHODS: From January to August 2019, a cross-sectional study was carried out among office workers who worked at least three hours on computers in their daily work. The prevalence of CANS was measured …by using the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) and work station evaluation was done by using Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA). Data were collected from 773 computer workers, of whom 443 (56%) worked in the information technology sector, 215 (28%) in industry and 124 (16%) in universities. SPSS version 20 was used for data entry and analysis. RESULTS: Out of 773 computer workers, 448 (58%) reported musculoskeletal pain and the most prevalent were shoulder pain (327, 42%) and neck pain (270, 35%). The mean scores of ROSA sections A, B, C and D were 4.00±0.82, 2.98±0.72, 3.49±0.67 and 3.61±0.72 respectively. The mean ROSA total score in 773 office computer workers was 4.19±0.78, which indicates a low risk of musculoskeletal complaints. There was significant association was found between ROSA section A and shoulder pain (P  = 0.043), ROSA section C with complaints of lower arm (P  = 0.013), wrist (P  = 0.016), and hand pain (P  = 0.005), ROSA section D with lower arm (P  = 0.002), wrist (P  = 0.004) and hand complaints (P  = 0.002). A significant association was found between ROSA total score and complaints of shoulder and hand, with p values of 0.012 and 0.006, respectively. CONCLUSION: CANS are prevalent among computer office workers, and there is a significant relationship between CANS and workstation ergonomics. Show more

Keywords: CANS, ergonomic risk factors, office computer workers, prevalence, work station evaluation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211029

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 321-326, 2022

Authors: Pattath, Priyadarshini | Webb, Lisa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High use of computers among college students and the resulting musculoskeletal disorders raises concerns regarding healthy usage patterns. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine college student’s computer usage and related musculoskeletal discomfort. METHODS: A sample of 338 college students completed a cross-sectional survey consisting of demographic questions, musculoskeletal discomfort indicators and questions regarding computer use. RESULTS: The sample included 232 (68.6%) females and 106 (31.3%) males. 61% students had reported discomfort during or after working using computers with greatest discomfort in the neck (68.5%) and lower back (66%). Female students …were more likely than male students to report any musculoskeletal discomfort (66% vs 51%), p  < .05. Sitting duration, awkward postures and length of time (more than eight hours) were significantly associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (R2  = 0.24, p  < .01). CONCLUSION: Most female college students reported musculoskeletal discomfort during or after computer use. Daily use of computer for more than eight hours, assuming awkward postures and sitting for long duration without breaks were found to be significantly related to musculoskeletal discomfort. Emphasizing good computing habits in college students to avoid musculoskeletal symptoms in the future will prevent morbidity in future workforce. Show more

Keywords: College student, computer, posture, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210523

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 327-334, 2022