Work - Volume 74, issue 2

Authors: Silva, Vagner Antonio Rodrigues | Guimarães, Alexandre Caixeta | Lavinsky, Joel | de Castro, Rafael Freire | Freitas, Paola Piva | Castilho, Arthur Menino | Chone, Carlos Takahiro | Crespo, Agrício Nubiato

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The most common current hearing protection devices (HPDs) on the market include earplugs and earmuffs. A variety of materials can be used to manufacture these devices, and each offers a level of noise attenuation that is informed by the manufacturer although it does not always correspond to the attenuation observed in real-world use. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the noise attenuation of HPDs available to workers exposed to noise. METHODS: The most relevant studies originally published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish that investigated the noise attenuation effectiveness of HPDs used by workers exposed to noise were analyzed. …The following electronic databases were searched by 2 independent reviewers for studies published from 1999 to 2019: MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library (OVID), ProQuest, and BVS-Bireme. Different combinations of the following search terms (MeSH terms) were used for all databases: “Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced”, “Ear Protective Devices” (Efficacy OR Effectiveness)”, “Noise, Occupational”. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded a total of 326 potentially relevant studies. After the removal of duplicates, 156 remained for the screening of titles and abstracts. After reviewing titles and abstracts, 46 studies were selected for full-text reading. Of these, six were included in this systematic review. CONCLUSION: Hearing protection devices reduced the noise exposure and were effective in all included studies in different countries, types of activity, and sound pressure exposure. Show more

Keywords: Noise, noise-induced hearing loss, earmuff, earplug

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205290

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 477-484, 2023

Authors: Ferrari, Guilherme Neto | Leal, Gislaine Camila Lapasini | Thom de Souza, Rodrigo Clemente | Galdamez, Edwin Vladimir Cardoza

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The working population is exposed daily to unavoidable climatic conditions due to their occupational settings. Effects of the weather such as rain, heat, and air pollution may increase the risk of diseases, injuries, accidents, and even death during labor. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to summarize the impacts of climate change on workers’ health, safety and performance, identifying the risks, affected workplaces and the range of methodological approaches used to assess this problem. METHODS: A thorough systematic mapping was conducted in seven scientific international databases: Emerald, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Scielo, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Web of …Science. Three research questions guided the extraction process resulting in 170 articles regarding the impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety. RESULTS: We found an accentuated trend in observational studies applying primary and secondary data collection. Many studies focused on the association between rising temperatures and occupational hazards, mainly in outdoor work settings such as agriculture. The variation of temperature was the most investigated impact of climate change. CONCLUSIONS: We established a knowledge base on how to explore the impacts of climate change on workers’ well-being and health. Researchers and policymakers benefit from this review, which explores the suitable methods found in the literature and highlights the most recurring risks and their consequences to occupational health and safety. Show more

Keywords: Global warming, working population, work hazards, systematic mapping

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211303

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 485-499, 2023

Authors: Arvidsson, Lisa | Skytt, Bernice | Lindberg, Maria | Lindberg, Magnus

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nurses’ working conditions are important for their well-being at work and for their ability to provide patients with safe care. Self-efficacy can influence employees’ behaviour at work. Therefore, it is valuable to study self-efficacy levels to medical asepsis in relation to working conditions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between nurses’ assessed self-efficacy levels to medical asepsis in care situations and structural empowerment, work engagement and work-related stress. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a correlational design was conducted. A total of 417 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at surgical and orthopaedic units responded to a …questionnaire containing: the Infection Prevention Appraisal Scale, the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-9 and the Health & Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool. Correlational analyses and group comparisons were performed. RESULTS: The nurses rated high levels of self-efficacy to medical asepsis in care situations. The correlational analyses revealed that correlation coefficients between structural empowerment, work engagement, work-related stress and self-efficacy to medical asepsis were 0.254–0.268. Significant differences in self-efficacy were found in the grouped working conditions. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that nurses rated high self-efficacy levels to medical asepsis and, to some extent, this seemed related to structural empowerment, work engagement and work-related stress. This valuable knowledge could enable improvements at the managerial and organisational levels, benefiting both nurses and patients in the long run. Show more

Keywords: Infection prevention, working conditions, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211305

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 501-513, 2023

Authors: Tanaka, Sachie | Kuge, Ryunosuke Iwai | Nakano, Miku | Inukai, Sayaka | Hamamoto, Midori | Terasawa, Miho | Nakamura, Toshinori | Sugiyama, Nobuhiro | Kobayashi, Masayoshi | Washizuka, Shinsuke

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mood and adjustment disorders are two major causes of long-term sick leave among employees, leading to large social losses. Therefore, a return to work (RTW) intervention was attempted, targeting patients with mood and adjustment disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the outcome of an interdisciplinary RTW intervention including occupational therapy implemented within the Japanese healthcare framework. METHODS: An interdisciplinary RTW intervention including occupational therapy was conducted five times a week for approximately three months, targeting individuals with mood and adjustment disorders who took a leave of absence. Their mental symptoms, cognitive functioning, job performance, …temperament, social adaptation, psychosocial state, and readiness to RTW before and after the intervention were evaluated. Full-time RTW ratios at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months from baseline were followed up and compared with those of prior studies. RESULTS: A total of 30 individuals completed the intervention. After the intervention, participants’ psychological symptoms, cognitive function, vocational aptitude, temperament, social adaptation, psychosocial state, and readiness to RTW improved (p≤0.001–0.0279). The ratios of RTW at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months from the baseline were 6.7%, 46.7%, 73.3%, 77.8%, and 82.6%, respectively, reflecting a higher pattern than prior reports. CONCLUSIONS: The interdisciplinary RTW intervention including occupational therapy has the potential to improve not only depressive symptoms but also cognitive functioning, job performance, social adaptation, and readiness to RTW. They can also raise RTW ratios. Show more

Keywords: Cognitive behavioral therapy, mental health, psychoeducation, stress, worker

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211144

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 515-530, 2023

Authors: Lee, Beatrice | Rumrill, Stuart | Reyes, Antonio | McDaniels, Bradley

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are employed at the time of their diagnosis; however, due to the unpredictable nature of MS, most exit the workforce shortly thereafter. A plethora of research has examined factors that negatively affect employment outcomes for people with MS. However, little is known about how hope, a modifiable positive psychology factor, affects employment. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the role of hope and its association with employment outcomes for people with MS. METHODS: Two-hundred and fifty-five adults with MS (mean ± SD age, 45.45 years ± 10.28) completed surveys about their …MS, employment, disability-related stress, and hope. A three-step hierarchical logistic regression was conducted to examine the extent to which hope explains the variance in employment, over and above demographic and disability related covariates. RESULTS: The final model explained 28% of the variance in employment, suggesting that the model was able to distinguish people with MS who were employed versus those who were unemployed. Higher levels of hope were associated with an increased probability of being employed (OR  = 4.65; 95% CI [1.98, 10.92]). CONCLUSION: This study supports that hope is associated with favorable employment outcomes for people with MS. Persons with MS may benefit from working with rehabilitation professionals to enhance their hope, and this study provides a foundation for the development of hope-based interventions to improve employment outcomes among this population. Show more

Keywords: Positive psychology, work, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211210

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 531-538, 2023

Authors: Marins, Eduardo F. | Caputo, Eduardo L. | Freitas, Flavio C. | Rombaldi, Airton J. | da Silva, Marcelo C. | Alberton, Cristine L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Police officers are exposed to specific occupational tasks, which require lifting, trunk flexion and rotation, carrying weight, and frequent standing periods, which may be associated with an increased risk of experiencing low back pain (LBP). OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and intensity of chronic LBP (CLBP) in Brazilian Federal Highway Police officers (FHPO) from the Rio Grande do Sul state and evaluate its associated factors. METHODS: A total of 208 FHPOs participated in this study. The participants answered an electronic questionnaire containing sociodemographic, behavioral, and occupational questions, and CLBP history. Data analysis comprises descriptive statistics …and Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Most of the FHPO were male, aged 41 or more, lived with a partner and were physically active. Sixty-seven percent of FHPO had CLBP, and the median pain intensity was 3.0 (IQR = 0– 5). Participants who lived with a partner were less likely to report CLBP (PR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.64; 0.99). On the other hand, those who worked as FHPO for more than 11 years were more likely to report CLPB (PR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.06; 1.63), and high pain intensity (β= 0.95; 95% CI = 0.19; 1.71). CONCLUSIONS: The high CLBP prevalence among FHPO from Rio Grande do Sul state indicates a need to highlight the importance for police organizations to promote CLBP prevention and implement workplace management programs. Show more

Keywords: Personal protective equipment, injuries, law enforcement, job characteristics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211289

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 539-547, 2023

Authors: Rajeshwari, R. | Rao, Chythra R | D’Silva, Ruth Mary | Chandrasekaran, Baskaran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Anecdotal evidence links occupational sedentary behaviour, low energy expenditure (EE) and cognitive dysfunction. Nevertheless, EE across different work postures including active workstations remains unclear and its influence on cognitive processing speed is yet to be established. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate differences in EE across various work postures and its influence on cognitive processing speed. METHODS: Sixteen desk-based employees performed simulated work tasks (typing, reading and cognitive tasks) in three different work positions (sitting, standing, and walking) in three different days. EE was measured for three days consecutively for 30-minutes in three simulated working postures …using indirect calorimetry. Cognitive processing speed was assessed through computer-based choice reaction times during each work posture. The outcome variables of interest (EE, reaction times and accuracy) were compared between three work postures using repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: EE in walking posture was higher (5.57±0.45 Kcal) than sitting (1.07±0.12 Kcal) and standing (1.88±0.42 Kcal). Total EE was significantly higher in walking than standing (35.17±6.86 Kcal) and sitting postures (41.37±8.46 Kcal). We did not find any significant differences in cognitive processing speed between different work postures except within standing work condition (60.22±13.97 ms). Accuracy was found to be reduced in walking compared to sitting (0.76±0.83%) and standing (0.43±0.09%) but not reached significance. CONCLUSION: Although significant differences in EE were observed between work postures, walking or standing at work did not affect the cognitive processing speed. Show more

Keywords: Energy expenditure, cognition, calorimeter, work posture, standing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205315

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 549-563, 2023

Authors: Batista, Gabriel de Amorim | Locks, Francisco | Beltrán Picón, Sol Patricia | Correia, Heloísa Jácome | Ferraz, Zalane Cristina Marques | Pitangui, Ana Carolina Rodarti | Cappato de Araújo, Rodrigo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fruitculture workers are exposed to shoulder pain disorders due to long working times in overhead activities. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the association between the time of physical work and leisure activities over the perception of shoulder pain intensity in fruit growing workers. METHODS: This is a descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 180 fruit-growing workers. Multivariable logistic regression was used, with an estimate of the Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. The dependent variable: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (0–10 points), was categorized as low and high, with cutoff …points of NPRS > 3 and NPRS > 4, and was associated with the independent variables (level of physical activity, personal, labour and psychosocial). RESULTS: Workers which are insufficiently active in leisure time are more likely to report high-intensity shoulder pain, NPRS > 3 (OR: 2.39; p  = 0.049) and NPRS > 4 (OR: 2.85; p  = 0.036). In addition, working time in overhead activities is a risk factor for high-intensity pain for NPRS > 3 and NPRS > 4 (OR = 1.01; p  < 0.001). Underweight and normal-weight workers were less likely to report shoulder pain in NPRS > 3 (OR = 0.35; p  = 0.020) and in NPRS > 4 (OR = 0.20; p  = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fruit-growing workers had a high prevalence of severe shoulder pain. In addition, workers who are insufficiently active at leisure, overweight and obese are more likely to report severe pain. It was observed that overhead tasks increase the chances of reporting high-intensity shoulder pain among workers. Show more

Keywords: Shoulder joint, pain, occupational health, agricultural workers’ diseases, rural workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210851

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 565-574, 2023

Authors: Alam, Mohammad Shahin | Shin, DuckJung

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: For disability accommodation (DA) decision-making/planning processes to unfold successfully, an understanding of the factors influencing DA complexity and a reliable tool for measuring such complexity are needed. The current literature does not provide sufficient knowledge on either topic. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to explore the factors influencing DA complexity and develop a DA complexity scale in three phases through the sequential mixed approach. METHOD: The study used an exploratory sequential mixed method in three phases. In phase 1, a qualitative survey of 335 supervisors with recent DA management experience was conducted, and the data were analyzed …using a thematic approach to identify and evaluate DA complexity factors. In phase 2, qualitative results were transformed into items to construct a DA complexity scale. Later, the scale was tested using data from a separate quantitative cross-sectional survey of 303 supervisors with recent DA management experience. In phase 3, another quantitative cross-sectional study of 307 supervisors with recent DA management experience to evaluate the validity of the scale and its dimensions. RESULTS: In Phase 1, we identified 12 factors influencing DA complexity. In Phase 2, the DA complexity scale loaded 29 items in nine dimensions, which represented the factors influencing DA complexity. In Phase 3, DA complexity positively influenced supervisors’ job demand and stress, and negatively influenced their work motivation, organizational commitment, and supervisors’ perceptions about their relationships with employees with disabilities. CONCLUSION: This study enriches the DA literature by offering an in-depth understanding of DA complexity and a scale to measure it. Show more

Keywords: Workplace disability, supervisors, accommodation, disability complexity, accommodation assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210988

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 575-594, 2023

Authors: Fragiadakis, Kostas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The work integration of people who have recovered from addiction is an essential factor in the maintaining treatment outcomes. However, its multidimensionality has not yet received the attention it deserves. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the critical elements shaping the work integration attempts of people who have recovered from addiction and work in Greek social enterprises. METHODS: The data was obtained from 25 interviews which were conducted during the field research period; they were processed using the method of thematic analysis. RESULTS: Work integration is obstructed by a combination of individual constraints, together with obstacles …related to how persons interact with their social environment, as well as with broader political, institutional, and socioeconomic parameters. The participants depended predominantly on the treatment program and their social network for work integration. CONCLUSION: The article enriches the existing literature focusing on the workers’ perspective on the issue under study. The complexity of the obstacles and limited support sources highlight both the need for client-centered interventions and design of a state-level work integration strategy. In this context, work environments with the potential of a holistic approach to work integration obstacles, such as work integration social enterprises, remain untapped opportunities. Show more

Keywords: Work integration, addiction recovery, Greece, thematic analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210493

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 595-608, 2023