Work - Volume 74, issue 3

Authors: Silva Costa, Gerferson André | Modena, Celina Maria | de Oliveira, Fabiana Goulart

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health promotion is an important strategy for companies as it helps identify risks at work and the health needs of workers. Nursing, as a profession committed to promoting decent work, plays an important role in this strategy. OBJECTIVE: This manuscript aims to discuss the experience of the Nursing Service in the construction of knowledge about work, to support actions in favor of health promotion. METHODS: This is a discussion article in the field of occupational health conducted at a Research Center in the nuclear area. RESULTS: Based on actions centered on guidelines on …lifestyles and scheduling visits to the workplace, with the Internal Public Health Commission, limitations were identified that allowed us to discuss and understand the role of nurses as occupational health professionals. CONCLUSION: Knowing the work and understanding it in its specificities and limitations of the production process has allowed to expand the possibilities of action with workers to transform working conditions and promote health. Show more

Keywords: Nursing, health promotion, work, occupational health, health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210978

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 1027-1033, 2023

Authors: Aslan, Mustafa | Lee, Yu-Feng L. | Yaman, Fatih | Aksu, Ayhan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work stress and feeling of entrapment are harmful physical and emotional results for employees when the workload demands exceed their capacities. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of the career management system and succession plan on employees’ work stress and feelings of entrapment in hopes of improving employees’ well-being to promote business continuity. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the convenient sampling method was adopted. The research was conducted with the participation of call center agents (n  = 621) of three call centers in Turkey. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) path analysis …was performed on the collected data for hypothesis testing. RESULTS: Both career management systems (CMS) and succession plans (SP) reduce employees’ work stress and feelings of entrapment. Work stress was found to mediate the effects of CMS and SP on the Feeling of Entrapment. The CMS reduces the work stress of employees with university degrees than those with a high school diploma. Meanwhile, SP reduces more of the feeling of entrapment for employees newly starting their jobs (with 0–2 years of seniority) than the workers with three or more years of seniority. CONCLUSION: Empirically, the feeling of entrapment seems higher among the employees with three or more years of seniority, suggesting that human resource management should focus on employees’ work stress and feeling of job insecurity issues and offer possible and timely solutions. Furthermore, organizations showing care to newly arriving staff and giving them job assurance is believed crucial to improving employees’ recruitment and retention. Show more

Keywords: Entrapment, work stress, succession plan, career management system

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211096

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 1035-1054, 2023

Authors: Augustina, S. Jenifer | Suganthirababu, Prathap | Rajagopal, Vijayaraghavan | Kumaresan, A. | Srinivasan, Vignesh | Ramana, K. | Kamalakannan, M. | Alagesan, Jagatheesan | Prathap, Lavanya

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In today’s fast-paced world, both men and women have to be equally competent to handle their responsibilities in order to look after their family members and children. In this pace of competency women tend to forget to take care of their own health and face many health issues, including pelvic floor dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyse the prevalence rate of pelvic floor dysfunction among the working women in regards to their age and body mass index as well as their quality of life. METHODS: One hundred sixty one post-partum working female participants from …the medical fraternity were involved in this study after their consent was obtained. Pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed and their quality of life measured using King’s health questionnaire. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between the pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and its impact on the quality of life among the females with increasing age. Significant statistical significant difference of P(<0.0001) was noted. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor dysfunction among females has a direct impact on their quality of life. Show more

Keywords: BMI, periniometer, quality of life, physiological changes, medical professional

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211125

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 1055-1059, 2023

Authors: Boelhouwer, Ingrid G. | Vermeer, Willemijn | van Vuuren, Tinka

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The number of workers who have previously undergone a cancer treatment is increasing, and possible late treatment effects (fatigue, physical and cognitive complaints) may affect work ability. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of late treatment effects and of job resources (autonomy, supportive leadership style, and colleagues’ social support) on the future work ability of employees living 2–10 years beyond a breast cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Data at T1 (baseline questionnaire) and at T2 (9 months later) were collected in 2018 and 2019 (N  = 287) among Dutch-speaking workers with a breast …cancer diagnosis 2–10 years ago. Longitudinal regression analyses, controlling for years since diagnosis, living with cancer (recurrence or metastasis), other chronic or severe diseases, and work ability at baseline were executed. RESULTS: Higher levels of fatigue and cognitive complaints at baseline predicted lower future work ability. The three job resources did not predict higher future work ability, but did relate cross-sectionally with higher work ability at baseline. Autonomy negatively moderated the association between physical complaints and future work ability. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue and cognitive complaints among employees 2–10 years past breast cancer diagnosis need awareness and interventions to prevent lower future work ability. Among participants with average or high levels of physical complaints, there was no difference in future work ability between medium and high autonomy. However, future work ability was remarkably lower when autonomy was low. Show more

Keywords: Autonomy, cognitive or physical complaints, fatigue, social support by colleagues, supportive leadership style

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211288

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 1061-1076, 2023

Authors: Salguero-Caparrós, F. | Rubio-Romero, J.C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The choice of the “right” methodology to carry out the occupational accident investigation process is not an easy task. Each methodology has different conceptual and practical characteristics. The choice will depend to a large extent on the conceptual accident model being used. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study has been to evaluate and compare a set of nine methodologies recognised as the most widely used in the field of occupational accident investigation. METHODS: For this purpose, six evaluation criteria are used which have already been applied and validated by the scientific community with a clear …emphasis on the holistic nature of these methodologies. RESULTS: The results show a detailed analysis of the conceptual, methodological and practical characteristics of the nine selected occupational accident investigation methodologies. The conceptual framework of each of the methodologies, their holistic characteristics in terms of whether they cover the complete information cycle and its possible interrelation, reliability and validity of the methodologies, the experience required for their application, the flexibility in terms of being able to be used in different work environments and finally the ability of the methodology to motivate organisational improvement are presented. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, it is clear that the analysis of occupational accident investigation it is becoming increasingly necessary to employ scientific methodologies with a clear proactive approach in order to meet the challenges of changing socio-technical systems. Show more

Keywords: Occupational safety and health, occupational accident investigation, evaluation criteria and comparison, holistic approach, Industry 5.0

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211297

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 1077-1089, 2023

Authors: Kim, Jun-Hee | Yi, Chung-Hwi | Jeon, Hye-Seon | Choi, Woochol Joseph | Weon, Jong-Hyuck | Kwon, Oh-Yun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The occurrence of subacromial pain syndrome (SPS) is associated with the frequent handling and lifting of heavy loads and excessive repetitive work. Thus, assembly workers have a high prevalence of SPS. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in shoulder ROM, muscle strength, asymmetry ratio, function, productivity, and depression between workers with and without SPS. METHODS: Sixty-seven male workers (35 workers with SPS and 32 workers without SPS) participated in this study. Shoulder internal rotation (SIR), shoulder external rotation (SER), shoulder abduction (SAB), shoulder horizontal adduction ROM and SIR, SER, elbow flexion …(EF), scapular depression and adduction, scapular protraction strength were measured. The asymmetry ratio was calculated using the asymmetry ratio formula; shoulder functions were measured using the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), and visual analogue scale (VAS); and Endicott work productivity scale (EWPS). RESULTS: The SPADI (p  = 0.001), DASH (p  = 0.001), and VAS (p  = 0.001) values of workers with SPS were higher than those of workers without SPS. Also, workers with SPS had lower SIR (p  = 0.001) and SAB (p  = 0.002) ROM compared to workers without SPS. In addition, workers with SPS exhibited lower SIR (p  = 0.012) strength than workers without SPS. Workers with SPS had higher asymmetry ratio in SIR (p  = 0.015), SER (p  = 0.005), and EF (p  = 0.008) strength than workers without SPS. CONCLUSIONS: The SIR, SAB ROM, SIR strength, and the asymmetry ratio of SIR, SER, EF strengths could provide an important baseline comparison for the workers with SPS. Show more

Keywords: Subacromial pain syndrome, musculoskeletal disease, range of motion, muscle strength, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211310

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 1091-1101, 2023

Authors: Liu, Quanlong | Wang, Jingzhi | Zhang, Xiaolin | Shang, Jianping

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The construction of a safety culture in coal mine enterprises is an essential component of coal mine safety management. Current studies do not address the mechanism for forming and constructing systems for coal mine enterprise safety culture, and many studies are based on imperfect theoretical frameworks and unsystematic empirical research, their policy recommendations are not systematic or operable, and they offer no feasible safety culture construction system. OBJECTIVE: This study is devoted to analysing the theoretical basis of safety culture construction in coal mine enterprises from the perspective of hazards and proposing the content, stages and targets …of constructing a safety culture and develops pragmatic approaches for coal mining enterprises to improve safety culture. METHODS: A theoretical basis for safety culture construction in coal mine enterprises is proposed from the perspective of hazards by considering accident-causing mechanisms based on hazards. Furthermore, this study applied the case analysis and application to conduct empirical research on the proposed theoretical basis for safety culture construction from the perspective of hazards. RESULTS: Four aspects are proposed to capture the content and objectives of safety culture construction from the perspective of hazards: safety concept, behaviour safety, material state safety, and safety institutions. Furthermore, this paper provides a case study of safety culture construction by the Yimei coal group from the perspective of hazards, identifies the hazards based on the above four aspects, and then identifies preventative measures and controls for the identified hazards. CONCLUSIONS: Constructing a safety culture in coal mine enterprises from the perspective of hazards is operable and practical, and thus this study provides essential theoretical and practical value for improving coal mine safety. Show more

Keywords: Coal mine safety, safety culture, hazards, risk management, case study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211317

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 1103-1114, 2023

Authors: Sadeghi, Fatemeh | Dehdashti, Alireza | Gilani, Neda | Fatemi, Farin | Alizadeh, Seyed Shamseddin | Khoshmanesh, Behnoush

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chemical accidents have imposed casualties and high economic and social consequences to Iranian industries and society. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of risk factors involved in occurrences of the chemical accidents and predicted the time of occurrences in Iranian chemical factories. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was implemented in 574 chemical facilities with more than 25 employees from 2018 to 2020. Collecting data instruments were 2 checklists with 15 and 25 three-point Likert scale questions, respectively. Chi square and Monte Carlo tests assessed the relationships between independent risk factors and dependent hazardous chemical accidents. Cox …semi-parametric and log-normal parametric models were used to predict the upcoming time of chemical accidents based on the impacts of risk factors understudy. Data analyses were performed using Stata and R software. RESULTS: The results showed that safety data sheets, labeling, fire extinguishing system, safe chemicals storage, separation, loading, transportation and training were statistically significant with occurrences of the chemical accidents (P -value < 0.05). Loading and transportation were mostly related to chemical incidents and reduced significantly the expected time of chemical events (P -value = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Establishing a comprehensive chemical accidents dataset and strict governmental supervision on chemical safety regulations are suggested to decrease the chemical accidents at regional and local levels in chemical plants. Show more

Keywords: Chemical accidents, survival analysis, risk factors, safety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211333

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 1115-1124, 2023

Authors: Maayah, Mikhled Falah | Abdel-aziem, Amr Almaz | Arafah, Alaa Mohammad | Gaowgzeh, Riziq Allah | Neamatallah, Ziyad | Alfawaz, Saad S. | Mysore, Sunitha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorder symptoms affecting adults’ health in the workplace including academic settings. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of LBP among academic teaching staff at King Abdulaziz University, as well as to identify its socio-demographic and work-related risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the prevalence of LBP and the risk factors in 123 academic teaching staff members at King Abdulaziz University. Data on LBP history and disability using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), work-related and socio-demographic characteristics of study participants were collected …using a semi-structured questionnaire. The prevalence of low back pain data was analyzed using frequency and percentage descriptive statistics, and Chi-square was used to identify group differences. RESULTS: A total of 123 academic teaching staff with a mean age of 37.5 years old of whom 79 (64.2%) were females and 44 (35.8%) were males completed a self-administrative questionnaire. Using a self-rating scale, approximately a quarter of academic teaching staff had moderate disability 25.2%; 4.9% had a severe disability; only one subject 0.8% was crippled. There has been a significant relationship between the number of years of experience and the extent of low back disability (P  < 0.05). The Chi-square test revealed 56.3% of takes part with 11–15 years of experience have moderate disability relative to those with 0–5 years of experience (11.1%). There was a trend towards significance among academic teaching staff for the effect of the faculty stream on low back disability (P  = 0.077, Chi-square test revealed teaching staff in the medical stream had the highest percentage of participates with minimal disability (78.7%) whereas in the scientific stream had the lowest percentage of minimal disability (52%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study have shown that there is a major problem of low back pain among academic staff at King Abdulaziz University and that the situation in other higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia is changing. Show more

Keywords: University teaching staff, low back pain, prevalence, risk factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211389

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 1125-1133, 2023

Authors: de Sousa Figueira, Andrea | Reis Costa, Stella Regina | Ferraz, Fernando Toledo | Rampasso, Izabela Simon | Resende, David Nunes

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Organizational changes in the traditional work models demand studies on the management of the so called “Teleworking”. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to analyse the teleworking management practices to subside organizations and leaders to improve their performance and enhance workers quality of life. METHODS: A survey was carried out with teleworkers to obtain their perception of the analyzed factors, using the survey monkey tool. The collected data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). RESULTS: The validated model for the practices analysis is composed of the constructs: business management, physical …and people infrastructure, leadership, self-esteem, and job satisfaction. Based on the analysis carried out, it is suggested that organizations establish organizational telework policies, follow government policies and provide communication and competence plans. Moreover, it is crucial providing technologies and support to them and develop people management practices in teleworking. Leaders must provide confidence, a teleworking culture, professional advancement, integration, well-being, negotiation of goals and a training plan. The teleworker’s satisfaction is due to the sustainability related to the work model and its choice defined by personal motivation, balance between personal and professional life and a sense of belonging. CONCLUSIONS: All variables observed, linked to the constructs and validated, can be considered by managers to improve human resource management and obtain better productivity results. Show more

Keywords: Remote work, strategic human resource management, quality of life at work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211401

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 1135-1148, 2023