Work - Volume 77, issue 2

Authors: Larsman, Pernilla | Ulfdotter Samuelsson, Amanda | Räisänen, Christine | Rapp Ricciardi, Max | Grill, Martin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The construction industry is heavily affected by occupational accidents, and it is important to investigate how leadership behaviors promoting safety on construction sites are fostered among construction-site managers. OBJECTIVE: The overall aim of this study was to investigate how safety-leadership behaviors can be developed in the construction industry, specifically focusing on managerial role modeling. METHODS: A two-wave longitudinal cohort study with approximately four months between measurement occasions was conducted among construction-site supervisors in Sweden (n  = 51). Supervisors’ ratings of their site managers’ and their own generic and safety-specific contingent reward (CR) leadership behaviors were obtained …by means of questionnaires. Cross-lagged panel models were tested within a path model framework to test the hypothesis that site managers’ leadership behaviors prospectively influence supervisors’ leadership behaviors. RESULTS: Site managers’ CR behaviors prospectively influenced supervisors’ CR behaviors, both generic CR behaviors (β= 0.29, p  = 0.01) and safety-specific CR behaviors (β= 0.22, p  = 0.04). For safety-specific CR behaviors, a reversed effect (β= 0.26, p  = 0.03) was also found, implying that supervisors’ behaviors prospectively influenced site managers’ behaviors. CONCLUSION: Site managers act as role models for supervisors when it comes to developing safety-leadership behaviors on construction sites. The results also indicate that site managers are influenced by their subordinate supervisors’ safety-leadership behaviors. Hence, there seems to be reciprocal interaction between site managers and supervisors in which they influence each other and together shape safety-leadership practices at their construction sites. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, occupational accident, industrial psychology, social learning, feedback, operant conditioning, questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230031

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 523-531, 2024

Authors: Anttilainen, Julia | Pehkonen, Irmeli | Savinainen, Minna | Haukka, Eija

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Existing research has mostly focused on themes related to returning to or staying at work and studied organizations’ operational rather than strategic level actions to support work ability. Top managers’ understanding of work ability management (WAM) may influence how work ability support processes are implemented in organizations. OBJECTIVE: To find out how top managers define WAM, what the aims of WAM were and whether the aims were on a strategic level. METHODS: Altogether 28 semi-structured interviews among Finnish social and health care top managers were conducted during the years 2019–2021 and analyzed inductively using qualitative …thematic analysis. RESULTS: Top managers’ definition of WAM was mainly multidimensional. Two main aims were identified, i.e., to support work ability 1) at the individual and 2) at the organizational level. The aims of the former were to anticipate the decrease of health and functional capacity, to support workers already decrease in these, to develop competence, and to manage the effects of changes on work ability. The aims at the organizational level were to improve labor availability and personnel retention, to ensure the flow of work, and to increase trust and create shared values. Top managers described the aims as being at a strategic level, but this was not yet realized in their organizations because the actions were reactive rather than proactive. CONCLUSION: Top managers’ multidimensional perception of WAM, emphasizing proactive actions, and strategic level aims are crucial and require the commitment of the top managers for strategic WAM, especially during constant changes. Show more

Keywords: Leadership, occupational health, health promotion, disease management, change management, human resources

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230034

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 533-545, 2024

Authors: Liyanage, Esther | Chellapillai, Dhananjee | Liyanage, Indrajith | Samarakoon, Chamini | Samarasekara, Heshani | Rikas, Mohamed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are highly prevalent among people who work in sedentary jobs. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) is a valid tool to assess WMSDs, but is not available in the local language of Sri Lanka (Sinhala). OBJECTIVE: To cross-culturally adapt the original CMDQ from English to Sinhala and evaluate its psychometric properties. METHODS: The linguistic and cultural adaptation of the CMDQ to the Sinhala (Si-CMDQ) language followed international guidelines. The adapted pre-version was tested for comprehensibility among 32 subjects from different educational and occupational backgrounds. The Content Validity Index …(CVI) was computed with ratings from five experts. The questionnaire was validated further by 111 security guards employed at the university. The tool was validated with reference to the Numeric Rating Scale. Test-retest reliability was assessed at two time points one week apart and internal consistency was tested. RESULTS: The Si-CMDQ showed adequate cross-cultural, content and construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. The Kappa coefficient showed excellent agreement between NRS and Si-CMDQ frequency scale. Spearman’s correlation coefficients showed a moderate to a strong significant positive correlation between NRS and the severity scale of Si-CMDQ. The Kappa values for test-retest reliability were moderate to excellent for the three scales of CMDQ. The internal consistency was high. CONCLUSION: The Si-CMDQ fulfilled the psychometric requirement for questionnaires. This tool will be beneficial to assess WMSDs among sedentary workers in different occupations in Sri Lanka. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal discomfort, pain, validity, reliability, sedentary, questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220295

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 547-559, 2024

Authors: Rajappan, Dhaneesh | Mailerum Perumal, Arun | Santhi, Iswarya Vijayakumar | Narayanan, Rajkumar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Developing employee well-being as well as lowering stress may have several benefits for organizations. Stress management intervention techniques utilized via organizations help to develop worker mindfulness and well-being, and reduce stress. OBJECTIVE: To review stress management interventions to determine the effectiveness of diverse interventions in improving the mindfulness and well-being of employees working in an organization. METHODS: This work is split into two main sections: collection of data and analysis of data. First, data collection is carried out. The structured questionnaire was organized and distributed to managers and working employees of an …organization. Based on the developed hypothesis, the questionnaire was arranged and all queries were compulsory. Subsequently, the collected data were performed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis. RESULTS: The Standard Mean Residual Root Square for the baseline model of mindfulness and well-being of employees working in an organization is 0.2156, which is better than threshold value. CONCLUSION: From the analysis, the goodness of fit and significant relation among the stress intervention techniques as well as mindfulness and well-being of employees in an organization has been found. Show more

Keywords: Data, organization, managers, questionnaire, hypothesis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220410

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 561-571, 2024

Authors: Noda, Yoshikazu | Asano, Kenichi | Shimizu, Eiji | Hirano, Yoshiyuki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Emergency service workers have highly stressful occupations; the stressors encountered can contribute to the development of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). OBJECTIVE: The present study used a conceptual model and survey to identify variables influencing the association between probable PTSD and quality of life (QOL) in emergency service workers. METHOD: PTSD was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Path analysis was used to determine whether stress-coping (Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced [Brief …COPE] scores), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support [MSPSS] scores), and resilience (Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale scores) explain the association between probable PTSD and QOL among 220 emergency service workers in Japan. RESULTS: Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores were significantly positively associated with Brief COPE Active coping scores and significantly negatively associated with MSPSS scores. Brief COPE Active coping and MSPSS scores were significantly positively associated with Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale scores, which were in turn significantly positively associated with Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores. CONCLUSION: Active coping in response to stressful situations is important for maintaining good mental health among emergency service workers. Active coping and social support may strengthen resilience, and resilience may improve QOL. Screening for mental health and QOL should include simultaneous assessment of stress-coping, social support, and resilience. Although the findings of this cross-sectional study are important, it could not confirm a causal relationship between PTSD and QOL. Show more

Keywords: Firefighter, resilience, quality of life, coping strategy, social support, posttraumatic stress disorder

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220551

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 573-587, 2024

Authors: Letícia Maria Barbano, M.S. | de Almeida, Pedro Henrique Tavares Queiroz | Pontes, Tatiana Barcelos | da Cruz, Daniel Cezar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Working part-time or full-time is a persistent dilemma for women, especially mothers, as they strive to manage their time across various roles. However, the existing literature remains unclear on whether part-time work contributes more to life satisfaction than full-time work. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe and compare time-use patterns in different occupational roles and levels of life satisfaction among 795 mothers in Brazil who are employed either part-time or full-time. METHODS: Data was collected through an online survey and the snowball technique. Regression and correlation analyses were performed on the data obtained from the …following instruments: the Role Checklist for assessing time-use within occupational roles, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and demographic information. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed no significant differences in life satisfaction between mothers working full-time and those working part-time (t (793)=1.160, p  = 0.24). However, life satisfaction scores were positively correlated with the number of occupational roles performed (r  = 0.222, p  < 0.01), higher family income (P  < 0.001), and engagement in social roles such as Friend (r  = 0.106, p  = 0.003), Hobbyist/Amateur (r  = 0.08, p  = 0.018), and Caregiver (r  = 0.07, p  = 0.026). CONCLUSION: While our society places significant emphasis on time spent at work, our findings highlight that life satisfaction extends far beyond the dichotomy of working part-time or full-time. There are deeper dimensions to consider, including the number of occupational roles, family income, and engagement in social roles, which have a more substantial impact on overall life satisfaction. Show more

Keywords: Work, family, gender roles, role, women, mothers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220644

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 589-599, 2024

Authors: Zhu, Di | Tian, Xiaoming | Li, Rui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mutual help among members is critical to the accomplishment of complex tasks in an organization. Helping behaviors are infectious, and employees learn to imitate their coworkers’ helping behaviors through observation. However, whether coworker helping triggers imitation learning depends on observers’ motivational attributions for coworker helping behaviors to some extent. OBJECTIVE: Based on attribution theory and approach-avoidance framework, this research explored the approach and avoidance-oriented emotional and behavioral consequences of observers’ prosocial and impression management motivational attributions of coworker helping behavior. METHODS: An experimental study with 178 participants and a field study with 259 employees was …conducted. RESULTS: The results revealed that observers attribute coworkers’ helpfulness to prosocial motivation, which elicited observers’ approach-oriented emotions (i.e., positive empathy) and behaviors (i.e., helping behavior) and reduced coworker exclusion, while impression-management motivation elicited observers’ avoidance-oriented emotions (i.e., disgust) and behaviors (i.e., coworker exclusion) and reduced helping behavior. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that prosocial motivational attributions and impression management motivational attributions are key factors in determining whether observers have approach- or avoidance-oriented emotions and behaviors toward coworker helping. Accordingly, individual employees and managers should focus on employees’ motivation to help others in order to promote mutual support and harmony in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Helping behavior, motivation, peer influence, empathy, disgust, workplace

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220647

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 601-614, 2024

Authors: Kordmiri, Seyed Hojat Mousavi | Aliabadi, Mohsen | Golmohammadi, Rostam | Bovenzi, Massimo | Farhadian, Maryam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Construction workers are exposed to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) and/or noise caused by vibrating hand tools in the work environment. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the effects of exposure to HTV and/or noise on workers’ hearing loss and body balance. METHODS: Forty construction workers were exposed to HTV (10 m/s2 rms, 31.5 Hz) and/or typical construction noise (90 dBA) in three simulated experiment scenarios with the vibrating hand-held tool for 30 minutes over three days. The hearing loss from 1000 to 6000 Hz and the body balance were determined before and after each exposure scenario. …RESULTS: Separate noise exposure at all frequencies except for 1000 Hz could significantly affect hearing threshold levels (p -value<0.05). Separate exposure to HTV cannot lead to a remarkable effect on hearing loss (p -value>0.05); however, it can synergistically increase the effect of noise on hearing loss. Also, the affected frequency range in concurrent exposure has been greater than in separate noise exposure. The separate effects of exposure to HTV and noise on the subjects’ body balance were not statistically significant (p -value>0.05); however, these effects became significant in concurrent exposure (p -value<0.05). Based on the estimated effect sizes, noise could synergistically increase the observed effect of HTV on body balance. CONCLUSION: There is a synergistic interaction between HTV and noise on hearing loss and body balance. It seems necessary to pay attention to the risk evaluation of simultaneous exposure to noise and HTV when setting the occupational action limit values. Show more

Keywords: Hand-arm vibration, occupational noise, hearing loss, posture balance, construction industries

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220662

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 615-628, 2024

Authors: Boucaut, Rose | Wong, Edith

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The University of South Australia’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy course, ‘Work Health and Safety (WHS) Practice’, provides students with introductory practical WHS experience. Students undertake 80-hour effort WHS projects for industry, culminating in a report for hosts. OBJECTIVE: To establish the types of industry that host WHS undergraduate physiotherapy placements and the nature of activities that students conduct. METHODS: Reports were retrospectively, systematically classified using a descriptive, document content analysis approach. Demographic data were collected: report and student numbers, placement locations and industry types. Selected reports were used as a subset for further analysis with definitions …created to classify the nature of placement activities. RESULTS: Most reports were written by a pair of students (88%, n  = 269), with placements based in metropolitan Adelaide (91%, n  = 284). Various industries hosted students, including healthcare and social assistance (40%, n  = 117) and manufacturing (30%, n  = 89). Reports primarily included risk management activities as required by WHS legislation (97%, n  = 229). CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy student WHS activities maintain close links with industry, involving stakeholders (workforce, students, University of South Australia and academics). At an entry-level standard, the student WHS activities align well with some criteria set as key competencies for Australian Occupational Health physiotherapy practitioners. Show more

Keywords: Students –health occupations, health personnel, organization and administration, workplace, musculoskeletal diseases, physical therapists

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220676

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 629-640, 2024

Authors: Shehata, Mai Ali | Basyouny, Sara El-Sayed | Atef, Hady | Hussien, Hossam El-Dien | Botla, Afaf M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stress and fatigue experienced by lactating employed mothers can affect mothers’ and babies’ mental and physical health detrimentally. Aerobic exercise is known to control stress and fatigue, but the dosages of the exercises needed to maintain long-term effects are still under investigation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the acute and long-term effects of aerobic exercise on controlling stress and fatigue in lactating, employed mothers. METHODS: This randomized control study involved sixty lactating, employed mothers suffering from stress and fatigue. They were divided into two groups: Group A received five sessions of …30-minute aerobic training on a treadmill per week, in addition to lifestyle modification advice for six weeks. Group B received the same lifestyle routine advice for the same duration without being trained. Assessments of stress and fatigue levels were done before, after 6 weeks, and after 6 months from the baseline assessments using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), respectively. RESULTS: Post-six-week comparisons within and between both groups showed a significant decline in PSS-10 and FAS in group A compared with group B (p  < 0.001); however, after six months of follow-up, there were statistically significant effects within groups only (p  < 0.05) and no statistically significant difference between groups at both variables (p  > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercises for 6 weeks can induce an acute but not long-term effect on stress and fatigue control in lactating-employed mothers. Future research is needed to tailor the exercise prescription needed to maintain training’s long-term benefits. Show more

Keywords: Exercise training, lactation, employment, short-term effects, long-term effects, occupational stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220677

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 641-649, 2024