Work - Volume 78, issue 3

Authors: Vosoughi, Shahram | Niazi, Parisa | Abolghasemi, Jamileh | Sadeghi-Yarandi, Mohsen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dairy industry workers face numerous ergonomic risk factors in their workplace, including improper posture, manual material handling, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Fewstudies have been conducted on the correlation of postural stress, MSDs, and chronic fatigue among workers in the dairy industry. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of postural stress, MSDs, and chronic fatigue in a dairy company. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 260 male workers were included in the research based on specific inclusion criteria. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and a researcher-made demographic questionnaire were …used to collect data. The posture of workers was evaluated using RULA and REBA software, and the evaluation of the manual lifting of loads was assessed using the WISHA lifting calculator. Finally, the collected data were entered into the SPSS software version 26.0 and analyzed. RESULTS: The findings revealed a significant statistical relationship between the level of postural stress and chronic fatigue and a significant positive correlation between MSDs and chronic fatigue. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was observed between MSDs, chronic fatigue, and ergonomics training experience. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in this study support the notion that high levels of postural stress and MSDs can produce an increase in chronic fatigue among workers, and lack of ergonomics training for workers can increase both MSDs and chronic fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out intervention measures in the field of ergonomics management in similar industries through the implementation of ergonomic intervention programs with a focus on proactive and preventive measures and the use of participatory ergonomic programs and educational demands assessment. Show more

Keywords: Dairy industry, postural stress, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic fatigue, pain, posture, ergonomic risk factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230309

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 771-781, 2024

Authors: Gunnarsson, A. Birgitta | Jansson, Jan-Åke | Eklund, Mona

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unemployment is high not only among people with mental illness, but also among young adults in general. The combination of having a severe mental illness and being young entails a particularly problematic situation for young people with psychosis. This study aimed to understand how this group envision their future possibilities for entering the labour market or engaging in other productive activities. OBJECTIVE: To explore how young adults with psychosis perceive their possibilities, wishes and support needs for gaining employment or engaging in other productive activities. METHODS: A descriptive design with qualitative individual in-depth interviews was …used. Eighteen young adults with psychosis, aged 18–30 years, were interviewed. Data was analysed with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Four categories based on the experiences of the participants as being vital for having work or other productive activities were generated: “Wishing for a role in the community”, “Being my own coach”, “Needing personal support” and “Having a supportive workplace”. Each of them included sub-categories. CONCLUSION: The young adults with psychosis were a long way from having paid work, but they desired to have a worker role in the community. They are a heterogeneous group, which entails that it is important that professionals and employers have a person-centered and holistic approach, listening to the individuals themselves. Show more

Keywords: Activity, employment, interviews, mental health, occupations, qualitative research, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230311

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 783-795, 2024

Authors: Samani, Ali Sahraneshin | Ghavamabadi, Leila Ibrahimi | Dehaghi, Behzad Fouladi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Climate change and global warming are emerging as new challenges worldwide. The World Meteorological Organization has reported that the temperature is expected to rise by an average of 1.2°C between 2021–2025. This increase in temperature will expose more and more workers to extreme heat. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the possibility of using thermoelectric coolers for cooling the water circulation circuit of a cooling belt, which can be used for extended periods in high-temperature environments. METHODS: A cooling belt was designed using thermoelectric coolers (TEC) and two blowers. The TECs were equipped with heat …sinks and heat exchange block made of aluminum at hot and cold sides to exchange heat effectively. RESULTS: The experiment was conducted under actual environmental temperature conditions during three different time periods, with mean temperatures of 31, 48, and 41°C. The mean temperature of the belt section was recorded as 20.73, 24.52, and 21.38°C, respectively. The maximum average difference between the inlet air temperature and the inside cooling belt temperature was 40.45°C. CONCLUSION: The experiment revealed that the cooling performance of the designed prototype remained within an acceptable range (18°C) despite the increase in ambient temperature. Moreover, the cooling system can be utilized in high-heat environments to reduce thermal stress. Show more

Keywords: Cooling belt, air temperature, thermoelectric, heat stress, control

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230329

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 797-805, 2024

Authors: Blumenthal, Maike | Van der Heijden, Beatrice I.J.M. | Dautzenberg, Rikkie L. | Boot, Cécile R.L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the changing world of work, there is an urgency to gain insight into determinants of the employability among support staff workers with long tenure whose functions may become outdated as their competencies may no longer match the requirements of future jobs. OBJECTIVE: The specific aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between transformational leadership and employability. METHODS: Support staff (n  = 236) from a university participated in an online questionnaire focusing on five dimensions of employability (occupational expertise, anticipation and optimization, personal flexibility, corporate sense, and balance) and transformational leadership (identifying and articulating …a vision, providing an appropriate model, fostering the acceptance of group goals, providing individual support, and intellectual stimulation. RESULTS: Identifying and articulating a vision (β= 0.247, p  < 0.001), providing an appropriate model (β= 0.196, p  = 0.002), fostering the acceptance of group goals (β= 0.298, p  < 0.001) and providing individual support (β= 0.258, p  < 0.001) were associated with higher balance scores. No significant associations were found between the transformational leadership subscales and the other dimensions of employability. CONCLUSION: The current study found that just one specific dimension of transformational leadership was associated with only one aspect of employability for our target group of long-term employed support staff workers with a high level of job security. Show more

Keywords: Leadership, occupational health, staff development, career mobility, employment, universities

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230371

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 807-815, 2024

Authors: Mann, Stephanie | Paarup, Helene M. | Søgaard, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study focuses on the user experience of a novel developed ergonomic chinrest (EC), customised to accommodate the individual violinist’s anthropometry and playing style. The EC was recently tested for biomechanical effect, but the violin player’s motivation, usage behaviour, usability and acceptability may be equally important. OBJECTIVE: To explore the user experience of violinists who used the novel EC with a low shoulder rest for two weeks. Through that experience, we wanted to learn about the potential user barriers and facilitators related to their motivation, usage behaviour, usability, and acceptability, when trying a new product. …METHODS: Thirty-eight professional violinists participated and evaluated motivation, user behaviour, usability and acceptance using a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended questions. RESULTS: Participants showed high motivation hoping to improve posture, reduce muscle tension and enhance performance. Usage behaviour was also high, while product appearance, adjustment time, and sound impact were negatively evaluated. However, 37% planned to continue to use EC after the study. CONCLUSION: Participants showed high motivation and usage behaviour but faced challenges with product appearance, adjustment time, and sound impact compared to their usual chinrest. Incorporating user feedback and addressing design and usability challenges can enhance the user experience. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, music, neck, work performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230389

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 817-828, 2024

Authors: Fauser, David | Zimmer, Julia-Marie | Banaschak, Hannes | Golla, André | Sternberg, Annika | Mau, Wilfried | Bethge, Matthias

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low back pain has a high economic burden in Germany due to back pain-related sick leave, disability pensions, and health care utilization. Work-related factors can predict disabling back pain. Job exposure matrices can be used to consider job demands and occupational characteristics in routine data analysis. OBJECTIVE: This longitudinal analysis tested whether rehabilitation utilization due to musculoskeletal disorders is associated with occupation-linked job exposures in employees with back pain. METHODS: Data from a German cohort study were used, including employees aged 45 to 59 years with self-reported back pain in the last three months. Individuals’ …job titles were assessed in the baseline survey in 2017 and matched with parameters of aggregated job exposure indices. Administrative data from the German Pension Insurance were used to extract information on rehabilitation utilization. Proportional hazard models tested the associations. RESULTS: We considered data of 6,569 participants (mean age: 52.3 years; 57.7% women). During follow-up, with a maximum of 21 months, 296 individuals (4.5%) utilized medical rehabilitation due to musculoskeletal disorders. Adjusted analyses showed that high physical (HR = 2.87; 95% CI 1.74; 4.75) and overall (HR = 2.34; 95% CI 1.44; 3.80) job exposures were associated with a higher risk of rehabilitation utilization. CONCLUSION: Individuals with back pain working in occupations with high physical job exposures have a higher risk for rehabilitation utilization. To prevent work disability in individuals with back pain, occupational groups with high physical job exposures should be actively informed about tailored intervention options. Show more

Keywords: Occupations, occupational exposure, occupational stress, working conditions, rehabilitation, registry data

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230410

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 829-839, 2024

Authors: Algabbani, Maha F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Architecture students maintain uncomfortable body postures for hours while designing and constructing project models, putting them at high risk of developing musculoskeletal pain (MSP). OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to determine the prevalence of MSP among students at the Architecture and Planning College at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional survey study used a self-administered online questionnaire. A total of 123 students (65 female) aged 19–25 years participated. The survey consisted of eight demographic and health status questions and the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; Mann-Whitney …U and chi-square tests were used to compare genders at α= .05. RESULTS: Approximately 94.3% of architecture students reported pain in at least one body region in the last 12 months, and 87.0% in the last seven days. The highest reported percentage of MSP was neck pain, followed by lower back pain. No differences in MSP were found between genders, except in elbow and hand pain for the last 12 months and elbow pain for the last seven days. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of MSP among undergraduate architecture students, highlighting the need to prevent occupational health issues at an early stage. Show more

Keywords: Architecture, disability, musculoskeletal pain, pain intensity, prevalence, students

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230459

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 841-847, 2024