Work - Volume 79, issue 1

Authors: Jorgensen, Michael J. | Hafez, Khaled | Hakansson, Nils A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for Lifting is a manual material handling (MMH) assessment method to identify weight limits that nearly all workers may be exposed to without developing work-related low back disorders (LBD). However, this assessment method only applies to lifting with the torso within 30° asymmetry of the sagittal plane. OBJECTIVE: Estimate TLV weight limits while lifting with torso asymmetry greater than 30° beyond the sagittal plane. METHODS: Lifting tasks were performed from various horizontal and vertical locations, at torso asymmetry angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, …45°, 60°, 75° and 90°, using ACGIH identified TLVs. Validated MMH assessment methods (NIOSH Lifting Equation, Ohio State University LBD Risk Model) were utilized to estimate TLVs at torso asymmetries greater than 30°. RESULTS: The current ACGIH TLVs resulted in low- to moderate-risk risk levels for torso asymmetries from 0° to 30°, and the risk incrementally increased as torso asymmetry increased to 90°. With the intention to keep the risk levels to that found at 30° torso asymmetry, lower TLV weight limits in the vertical and horizontal zones investigated were estimated for torso asymmetries from 45° to 90°. The resulting adjusted TLVs were consistent with weight limits identified for similar lifting conditions from other assessment methods that account for torso asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: This research found current ACGIH-defined TLVs possess less than high-risk for LBD, and provided guidance to practitioners for reduced TLVs when torso asymmetry is greater than 30° from the sagittal plane. Show more

Keywords: ACGIH TLV for lifting, manual materials handling, assessment method, torso asymmetry, NIOSH lifting equation, LBD risk model

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230405

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 253-266, 2024

Authors: Hajizadeh, Roohalah | Ghiasvand, Fatemeh | Azimi Pirsaraei, Seyed Reza | Khani, Fouzia | Feiz-Arefi, Maryam | Beheshti, Mohammad Hosein

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vibration is one of the harmful factors for forklift drivers. The use of non- standard seats and not paying attention to how the seats are maintained can be affected by the amount of vibration transmitted to the person. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the amount of vibration transmitted from the forklift and the effect of different types of polyurethane foam in reducing the vibration transmitted from the forklift seat. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 38 forklifts in 4 diesel models with the same weight class. The amount of vibration transmitted from forklift seats according …to ISO2631 standard, taking into account the effect of various factors such as foam type (hot and cold), thickness (6–12 cm), load and year Function was measured. The amount of vibration caused by the forklift on the seat and under the seat was evaluated using ISO7096 standard. RESULTS: The average total vibration of the whole body in all foams in no-load mode is more than with load. The transmission vibration of cold polyurethane foam is less than that of hot polyurethane foam. With increasing thickness, the efficiency of cold polyurethane foam increases by 12 cm and in the loaded state 40.63% and in the unloaded state 49.58% in reducing the vibration transmitted to drivers. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that cold foam has better effectiveness and efficiency than hot polyurethane foam. Also, the thicker the foam, the less vibration is transmitted to the driver. Show more

Keywords: Whole body vibration, forklifts, driver’s seats, polyurethane foam, occupational exposure

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230421

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 267-275, 2024

Authors: Kang, Liangguo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Like other things, psychological safety has a too-much-of-a-good-thing effect on the risk prevention process. There are warranted systematic and theoretical discussions on both positive and negative influences of psychological safety, which provide useful guides to handling potential risks for workers. OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on the psychological safety analysis of work safety for workers in high-risk industries through the construction of a theoretical model, illustrating that a higher level of psychological safety is not better. METHOD: This study explores the impact of workers’ psychological safety on the potential risk of work safety by conducting a …comprehensive analysis of relevant literature and employing inductive reasoning and analogy methodology. RESULTS: We systematically reviewed the research background and several hypotheses of psychological safety, described the relationship between psychological safety and risk prevention from three levels, and constructed the threshold initial, special, and extended model of psychological safety to reveal the importance of workers’ psychological safety when handling potential risks. CONCLUSION: This research effectively describes the influence of high, moderate, and low levels of psychological safety on the risk prevention of work safety, which provides a psychological model guide to developing measures for the improvement of work safety management. Show more

Keywords: Psychological safety, risk prevention, work safety, threshold model, industrial psychology, safety management

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230234

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 277-288, 2024

Authors: Platts, Katharine | Scott, Emma | Griffiths, Kerry | Carter, Anouska

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ethnic minorities make up approximately 14% of the UK workforce. Despite the disproportionate burden of ill-health amongst ethnic minorities, and the increased interest in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace, workplace health and wellbeing interventions are still most often designed for the ethnic majority. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this scoping review was to explore the depth and breadth of evidence on the attitudes to and perceptions of health and wellbeing interventions in the workplace within ethnic minority groups in the UK, and to identify gaps in evidence that would provide direction for future …research needs. METHODS: A scoping review with quality appraisal was undertaken, supplemented by a review of grey literature and a narrative review exploring related evidence from the knowledge bases related to community and cultural adaptation. RESULTS: Only three peer-reviewed studies met inclusion criteria, preventing broad conclusions. 14 papers from the community and cultural adaptation literature provided additional information about how health promotion may be approached effectively in the workplace, including the importance of culturally sensitive, people-centred design, and the use of established adaptation frameworks. CONCLUSION: The literature suggests a need for improvements in four key areas: (1) reporting of ethnic minorities in data relating to workplace health and wellbeing research, (2) more thorough review of perceptions and attitudes of ethnic minority workers in the UK, (3) design of culturally appropriate interventions that are tested for impact, and (4) testing of the effectiveness of culturally adapted interventions. Show more

Keywords: Workplace, health promotion, ethnic and racial minorities, United Kingdom, occupational groups, qualitative research

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230576

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 289-305, 2024

Authors: Singh, Roma | Das, Runumi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: According to Gallup survey report, 69% of U.S. workers moved to working remotely in April 2020. Due to COVID-19, work is changing rapidly, including where individuals work. OBJECTIVE: Research in this field has drawn much attention, and in the last ten years, there is a constant augment in the number of publications on the same. Several works of literature on Remote Working (RW) culture have been reported. Nevertheless, only less research is present on bibliometric reviews of RW culture. Therefore, Bibliometric research is wielded in this work and a comprehensive review of relevant publications was …taken from Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), together with the Social Science Citation Index Expanded. METHODOLOGY: At first, meticulous bibliometric analyses of 430 published articles are done and descriptive information about a piece of work, namely (a) author, (b) title, (c) date of publication, et cetera, is provided. RESULTS: Mapping the scope along with the structure of the discipline is enabled by these analyzes, which discovers the instituted collaboration patterns amongst countries and organizations, and identifies authoritative papers together with authors. Therefore, the publication’s evolution over time is illustrated by these analyses, and the current research interests and potential directions for future study are identified. CONCLUSIONS: This paper incorporates insights on remote working culture and enables mapping the scope and structure of the discipline, discovering the established collaboration patterns among countries and organizations. Thus, these analyses illustrate the publication’s evolution over time and identified the current research interests and potential directions for the research. Show more

Keywords: Remote working, work place, flexible workplace, work-life balance, bibliometric analysis, statistical bibliographies, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230340

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 307-322, 2024

Authors: Unuvar, Bayram Sonmez | Gercek, Hasan | Tufekci, Osman | Torlak, Mustafa Savas | Erbas, Onur

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common health issue, and such pains are often associated with muscle tightness. Understanding the link between lower back pain and tight lower extremity muscles is essential for effective pain management and enhanced quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower extremity muscle tightness and pain and disability in individuals with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). METHODS: A total of 52 individuals with NSLBP were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Lower extremity muscle tightness was assessed using various clinical tests, …including the Active Knee Extension Test, Active Straight Leg Raise, Ober Test, and Modified Thomas Test. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index, respectively. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the correlation between muscle tightness, pain, and disability. RESULTS: The study found weak to moderate negative correlations between lower extremity muscle tightness and both pain intensity and disability in individuals with NSLBP (r: –0.287 to –0.526, p  < 0.05). Dominant and non-dominant extremities exhibited differences in muscle flexibility, with the dominant extremity showing greater flexibility (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with NSLBP, lower extremity muscle tightness is closely related to pain severity and disability. These findings suggest that lower extremity muscle tightness plays a significant role in the severity of low back pain and disabilities. Additionally, the observed flexibility difference between dominant and non-dominant extremities warrants further investigation for more personalized treatment approaches. Show more

Keywords: Chronic pain, disability evaluation, hamstring muscles, low back pain, lower extremity, muscle tightness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230547

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 323-330, 2024

Authors: Wickens, Christine M. | Mann, Robert E. | Stoduto, Gina | Toccalino, Danielle | Colantonio, Angela | Chan, Vincy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can profoundly impact overall health, employment, and family life. Incidence of mTBI in the workplace represents an important subgroup with poorer outcomes. Mental health (MH) and substance use (SU) challenges are a primary correlate of TBI, but are rarely assessed among individuals with a work-related (wr)-mTBI, particularly at a population-level. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the association between lifetime wr-mTBI and non-wr-mTBI and the experience of MH and SU challenges. METHODS: The 2019 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Monitor is a cross-sectional telephone survey …of adults aged≥18 years in Ontario, Canada, employing a stratified (six regions) two-stage (telephone number, respondent) list-assisted random digit dialing probability selection procedure (N = 1792). Adjusting for sociodemographic variables, binary logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between lifetime wr-mTBI and non-wr-mTBI (relative to no TBI) and four outcomes: hazardous use of alcohol and of cannabis, psychological distress, and fair/poor mental health. RESULTS: Adjusting for sociodemographic variables, non-wr-mTBI demonstrated increased odds of hazardous alcohol (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.41, 3.19) and cannabis use (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.45), psychological distress (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.14, 2.49), and fair/poor mental health (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.11, 2.59). Lifetime wr-mTBI demonstrated increased odds of reporting psychological distress (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.93, 5.97) and fair/poor mental health (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.12, 4.19) only. CONCLUSIONS: Non-wr-mTBI was associated with both MH and SU, whereas wr-mTBI was associated with MH only. MH outcomes were more strongly associated with wr-mTBI than non-wr-mTBI. Physicians, employers, and insurers need to consider the potential association between wr-mTBI and MH, and provide care accordingly. Show more

Keywords: Brain injuries, traumatic, workplace, mental health, psychological distress, substance-related disorders, ethanol, cannabis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230418

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 331-338, 2024

Authors: van Niekerk, Lana | Claassens, Nicheri | Fish, Jenna | Foiret, Chanel | Franckeiss, Jenna | Thesnaar, Lomarie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unemployment and restricted work opportunities for youth are enduring social challenges that affect health, well-being, and quality of life, especially in low- to middle-income countries. When considering the advantages associated with work as a determinant of health, unemployment is understood to contribute to occupational injustice. However, self-employment, hailed the solution to youth unemployment, is often necessity-driven, precarious in nature and restricted by the low success rate of business start-ups. OBJECTIVE: Research was undertaken to explore factors perceived to contribute to the success of start-up businesses in an informal settlement in the Western Cape of South …Africa. The importance of support in the success of business start-ups will be the focus of this article. METHODS: A collective case study, using narrative interviewing and - analysis, was undertaken in South Africa. Two narrative interviews were conducted with each of the five participants who were youth entrepreneurs and founders of start-up businesses. Data analysis comprised the use of narrative analysis and paradigmatic type narrative analysis. RESULTS: Three themes captured factors deemed to have contributed to the success of start-up businesses. The vital role of support systems and networks in business success was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Support systems included family, friends, role models, mentors, team members and business partners. Identification, utilization, and ongoing development of support structures available in the social networks of young entrepreneurs were perceived to have contributed to the success of start-ups. Show more

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, microenterprise, small business, work, youth, unemployment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230527

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 339-350, 2024

Authors: Lucas, Ruan Eduardo Carneiro | da Silva, Luiz Bueno | de Souza, Erivaldo Lopes | Leite, Wilza Karla dos Santos | da Silva, Jonhatan Magno Norte

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Educational environments can have environmental conditions that are incompatible with the needs of students, compromising their well-being and affecting their performance. OBJECTIVE: To identify the environmental variables that influence the performance of university students and measure this influence through an experiment in indoor environments. METHODS: The study applied an experimental methodology for three consecutive days in seven educational environments located in different regions of Brazil, measuring the environ-mental conditions, the students’ perception of the environment, and their cognitive performance. The impact of environmental variables and environmental perception on student performance was analyzed …using Generalized Linear Models and a Structural Equation Model. RESULTS: Students who took the test at air temperatures between 22.4°C and 24.7°C had a 74.20% chance of performing better than those outside this range. Air temperatures between 26.2°C and 29°C were associated with an 86% chance of taking less time to complete the test. High illuminance levels increased the chance of taking longer to answer the test by 41.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Three environmental variables (relative humidity, lighting and air temperature) and two perceptual dimensions (light and thermal perception) directly influence student performance. Show more

Keywords: Students, classroom, indoor environments, environmental variables, perception, performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220055

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 351-360, 2024

Authors: Hou, Ziyan | Li, Jizu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the context of smart mine construction, coal mine safety management is imposing stringent requirements on the safety competence of miners. To meet these demands, coal mine enterprises have initiated proactive measures to recruit a new generation of knowledge-based miners who possess high qualifications and specialized backgrounds. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the underlying mechanisms of identity conflict (IC) and its influence on unsafe behavior (USB) among KBMs within the context of China’s smart mining initiatives, as well as to identify the role of potential mediating and moderating variables in this relationship. …METHODS: An empirical study was conducted on a sample of 304 KBMs with a college degree or above, selected from multiple coal mines in Shanxi Province, China. Hierarchical regression analysis and the Bootstrap method were employed for data analysis. This model incorporated IC as the antecedent variable and meticulously investigated the mediating effects of role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) and psychosocial resources (PSR), along with the moderating effect of positive explanatory bias (PEB). RESULTS: The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between IC and USB among KBMs. RBSE and PSR were found to mediate the relationship between IC and USB. Moreover, this mediating effect further influenced the relationship between IC and USB through a chain mediating effect. Additionally, PEB strengthened the positive impact of KBMs’ RBSE on PSR. CONCLUSION: These results provide a broader perspective on the antecedent variables associated with KBMs’ USB and provide valuable insights and practical management strategies enhancing the safety management practices within coal mining enterprise. Show more

Keywords: Knowledge-based miners (KBMs), identity conflict (IC), unsafe behavior (USB), role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE), psychosocial resources (PSR), positive explanatory bias (PEB)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230685

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 361-370, 2024