Work - Volume 18, issue 1

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 1-1, 2002

Authors: Horan, Anne Puidk

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Stress is a costly and significant source of health problems and mental distress -- with work cited as a primary stressor. This pilot study supports the effectiveness of a new workplace stress intervention: Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work™Employee Groups. In this program, employee-participants met during nine weekly meetings to read inspirational workplace stories, comment, and share their own stories. A leader, chosen from and by the group, guided meetings. Utilizing a wait-list …control group design, participants were randomly assigned to an experimental or wait-list group. Participants completed pretests and posttests (Coping Resources Inventory, Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised, Job Descriptive Index, Pressure Management Indicator, survey). Statistical interaction effect for subtests was evaluated using a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Participants exhibited improved total coping resources, cognitive/rational coping, state of mind, confidence and home/work balance. Participant comments and their continued participation in a similar company-sponsored program bolster these empirical results. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 3-13, 2002

Authors: Rai, Shreeavtar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Workplace aggression and violence is the fastest growing societal concerns in USA. The review of literature indicates that violence is a substantial contributor to occupational injuries and death. Preventative strategies for minimizing the risk of workplace violence include, cash-handling policies, physical separation of workers from customers, environmental modifications; good lighting, security devices, escort services, and employee training. Studies also suggest that as a preventive measure, employers will attract and retain the best …workers if high-risk behaviors are discouraged and appropriate behaviors are supported. Proactive strategies reduce stress, increase productivity, and enhance creativity. A role for occupational therapy practitioners in the prevention of workplace violence is proposed. Show more

Keywords: anger, stress, safety, policies, training

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 15-22, 2002

Authors: Reneman, M.F. | Jaegers, S.M.H.J. | Westmaas, M. | Göeken, L.N.H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: {\it Objectives:} To establish inter- and intra-rater reliability of observations in a functional capacity evaluation. {\it Background:} Functional capacity evaluations are used to assess a person's functional capacity as it relates to work. Lifting and carrying are important aspects of a functional capacity evaluation. An evaluator determines the patient's levels of effort through standardized observations. Questions remain with regards to the reliability of these observations. {\it Methods:} Four healthy subjects were videotaped while …performing two lifts and four carries with progressive loads. The videotape was scrambled randomly and viewed twice by 3 physical therapists and 2 occupational therapists. The evaluators determined the amount of effort it required (light, medium, heavy, and maximum). The inter- and intra-rater reliability of the observations was expressed by means of percentage agreement. {\it Results:} Inter-rater reliability ranged 87--96%, intra-rater reliability ranged 93--97%. {\it Conclusion:} The results indicate that by means of standardized observations, therapists can reliably determine effort level during lifting and carrying in healthy subjects, and thus affirm the findings of other studies of similar design. Show more

Keywords: interrater reliability, intrarater reliability, observational criteria, manual material handling, maximum effort

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 23-27, 2002

Authors: Westmorland, Muriel G. | Williams, Renee | Strong, Susan | Arnold, Emmy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Despite the prevalence of government funding to support employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, real jobs for this population still appear to be elusive. McMaster University researchers examined how six stakeholder groups defined workplace (re)entry success for persons with disabilities. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with representation from employers, unions, persons with disabilities, co-workers, supervisors and human resource departments. Participants numbered 86 and the average age was 42. Participant comments …provided the researchers with rich data related to the study objectives. Success was perceived as not only a match between the employee and the job but also a win-win for employer and employer, a uniquely defined set of circumstances based on the specific individual and their environment as well as respect for the individual's dignity and quality of life. This article discusses the study and its outcomes and highlights implications for clinicians. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 29-40, 2002

Authors: Matheson, Leonard N. | Rogers, Lisa C. | Kaskutas, Victoria | Dakos, Mark

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study of the reliability of three new tests of work performance considered the effect of test reactivity on measured performance. The tests are components of an employment screening battery designed for placement of applicants in automotive assembly jobs. Statistical measures of reliability were compared with a simple measure of test reactivity in a sample of 51 healthy adults. The effect of test reactivity on employment selection decisions using various cut scores was studied. Test reactivity …is found to be a significant threat to reliability that must be considered when skill-based performance tests are used on a serial basis. When intended for use on a serial basis, such tests should be studied for both reliability and reactivity. In addition to reporting traditional statistical indices of reliability, an index of the reactivity should be reported. Show more

Keywords: functional assessment, reliability, test reactivity, validity, functional capacity evaluation

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 41-50, 2002

Authors: Innes, Ev | Straker, Leon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The literature has focused predominantly on functional capacity evaluations and related clinic-based assessments, however, there is little that examines workplace-based assessment approaches. In Australia, rehabilitation of injured workers occurs in the workplace wherever possible, and it is expected that workplace-based services will increase elsewhere in the future. There is a lack of knowledge, however, of therapists' current practices regarding workplace- and clinic-based work-related assessments. {\it Objectives:} The purpose of this study was to understand the …current practice of therapists in Australia who are directly involved in conducting work-related assessments. {\it Study design:} A naturalistic inquiry approach was utilised for this study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 occupational therapists and physiotherapists representing a spread of geographical locations, organisations, and experience. {\it Findings:} Participants described three major types of work-related assessments -- workplace assessments, functional capacity evaluations (job) and functional capacity evaluations (no job). The types, purposes, and characteristics of work-related assessments were described and influences and constraints identified. Participants described using processes, data sources, methods of data collection and analysis consistent with qualitative methods, although some quantitative methods were also employed. {\it Conclusion:} The findings suggest that the further a work-related assessment moves away from the actual work environment and requirements of a specific job, the greater its level of standardisation and generalisability. Conversely, when work-related assessments occur in the actual work environment, qualitative processes are used, and results are specific and non-generalisable. Show more

Keywords: functional capacity evaluation, job analysis, medico-legal assessment, occupational rehabilitation, pre-placement assessment, work simulation, workplace assessment, workstation assessment

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 51-66, 2002

Authors: Shinn, Janette | Romaine, Kari-Ann | Casimano, Tara | Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: {\it Objective:} To see if an in-service on proper body mechanics and ergonomics for computer workstation usage can increase a student's knowledge regarding these areas. {\it Study design:} This was a quasi-experimental design using a questionnaire. Subjects included seventy-three male and forty-four female sixth-grade students enrolled in a word processing class at a New York Middle School. A non-standardized demographic and ergonomic based questionnaire was administered before and after an in-service. An environmental checklist …was used to formulate a percentage of ergonomically correct computer workstations. {\it Results:} There was a statistically significant difference between pre and post-test scores, indicating that learning took place. Pre-test scores suggest that there exists a need for ergonomic education in classrooms. Results from an environmental checklist support the need for revision of computer workstations in classrooms. {\it Conclusion:} Ergonomic education is one way to help students to reduce their risks of developing musculoskeletal injury in a classroom environment that impedes correct positioning. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 67-73, 2002

Authors: Pilling, Doria S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: {\it Objectives:} To compare the early employment careers of people with disabilities and their non-disabled contemporaries. {\it Study design:} The employment of 436 people with disabilities was investigated between the ages of 23 and 33. The sample were part of a continuing longitidinal study, the National Child Development Study (NCDS), of some 17,000 people born during one week in 1958 and living in England, Wales and Scotland. Cross-tabulations were carried out comparing the employment of …people with disabilities and that of their non-disabled counterparts using SPSS for Windows. {\it Results:} Despite the majority of the sample not having difficulties with everyday activities people with disabilities were disadvantaged in terms of educational and vocational qualifications, employment rates and earnings. Those with physical disabilities fared better than the other disability groups in terms of employment and earnings, among this group men with `below average' educational and vocational qualifications differing most from their non-disabled counterparts and women with `above average' qualifications differing least. {\it Conclusions:} Findings indicate the importance of educational and vocational qualifications for those with disabilities, for more emphasis on job retention, for measures against wage discrimination, and for job placement assistance for some groups of those with a disability. Show more

Keywords: disability, employment, National Child Development Study

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 75-87, 2002

Authors: Lyons, Emily

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This literature review explores women in management and how the psychosocial factors they face in the workplace affect their job-related stress level. The psychosocial factors identified include tokenism, sexual harassment and discrimination, work-family conflict, and workload. Various studies are cited and solutions to decrease job-related stress level are included.

Keywords: occupational stress, work, sexual harassment, tokenism

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 89-93, 2002