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ISSN 1051-9815 (P)
ISSN 1875-9270 (E)
Impact Factor 2024: 1.7
WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal's subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.
WORK occasionally publishes thematic issues, but in general, issues cover a wide range of topics such as ergonomic considerations with children, youth and students, the challenges facing an aging workforce, workplace violence, injury management, performing artists, ergonomic product evaluations, and the awareness of the political, cultural, and environmental determinants of health related to work.
Dr. Karen Jacobs, the founding editor, and her editorial board especially encourage the publication of research studies, clinical practice, case study reports, as well as personal narratives and critical reflections of lived work experiences (autoethnographic/autobiographic scholarship),
Sounding Board commentaries and
Speaking of Research articles which provide the foundation for better understanding research to facilitate knowledge dissemination.
Narrative Reflections on Occupational Transitions, a new column, is for persons who have successfully transitioned into, between, or out of occupations to tell their stories in a narrative form. With an internationally renowned editorial board,
WORK maintains high standards in the evaluation and publication of manuscripts. All manuscripts are reviewed expeditiously and published in a timely manner.
WORK prides itself on being an author-friendly journal.
WORK celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015.
*WORK is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)* *WORK is endorsed by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA)* *WORK gives out the yearly Cheryl Bennett Best Paper Award*
Abstract: At work employees face numerous psychological stressors that can undermine their work performance. These stressors, stemming from a variety of possible causes, have enormous health and financial impacts on employees as well as employers. Stress has been shown to be one of the factors leading to musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) such as: include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder or neck tension, eye strain, or headaches. Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that can reduce stress…and relieve muscular tension or pain. Practicing yoga at the workplace teaches employees to use relaxation techniques to reduce stress and risks of injury on the job. Yoga at the workplace is a convenient and practical outlet that improves work performance by relieving tension and job stress.
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Keywords: relaxation, stretching, exercise, musculo-skeletal disorders, work performance
Abstract: Advice and training on techniques for lifting is frequently provided. The choice of which technique to use should be based on the evidence available on a number of criteria. Important criteria include: psychophysical, physiological, biomechanical, psychological, performance and clinical. However few professionals have the time to read all the original research required to understand the limitations of the available criteria. The purpose of this paper was to present an accessible synthesis of the criteria used to…choose a specific technique. Each criterion is described and its validity discussed to provide the reader with a better understanding of the criteria, and thus the evidence available.
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Abstract: Multiple studies have concluded that manual patient transfer and repositioning techniques are a significant cause of low back injuries. The objective of this study was to compare the low back stresses resulting from the use of two different mechanical patient transfer assist devices with the use of traditional manual transfer techniques. The mechanical transfer systems used were the Barton Patient Transfer System and a Sling-Suspension Lift similar to a "Hoyer Lift". The back compressive forces derived…using the Michigan 3D Static Strength Model (Version 4.0) and electromyography (EMG) of the muscles of the low back were compared. This study found that the mechanical assist devices placed less stress on the low back and were more desirable to use than the traditional manual techniques. The Barton System was found to be, in general, less hazardous and more preferred than the Sling Suspension Lift.
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Abstract: {\it Objective:} Occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy are challenged to provide care that reflects foundational concepts of occupation and holism. The researchers investigated cost containment influences on occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy to determine how therapists provide holistic care within cost containment constraints. {\it Method:} Five hand therapists were chosen based on selection criteria of hand therapy and holistic care practice. Using a grounded theory approach, the researchers gathered data via interviews and…clinical observations. Data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, and critiqued by an expert panel for emerging theory and concepts. {\it Results:} Occupational therapists developed new skills or refined existing skill through adapting, educating, and strategizing in response to environmental demands. Tenets of the occupational adaptation model matched the strategies used by the participants. {\it Conclusion:} Occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy adapted to cost containment constraints by modifying professional settings and skills, educating multiple consumers, and implementing innovative interventions.
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Abstract: The present study used a qualitative research design to unfold those contextual factors which influence vocational outcomes amongst people with bipolar disorder (BD). The data for this qualitative study was collated using a grounded theory approach because of its particular relevance to the study's aims i.e., to propose a theory grounded in the data that provided an account of the vocational integration process people with BD go through. The emerging theory consists of two over-arching principles…that determine an individual's readiness to join the workforce: i) recovery from an acute phase of BD and ii) goodness of fit between the individual, support, job and wider contextual components. The emerging theory is in general agreement with those issues discussed in the literature. The present study also highlights the importance of maintaining a sense of hope and how self-determination may help individuals achieve their vocational goals. The credibility of these findings was strengthened by the method of triangulation of data interpretation and sources.
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Keywords: psychiatric disability, mood disorder, work
Abstract: Disability management strategies have been successful in preventing or accommodating physical disabilities in the workplace. Similar success has not been realized in the realm of psychological/mental health related disabilities. Integration of the principles and strategies of psychosocial rehabilitation and disability management programs can assist employers to control costs related to psychological/mental health disabilities and protect individual workers employability.
Abstract: This study surveys university students' physical and psychological health status and socio-demographic determinants of their self-rated health (SRH). The study population consists of all first-year students enrolled on the three programs offered at a Swedish university in the autumn of 1998 (3,229 students). In the spring of 1999, a self-administered questionnaire (44 forced-response questions) dealing with health status, life-style and living conditions was sent to the students at their home address (response rate 70%)…overall health and its physical and psychological components were measured, and ANOVAs were conducted to establish the variation in physical, psychological and overall SRH explained by a series of socio-demographic variables. Most students rated their psychological and physical health as good or very good, and restrictions on life activities -- when experienced -- were found to be considerably more common for physical than for psychological problems. Symptoms related to psychological problems were more frequent among female than male students. Country of birth of student was the strongest predictor of self-rated physical health, and the second strongest predictor of psychological and overall health (following sex of student). Parental educational attainment was a weak but significant predictor of psychological and physical SRH among students, but not of their overall SRH. Overall, physical and psychological SRH, though strongly inter-correlated, are not necessarily redundant measures of one and the same thing. The variation in self-ratings cannot be explained simply with reference to one set of socio-demographic variables.
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Abstract: This article addresses the best method for improving safety on-the-job for supported employees. A survey of common causes of accidents and the opinions of individuals involved in supported employment is presented. This is followed by an evaluation of types of safety skills training that is available. Most of the training programs discussed utilized a problem solving approach.
Abstract: Work-related musculoskeletal injuries represent a major source of work disability. While many employers recognize the importance of workplace disability management approaches and are assuming greater responsibility for preventing and minimizing work-related disability, questions about the effectiveness of these interventions exist. The purposes of this article are to: 1) describe the essential components of workplace disability management programs related to musculoskeletal injuries; 2) review the literature on disability management practices based on research…evidence by focussing on workplace-based interventions and the role of the workplace; and 3) provide recommendations for disability management in the prevention and reduction of disability, and the rehabilitation of injured workers with musculoskeletal work injuries. The literature suggests that employer participation, a supportive work climate and cooperation between labour and management are crucial factors in facilitating return to work. Given the complexity of the disability management process and the numbers of individuals involved, it is essential that all workplace parties work together to achieve the goal of safe and early return to work.
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