Work - Volume 28, issue 3

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 197-197, 2007

Authors: Huddleston, Lynne | Stephens, Christine | Paton, Douglas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Police officers face the occupational hazard of repeated exposure to traumatic stressors. Additionally, as for employees of any large organization, they are subjected to routine organizational stressors in the workplace. Although police work is generally believed to be inherently stressful, very little is known of the impact of the police organization upon officers' psychological well-being. This study evaluated the impact on psychological health of both traumatic and organizational police experiences. Baseline measures …of prior traumatic experiences, and psychological health were established at point of entry for 512 police recruits. One year later, the impact of police related trauma and organizational events was assessed. Multiple regression analyses determined that while both traumatic events and organizational stressors affected psychological distress, organizational stressors had the strongest effect, including the exacerbation of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. The main implication of these findings is that traumatic stress is a hazard for police officers, but the importance of daily organizational stressors must also be taken into account. Show more

Keywords: Post traumatic stress disorder, police stress, traumatic stress, organizational hassles

Citation: Work, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 199-207, 2007

Authors: Tompa, Emile | Scott-Marshall, Heather | Dolinschi, Roman | Trevithick, Scott | Bhattacharyya, Sudipa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Fundamental shifts in the structure of labour markets, work systems, and employment relations of industrialized countries have outpaced changes in legislative, social and political mechanisms. As a result, a growing number of workers are exposed to precarious employment experiences, which we define as experiences that give rise to instability, …lack of protection, insecurity, and social and economic vulnerability. These experiences represent a potentially significant occupational health risk. Our central objective is to develop a detailed framework that outlines the key aspects of work experiences that makes them precarious, and to consider links between these aspects and downstream health effects. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 209-224, 2007

Authors: Lund, Thomas | Labriola, Merete | Villadsen, Ebbe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study was to identify who is at risk for long-term sickness absence according to occupation, gender, education, age, business sector, agency size and ownership. Methods: The study is based on a sample of 5357 employees aged 18–69, interviewed in 2000. The cohort was followed up in a national register from January 1{st} 2001 to June 30{th} 2003, to identify cases with sickness absences that exceeded 8 weeks. Results: During follow-up 486 …persons (9.1%) experienced one or more periods of absence that exceeded 8 weeks. Higher risk of long-term sickness absence was associated with gender, age, educational level, and the municipal employment sector. Kindergarten teachers and people employed in day care, health care, janitorial work, food preparation, and unskilled workers were at greatest risk. Managers, computer professionals, technicians and designers, and professionals had lower risks. The health care and social service sectors were also in the high risk category, whereas the private administration sector had a lower risk. Conclusions: The study identifies specific occupational target populations and documents the need to perform job-specific research and tailor interventions if the intended policy of decreasing long-term sickness absence within the Danish labour market is to be realized. Show more

Keywords: Absenteeism, employment sectors, educational level, age, gender

Citation: Work, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 225-230, 2007

Authors: Jenkins, Mark | Menéndez, Cammie Chaumont | Amick, III, Benjamin C. | Tullar, Jessica | Hupert, Nathaniel | Robertson, Michelle M. | Katz, Jeffrey N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Purpose: To replicate Hupert et al.'s [5] evaluation of computer-related upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms, functional limitations, academic performance impact, medication use and health services utilization among a college student population. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional survey of undergraduate students living in a single residential dormitory at a private southwestern university who agreed to participate completed the College Computing & Health Survey in the Spring of 2001. Results: Of the 127 dormitory residents, 116 …students participated and 54% reported experiencing symptoms associated with computer usage. Sixty-two percent of students surveyed experienced functional limitations. More women than men reported symptoms, functional limitations and neck and shoulder pain; those with functional limitations reported higher use of medications than other participants. Conclusion: These findings, which match the general findings of the previous research study conducted with the same instrument but in a different college student population, suggest a high level of computer-use-related musculoskeletal symptoms among college students. Universities may want to consider providing ergonomic training designed for college students to: conduct workstation assessments; identify computer related problems (risk factors); and, propose ergonomic solutions. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal, college students, functional status, health care utilization

Citation: Work, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 231-238, 2007

Authors: Hultberg, Eva-Lisa | Lönnroth, Knut | Allebeck, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: In 1994 Sweden introduced a trial legislation allowing co-financing between authorities. The legislation aimed to stimulate new ways of collaboration between health and social care providers. One of the specific objectives was to make management of patients with conditions requiring multidisciplinary care more efficient and reduce costs. This study aims to assess if there were any differences in management of patients with musculoskeletal disorders at health centres applying the trial legislation …compared to health centre with conventional care with regards to health services utilisation, health care interventions received, and costs. Method: A comparative prospective study was conducted. Consecutive patients aged 16–64 with musculoskeletal disorders attending the health care centres with (n=107) and without (n=31) co-financing model were interviewed at inclusion and after 6 and 12 months. Number of contacts with professionals and interventions received were registered. Results: Patients at the intervention centres had significantly more contact with physiotherapists and physicians than the controls. Contacts with other services such as social insurance office, social services office or hospitals did not differ significantly between the groups. Costs were higher for the interventions centres. Conclusion: The findings do not suggest that the trial legislation reduced health care utilisation or costs for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Show more

Keywords: Co-financing, costs, rehabilitation, interdisciplinary, musculoskeletal disorder

Citation: Work, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 239-247, 2007

Authors: Costa-Black, Kátia M. | Durand, Marie-José | Imbeau, Daniel | Baril, Raymond | Loisel, Patrick

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: From both a social and cost-benefit perspective, disability prevention and associated management strategies for assisting employees with back pain are only successful if they address critical return-to-work (RTW) determining factors present in the workplace, including ergonomic factors. Despite our current knowledge of the importance of an integrated team approach targeting these factors, questions remain regarding the conceptual framework adopted by contemporary rehabilitation teams as it relates to work-oriented interventions to accommodate employees …back to work. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the work environment issues discussed by an interdisciplinary team engaged in the work rehabilitation process of low back disability cases. A qualitative content analysis was conducted for 10 sample cases that underwent a rehabilitation program in Quebec (Canada). Drawing on the results of these analyses, a framework representing a synopsis of practitioners' involvement in the person-environment dynamic is presented and discussed. This study makes a unique contribution to the understanding of the 'real-life' content of an interdisciplinary activity in disability management, thus, helping rehabilitation practitioners to build knowledge on the practical application of a cross-disciplinary framework to address work environment issues during the RTW process of those patients sick-listed due to back pain. Show more

Keywords: Low back disability, qualitative research, work environment, interdisciplinary team, work rehabilitation program

Citation: Work, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 249-265, 2007

Authors: Kunelius, Amanda | Darzins, Susan | Cromie, Jean | Oakman, Jodi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: (1) To develop a normative data set for hand strength and anthropometric dimensions in automotive trim line workers. (2) To examine the relationship between trim line worker demographics and hand strength. Background: Work tasks inherent in the automobile manufacturing industry such as forceful gripping and pinching, place physical demands upon the hands and fingers. This places workers at risk of developing a musculoskeletal injury. To reduce the risk of injury it is necessary to apply user strength data …in the design phase of hand intensive tasks in order to create a fit between the person and the task. Method: Demographic variables, anthropometry and maximal grip and pinch strength were measured for one hundred and sixty-one trim line automotive workers. Their data were analyzed to examine the associations between the variables. Results: Significant hand strength differences were found in relation to age, gender, hand dominance and anthropometry. The workers in this study had significantly lower strength values than previously used reference data. Discussion: The disparity between the present study's strength data and that of Mathiowetz et al. [22] may be due to the different demographic pools from which the populations were drawn. A training effect appeared to exist in trim line workers which may have reduced the disparity in hand strength between the hands as the number of years worked on the line increased. Conclusion: Caution should be taken when applying international normative data sets to the design of hand tools/workstations, as global differences in hand strength are likely to exist. Show more

Keywords: Grip strength, pinch strength, normative data, anthropometry, automotive industry

Citation: Work, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 267-278, 2007

Authors: Wright, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Work, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 279-284, 2007