Purchase individual online access for 1 year to this journal.
Price: EUR 250.00
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: BACKGROUND: Occupational tasks involve awkward upper limb postures, especially movement of forearm with repetitive combined gripping and torqueing exertions, which may lead to development of WMSDs. From the literature survey it was observed that there was a lack of studies focussed on the combined effect of torque and grip exertions on forearm discomfort. OBJECTIVE: The present study was to investigate the effects of grip force, stroke rotation and frequency of exertions on discomfort and Electromyography (EMG) activities of the forearm muscles in a repetitive torqueing task. METHOD: Twenty-seven male participants volunteered in this study. The participants…performed repetitive exertions for a 5 minutes duration for each combination of the different levels of stroke rotation, grip force and frequency of exertions. Three levels of stroke rotation, three levels of grip force and three levels of frequency of exertion were chosen as independent variables. Therefore a 3 × 3 customized factorial design was used for the experiment for each level of grip force. Hence, the study was divided into three groups on the basis of grip force (50N, 70N and 90N). RESULTS: The ANOVA showed that stroke rotation and frequency of exertion were significant on discomfort. Further Students Newmann test (SNK) revealed that discomfort was increased with increasing stroke rotation and frequency of exertion. The multivariate analysis of variances (MANOVA) performed on EMG data instead of ANOVA because EMG activities of five muscles simultaneously were recorded. The Results found that extensor muscles were more fatigued in torqueing with gripping task. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that stroke rotation for the torqueing tasks must be kept below 45°. It was concluded that it is important to control stroke rotation to improve performance of repetitive torqueing activity.
Show more
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In order to plan a trip, tourists with disabilities need to gather and analyse a broad range of information concerning the features of the places and services with which they are going to interact. For these people, guidebooks may represent an important source of information for gaining prior knowledge about the various critical situations they may experience as tourists. Generally, disabled people find tourist information on dedicated communication tools; guidebooks for the disabled often provide information for wheelchair users only. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the research project was to develop a mainstream guidebook with supplementary tourist information…both for people with impaired vision and for people with reduced mobility. METHODS: The communication project behind “The Florence Experience” guidebook is inspired by both the Universal Design approach and the Performance Design approach. This article describes a case study and provides suggestions for planning in similar situations. It is also part of a broader research project relating to the communication about urban spaces accessibility. RESULTS: The main outcome of the research project is a multimedia and multisensory bilingual guidebook (in Italian and English) that provides information in four separate coordinated forms: a paper-based guidebook, web pages, MP3 audio files, and portable tactile maps. CONCLUSIONS: Creating a guidebook for all is a tough challenge that requires a highly articulated vision and the cooperation of different fields of knowledge and skills. Despite the limits described in the paper, “The Florence Experience” guidebook is, in our opinion, a considerable step forward with respect to the majority of available guidebooks both because it is a unique information tool for disabled and non-disabled people and because, unlike the majority of the guidebooks for disabled people, it does not only consider the needs of wheelchair users.
Show more
Keywords: Accessibility, Tourism for All, barrier-free travel information, cultural heritage, accessibility assessment
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Malaysia’s progress on logistics has been slowed to keep pace with its growth in trade. The Government has been pressing companies to improve the safety of their activities in order to reduce society’s loss due to occupational accidents and illnesses. Occupational safety and health is a crucial part of a workplace because every worker has to take care of his/her own safety and health. The main occupational safety and health (OSH) national policy in Malaysia is the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994. Only those companies which have excellent health and safety care have good…quality and productive employees. This study investigated safety management practices in the logistics sector. OBJECTIVES: The present study is concerned with the human factors to safety in the logistics industry. The authors examined the perceived safety management practices of workers in the logistics sector. The purpose was to identify the perception of safety management practices of Malaysian logistics personnel. METHODS: Survey questionnaires were distributed to assess logistics personnel about management commitment. The quantitative method using the availability sampling method was applied. The data gathered from the survey were analysed using SPSS software. The responses to the survey were rated according to the Likert scale type, with ‘1’ indicating strongly disagree and ‘5’ indicating strongly agree. One hundred and three employees of logistics functions completed the survey. RESULTS: The highest mean scores were found for fire apparatus, prioritisation of safety, and safety policy. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study also emphasise the importance of the management’s commitment in enhancing workplace safety. Specifically, companies should maintain good relations between the employer and the employee to help reduce workplace injuries.
Show more
Keywords: Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, occupational safety and health management system, supply chain
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Firefighters must be ready to respond to a broad range of emergencies every duty day. In the course of many of these emergencies, firefighters witness events which have the potential to induce emotional trauma, such as badly injured people, deceased children, and individuals who are highly distraught. Previous research suggests that repeated exposure to these traumas (RET) may have negative impacts on the emotional and mental health of fire service personnel. Research on the mental health of firefighters has been limited to small surveys reporting the prevalence of specific mental health problems such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder…among firefighters. OBJECTIVE: Despite the likelihood that RET leads to negative outcomes in firefighters, data is lacking on how exposure impacts fire service personnel. The current study examines the experiences of firefighters related to RET. METHODS: Using formative research methods, we examined the beliefs and experiences of firefighters and administrators from across the United States regarding the impact of RET on firefighter health. RESULTS: Study findings highlight the cumulative psychological toll of repeated exposure to traumatic events including desensitization, flashbacks, and irritability. CONCLUSION: Results of the current study suggest that RET is a significant concern for emergency responders that warrants additional research and attention. It is likely that the long term consequences of RET are closely intertwined with other mental health outcomes and general well-being of this important occupational group.
Show more
Abstract: BACKGROUND: An in-depth evaluation of user hand tool interaction aids to derive strenuous areas for redesigning. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we examined user perception about the hand tool features and derived features that exert an influence on human system. This nature of study aids to reduce the risk and enhance the comfort. METHODS: Workers from six occupational groups participated in the study. Ergonomic checkpoints pertaining tool features and a general health questionnaire that included musculoskeletal discomforts, stress symptoms and general health complaints were administered to check user’s interaction with hand tools. RESULTS: Risk estimates…identified varied factors such as weight of tool, improperly designed handle and sharp edges associated with workers risk to pain in upper extremities, anxiety and injury. The workers’ response indicated that handle redesign and protection against sharp-edged tools are crucial for improving comfort. CONCLUSION: The study aims to provide an approach to examine the characteristics of tools for redesign and increase user’s comfort and safety.
Show more
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant occupational health issue in dental hygiene, with high prevalence rates documented. Despite this fact, there have been few advancements in the application of ergonomic principles in the dental hygiene profession. While the use of loupes is often promoted as an ergonomic solution, there is little published research to support this claim. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study, therefore, was to investigate the effect of the use of loupes on neck pain and disability in dental hygienists. METHODS: The study was conducted using an exploratory pre-test post-test design, comparing musculoskeletal…measures in dental hygienists wearing loupes with final year dental hygiene students who do not wear loupes. Pre- and post-test measures included the Neck Pain and Disability Scale and a standardised physical assessment using previously validated measures. Statistical analysis was conducted as a series of mixed ANOVAs with time and treatment as the independent variables. RESULTS: While the analyses revealed no significant interactions between time and treatment (p < 0.05), there were general trends of improvement or deterioration for outcome measures. Improvements over time were noted in the treatment group for cervical range of motion and deep neck muscle endurance; however deteriorations were noted for forward head posture and cervical kinaesthetic sense. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, despite no statistically significant differences being detected, this study suggests that wearing loupes appears to have both positive and negative outcomes with regards to physical well-being. As such, further studies are required to more precisely determine the effects of loupes on MSD among dental hygienists, particularly long-term. Dental hygienists with existing neck pain exploring ergonomic equipment may reflect on the findings and consider the potential benefits and risks of wearing loupes.
Show more
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is very little in the literature on the effectiveness of Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs) in the healthcare sector and a paucity of information on how JHSCs are perceived in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to explore hospital worker, hospital management, and healthcare sector stakeholder views on the effectiveness of JHSCs in the acute healthcare setting. METHODS: The study used a qualitative descriptive design with: (1) nineteen focus groups and twenty two individual interviews in three hospitals of different sizes; and (2) eight individual interviews with external stakeholders.…RESULTS: Study findings showed gaps in awareness and understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Joint Health and Safety Committee. Some participants indicated that JHSCs lacked profile and had low visibility in the organization. Facilitators and barriers to JHSC effectiveness were investigated and measures to assess effectiveness identified. The attributes of a “gold standard” JHSC were outlined by respondents and can be used to develop an evidence-driven assessment tool to evaluate JHSCs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate both a continuing need for education and training related to JHSCs and the need to develop better tools to assess JHSC functioning and effectiveness.
Show more
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the last few years the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) has become a widely known and useful reference classification in vocational rehabilitation. It would be equally important to know which aspects of work-related health information cannot be assigned to distinct ICF categories. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the concepts derived from three studies conducted within the ICF Core Set for vocational rehabilitation project, which could not be linked to distinct ICF codes in order to complement the current understanding of functioning in vocational rehabilitation. METHODS: Secondary data…analysis of the concepts from the systematic literature review, expert survey and patient focus group study of the ICF Core Set for vocational rehabilitation project that were marked as nd = not definable, nc = not covered or pf = personal factor. Nd- concepts were assigned to the biopsychosocial model of the ICF; additional ICF categories were formulated where needed. Nc -concepts were grouped into common themes not covered by the ICF. Pf -categories were linked to a proposed personal factors classification. RESULTS: 1093 nd- concepts were matched to overarching terms in the ICF, and “other specified”-categories were detailed. 1924 pf -concepts were linked to 31 second level categories of a proposed personal factors classification. 441 nc -concepts were grouped into six themes including the concept of well-being and attributes related to processes and time. CONCLUSIONS: With concepts that emerged from the secondary analysis of data gathered during the vocational rehabilitation ICF Core Set project, we have enriched the ICF model with constructs specific to vocational rehabilitation. However, additional research is needed to further explore personal factors specific to vocational rehabilitation. The influence of themes complementary to the ICF such as well-being and quality of life on return-to-work should be further investigated.
Show more
Keywords: International Classification of Functioning, disability and health, content validity, vocational rehabilitation, return-to-work, personal factors, environmental factors
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pennebaker’s writing technique has yielded good results on health, psychological and performance dimensions. In spite of the positive outcomes, the technique has rarely been applied directly within the workplace and its effects on burnout have never been tested. METHOD: 18 public employees subjected to work relocation were asked to write about their present work situation or another difficult event of their life (Writing Group), while another 17 were not assigned any writing task (Control Group). OBJECTIVE: To assess whether there was an improvement in burnout, alexithymia and psychological well-being in the Writing Group compared with…the baseline measurement and the Control Group. RESULTS: While the baseline levels in the Writing and Control Groups in the 3 dimensions considered were similar, scores in the Writing Group at both a second (1 month after the end of the procedure) and third measurement (7 months after the end) improved when compared with the baseline, whereas those in the Control Group worsened. CONCLUSIONS: Pennebaker’s writing technique appears to promote adaptive coping strategies in stressful situations, and to increase occupational and psychological well-being as well as the ability to process emotions. It also appears to buffer the negative effects of work-related stress.
Show more
