Work - Volume 20, issue 1

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2003

Authors: August-Dalfen, Sharon | Snider, Laurie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Multimedia technology has the capacity to provide students with an interactive approach to problem based learning and to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. The present paper describes the design and development of the program ErgoROM, a CD which presents a case study to assist occupational therapy students in their studies of office ergonomics. A pilot study showed that overall, 91% of respondents rated the ErgoROM as either "Excellent" or "Very Good". Additionally …they reported that ErgoROM had a positive impact on active learning and critical thinking. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 3-11, 2003

Authors: Li-Tsang, Cecilia Wai-Ping | Weiss, Patrice L. (Tamar)

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Work, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 13-18, 2003

Authors: Tam, Sing-Fai

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Work, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 19-22, 2003

Authors: Beller, Michal | Or, Ehud

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of global trends in e-Learning and opportunities opened by harnessing learning technologies at the service of the Israeli higher education. The introduction of innovative learning technologies is examined in light of an organizational change. A series of substantial issues should be taken into account to successfully manage the change. Among these are: rethinking of academic learning and instruction, redefining the role of the teachers and the students, decoupling the learning materials …and the learning process, new approaches to student assessment and program evaluation, and instituting a well thought out organizational plan including a support center. The above-mentioned issues guided the introduction of a recent call for project proposals for the integration of technologies into Israeli higher education. The main principles, criteria and results of this call are described. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 23-33, 2003

Authors: Gilkey, David P. | Keefe, Thomas J. | Hautaluoma, Jacob E. | Bigelow, Philip L. | Herron, Robert E. | Stanley, Sheila A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The support of good management is fundamental to the success of any safety and health program. Residential construction is a high-risk industry requiring significant commitment by management to impact day-to-day safety and health challenges. Investigators have evaluated management practices and spending trends in a cohort of 228 residential homebuilders in the Denver metro area of Colorado. Findings suggest that companies significantly increased dollars allocated to support safety and health practices between 1991 and 1999. …In addition, the HomeSafe Pilot Program has positively impacted financial commitments of partner companies. Resource allocations were significantly greater for specific expense categories when comparing pre to post HomeSafe intervention. This paper presents data on the use of written safety and health programs, safety committees, and workers compensation premium cost containment certification, as well as allocations to safety incentive programs (SIP), personal protective equipment (PPE), other safety equipment (OSE), and safety training (ST). Show more

Keywords: resources, management practices, safety incentive programs (SIP), personal protective equipment (PPE), other safety equipment (OSE), safety training (ST)

Citation: Work, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 35-44, 2003

Authors: Curtis, John

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In 1996, a paper (Floyd, 1996), on the Vocational Rehabilitation Services in the United Kingdom, reviewed the way in which the services had evolved during the past 50 years, since the end of the second world war. The author described the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 and the development of rehabilitation and placement services and sheltered workshops over the years. He also gave readers a glimpse of possible future changes, and, in particular, speculated that the …UK might follow the United States in the professional training and development of employment and vocational rehabilitation personnel. This paper describes first the main services currently provided by Government and then outlines the quite significant legislative changes and one major policy development that have taken place in the past five years. This includes an overview of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 which came into force in late 1996, a brief look at some of the early outcomes, and describes the latest proposals for amendment. A description of the major policy development (New Deal for Disabled People) is also given but it is too soon to report on its effectiveness. Whether the changes will lead to any lasting improvement in labour market participation by disabled people, remains an unanswered question; certainly, up to the present, from a statistical point of view, it seems that the position remains much the same (Curtis J, forthcoming). The paper concludes with discussion of the latest key issues and returns to the question raised in 1996 about the training of employment and rehabilitation personnel. Show more

Keywords: vocational, rehabilitation, disability, management, workforce, UK

Citation: Work, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 45-51, 2003

Authors: Baker, Nancy A. | Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Although working is considered by occupational therapy practitioners to be an important life role, there is very little information about the nature of working in the occupational therapy literature. This article reviews the construct of working in three ways: 1) The history of working and how it has shaped the modern beliefs about working; 2) The nature of working; and 3) The health promoting attributes of working. The paper will also discuss research done on how …working is viewed by individuals with disabilities and will touch on some of the implications of the cultural bias in the workplace toward workers with disabilities. Through this increased knowledge of the nature of working, occupational therapy practitioners and other vocational rehabilitation professionals will be better equipped to break down the subtle cultural barriers, and help individuals with disabilities to participate in working. Show more

Keywords: disability, occupational therapy, employment

Citation: Work, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 53-61, 2003

Authors: Innes, Ev | Straker, Leon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In order for clinicians to select and conduct work-related assessments that demonstrate 'best practice', it is necessary to identify assessments that are considered 'excellent'. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine (1) the attributes associated with excellence for each of 3 types of work-related assessment (WPAs, FCEJs & FCENJs), and (2) the differences between the attributes associated with each type of work-related assessment. Study design: A questionnaire was sent to all accredited …occupational or vocational rehabilitation providers in Australia, targeting occupational therapists and physiotherapists who conducted work-related assessments. The response rate was 25.3%, and 132 questionnaires were analysed. Results: A MANOVA revealed that the perceived importance of 18 attributes was different between the 3 forms of work-related assessmentF_{36, 364}=6.54 ; p<0.001). There was a core of 7 attributes that showed no difference between assessments (accurate, compr ehensive, credible, flexible, practical, safe and useful). Two attributes (generalisable and specific) were different for all 3 forms of assessment. A large group of attributes (consistent, measurable, objective, reliable, reproducible, standardised, structured and valid) demonstrated significant differences between WPAs and both forms of FCE. Relevant demonstrated significant differences between FCENJs and both WPAs and FCEJs. Reliability analysis revealed 2 constructs (dependability and utility). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that there were significant differences between 3 forms of work-related assessments (WPAs, FCEJs & FCENJs) in terms of the attributes considered necessary for excellence for each form of assessment. The attributes were considered to relate to either qualitative or quantitative features of assessment. These features were reflected in the constructs utility, which was comprised of qualitative attributes and associated with broad concepts of validity, and dependability, which was comprised of quantitative attributes and reflected concepts of reliability. There appeared to be a continuum of work-related assessment that ranged from WPAs demonstrating the most qualitative attributes to FCENJs demonstrating the most quantitative features. Show more

Keywords: functional capacity evaluation, workplace assessment, work-related assessment

Citation: Work, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 63-76, 2003

Authors: Lyon, Jr., Joseph L. | Lillquist, Dean R. | Alder, Steven | Stephenson, Dale | Bloswick, Donald S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A population of 72 bifocal wearers was studied to determine the relationship between VDT (video display terminal) placement for those who reported musculoskeletal pain and those who did not. The mean hours worked was 50.4 minutes (p=0.003) greater for those who reported head/neck pain versus those who did not and 48.6 minutes (p=0.004) greater for those who reported shoulder/arm pain that those who did not. There was no statistically significant difference between the means of monitor …height, distance, or angle for those who reported pain symptoms versus those who did not. This study indicates that, self reported pain symptoms are correlated with hours of VDT work and that there appears to be a threshold at approximately five hours for pain symptoms among bifocal wearers. No such correlation can be made for monitor placement Show more

Keywords: bifocal, video display terminals, musculoskeletal disorders

Citation: Work, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 77-80, 2003