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ISSN 1051-9815 (P)
ISSN 1875-9270 (E)
Impact Factor 2023: 2.3
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: This article provides a brief history of the field of ergonomics and explores the interrelationship between health care and ergonomic professions. Health care practitioners contribute a unique perspective to an ergonomic research and intervention team. This singular perspective is based on knowledge of health issues, disease and injury etiology and prognosis, and the psychosocial impact of illness. Topics for collaboration between health care practitioners and ergonomists are identified.
Keywords: Ergonomics, Human factors, Work, Rehabilitation
Abstract: Energy cost and crew performance were studied during a 45-hour continuous field-artillery loading exercise using a howitzer simulator. An interrupted peak $\dot{V}_{0_{2}}$ test, conducted in the simulator, was used to develop individualized equations to predict energy cost from heart rate. Nine experienced crew members rotated through six 1.5-hour loading cycles. Mission time (the time elapsed from the order to fire until task completion) was recorded and summed over cycles. Measures made at the end of each cycle included profile of mood state (POMS); rating of perceived exertion (RPE); rating of pain, soreness, and discomfort (RPSD); and isometric hand-grip…strength. Results showed a significant decrease (p<0.01) in energy cost (8.0−6.2 kcal·min−1 ) and mission time (28.1−24.3 min) from Cycle 1 to Cycle 6. The POMS revealed an increase in fatigue and tension and a decrease in vigor (p<0.05); RPE increased (p<0.05) over time as did RPSD reported for the shoulders, arms, and hands (p<0.05). Isometric hand-grip strength decreased 8.6% (p<0.05) from Cycle 1 to Cycle 6. The efficiency of howitzer loading performance increased; however, the changes in RPE, POMS, hand-grip, and RPSD suggest that longer duration exercises may result in performance decrements. These data indicate that simulators can improve the performance of this task.
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Keywords: Sustained work, Energy cost, Efficiency, Simulator, Exertion, Muscle contraction
Abstract: Hand therapists perform hand-intensive work and engage in tasks that require movements and postures cited in the literature to be risk factors for the development of cumulative trauma disorders. This study was conducted to determine the incidence, prevalence, and types of work-related cumulative trauma disorders of the hand, wrist, and elbow experienced by occupational therapists whose primary area of practice is hand therapy. A survey was sent to a national random sample of 289 occupational therapists, 227 of whom responded. A total of 328 upper-extremity injuries/syndromes were reported by 165 (79 %) of the respondents; 62 % of those injuries…occurred as a result of cumulative work trauma. This study identified hand therapy as another occupation where cumulative trauma disorders are common. It is crucial that hand therapists become cognizant of their occupational risks and limitations so that such painful and disabling conditions can be prevented.
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Abstract: By tracing office (computer-related) trends from the 1960s through the 1990s, one can extract the reasons for the dramatic rise in workplace injuries that result from poor ergonomic conditions. Much confusion continues to exist surrounding the notion of ergonomics, and employers are afraid to plunge in and implement an ergonomic program. Ergonomists have highlighted three key areas for consideration: motion/exercise, support, and neutral positioning. This article examines several products that meet those recommendations and promote proper work habits.
Keywords: Motion/exercise, Neutral positioning, Sit/stand concept, Support
Abstract: Commercial wrist splints do not constitute an ergonomic control for stressors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The science of ergonomics seeks to change the environment, not the human, in an effort to fit the work requirements to the capabilities of the individual. In contrast, immobilization of the wrist seeks to change the worker while the work environment exposures remain unchanged. Given this caveat, do wrist splints play a preventive role in the work environment with respect to the control of physical stressors that are likely to cause or exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome? In an effort to provide an answer to…this question, this article will provide a short synopsis of carpal tunnel syndrome as it relates to its diagnosis, occurrence in industry, and conservative treatment; a brief review of splinting as conservative treatment and an overview of the effect of wrist immobilization on physical stressors.
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Abstract: Participatory ergonomics is a relatively new strategy employed by work-injury management professionals to effect organizational change and reduce workplace injuries. This method is based on group dynamics theory involving employee and management participation in decision making. A review of the literature on the properties of participation suggests that the most effective strategy for participation is one that incorporates informal, direct, high-access, and long-term aspects. The ergonomic consultant must review participation as a concept that takes on different meanings depending upon the properties emphasized and the context in which it is implemented.
Keywords: Participation, Ergonomics, Group dynamics
Abstract: Pre-placement screening for physically demanding jobs should result in better job performance and fewer injuries, if the test components reflect job demands. The purpose of this study was to determine how seven strength measures, three Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) scores, and three physical descriptors relate to performance on two stretcher-carry tasks: 1) a repeated short-distance carry and 2) a continuous long-distance carry. Twelve men and 11 women completed both tasks with and without (hand-carry) a shoulder harness. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients compared independent variables and forward stepwise multiple regression analyses were used for predictions. For repeated short distance…stretcher-carrying, two-mile run time and handgrip were the best predictors of performance (hand-carry: r2 =0.79, p<0.01; harness-carry: r2 =0.75, p<0.01). The grip, which was more predictive during the hand-carry, required a sudden maximal contraction to peak force, followed by immediate release, while a sudden maximal contraction to peak force maintained for four seconds, was more predictive of the harness-carry. For the continuous hand-carry, the best predictor was a gradual buildup to a 6-second sustained grip strength (r2 =0.74, p<0.01). These results illustrate the necessity for tailoring preplacement tests to accurately reflect job demands.
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Abstract: This article is an information update on certification in the practice of ergonomics. Ergonomic certification is currently being conducted by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics for ergonomics/human factors practitioners. Ergonomic certification is also being discussed as a possibility for health care professionals by the National Interdisciplinary Committee on Health Ergonomics and the Medical Ergonomics Society.
Abstract: Environmental control units and home automation devices contribute to the independence and potential of individuals with disabilities, both at work and at home. Devices currently exist that can assist people with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities to control lighting, appliances, temperature, security, and telephone communications. This article highlights several possible applications for these technologies and discusses emerging technologies that will increase the benefits these devices offer people with disabilities.
Abstract: Most of us hold opinions on contemporary issues in work practice, in all its broad dimensions. “Sounding Board” is a regular feature of this publication, designed to provide a forum for expressing such views, whether mainstream or controversial. The opinions expressed in this section may not necessarily represent the views of the editor, the publisher, or the editorial board but are intended to stimulate discussion or to provoke a response. Readers who wish to comment on the ideas put forth in “Sounding Board” should address their comments to the editor.
Keywords: Energy expenditure, Oxygen consumption, Work