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: Training and provision of assistive devices are considered major interventions to prevent and treat low back pain (LBP) among workers exposed to manual material handling (MMH). To establish the effectiveness of training and provision of assistive devices in preventing and treating LBP an update of a Cochrane literature review was performed to November 2010. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies with a concurrent control group (CCTs) were included. Nine RCTs (20.101 employees) and nine CCTs (1280 employees) were included for prevention: six more than in the previous version. No study on treatment was found. None of the included RCTs…and CCTs provided evidence that training and provision of assistive devices prevented LBP when compared to no intervention or another intervention.
Show more
Keywords: prevention, musculoskeletal, lifting, carrying, training
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0455-2299
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2299-2301, 2012
Abstract: In ergonomics, assessing the working postures of an individual by observation is a very common practice. The present study investigated whether monetary resources devoted to an observational study should preferably be invested in collecting many video recordings of the work, or in having several observers estimate postures from available videos multiple times. On the basis of a data set of observed working postures among hairdressers, necessary information in terms of posture variability, observer variability, and costs for recording and observing videos was entered into equations providing the total cost of data collection and the precision (informative value) of the resulting…estimates of two variables: percentages time with the arm elevated <15 degrees and >90 degrees. In all 160 data collection strategies, differing with respect to the number of video recordings and the number of repeated observations of each recording, were simulated and compared for cost and precision. For both posture variables, the most cost-efficient strategy for a given budget was to engage 4 observers to look at available video recordings, rather than to have one observer look at more recordings. Since the latter strategy is the more common in ergonomics practice, we recommend reconsidering standard practice in observational posture assessment.
Show more
Keywords: resource consumption, mean exposure, risk assessment, posture observation, efficiency
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0456-2302
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2302-2306, 2012
Abstract: Background: Normalization of surface electromyography (EMG) is a common and recommended practice, however this methodological step itself introduces variability to a data set. Quantification of this variance is necessary to correctly interpret overall EMG variability. This information is also paramount to identifying experimentally and clinically relevant normalization task(s) which minimize induced variance yet are time-efficient. Purpose: The goal of this study was to quantify the within-day variance of two commonly reported, sub-maximal tasks utilised for low back EMG normalization: one collected with a high degree of meticulousness, and the other collected in a more rapid manner. Results: Only minimal differences…were seen between tasks in the magnitude of within-day variance for EMG amplitude at all recording sites, save the right-side L5 location, which showed a significant difference (p=0.020). For trunk posture, within-day variance for the highly meticulous tasks was significantly higher than for the less-meticulous task (p=0.011). Conclusion: A less meticulous sub-maximal normalization task performed in a standing position was equal or superior to a more meticulously collected task in terms of kinematic task repeatability and within-day EMG variance. These findings are encouraging for field study applications where meticulous methods are not feasible, and provide a time saving strategy for lab studies.
Show more
Keywords: variance components, electromyography, work related musculoskeletal disorders, exposure assessment, submaximal
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0457-2307
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2307-2314, 2012
Abstract: This study was an economic evaluation conducted alongside a cluster randomised controlled trial with a follow-up of 12 months. The aim was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of the Stay@Work Participatory Ergonomics programme (PE) compared to a control group (no PE). In total, 37 departments (n=3047 workers) were randomised into either the intervention (PE) or control group (no PE). During a meeting, working groups followed the steps of PE, and composed and prioritised ergonomic measures aimed to prevent low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP). Working groups had to implement the ergonomic measures within three months in their…department. Cost data included those directly related to LBP and NP. Cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA) and cost-benefit analyses (CBA) were performed. After 12 months, health care costs and costs of productivity losses were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (the mean total cost difference was $/euro$127; 95% CI $/euro$-164 – $/euro$418). From a societal perspective, the CEA showed that PE was not cost-effective compared to control for LBP and NP prevalence, work performance, and sick leave. The CBA from a company perspective showed a monetary loss of $/euro$78 per worker. The PE programme was neither cost-effective nor cost-beneficial on any of the effect measures.
Show more
Abstract: This paper aimed at summarizing the knowledge of the relationship between Lean and work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), and WMSD risk factors, in manufacturing companies. Literature search processes identified 23 publications studying this, in scientific journals. Eight included measurements of WMSD; three were mostly negative, two showed mixed results, one showed no results and two were mostly positive. Eighteen publications included measurements of WMSD risk factors; seven showed mostly negative results, eight snowed mixed results, two showed mostly positive results and one was inconclusive. Three literature reviews were identified, which studied this question; two were mostly negative, while the third…was inconclusive. Also, 12 publications of grey literature studying Lean and WMSD risk factors in Swedish organizations were identified; nine showed mixed results, two showed mostly positive results and one showed mostly negative results. Due to the varying quality and study design of the publications, together with the few identified studies, it is difficult to compare them. The context and the implementation also likely affect the results. The general conclusion was that a Lean implementation may increase the risk of WMSD and risk factors for WMSD, if it is not accompanied with an ergonomic intervention.
Show more
Keywords: WMSD, working conditions, manufacturing
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0459-2321
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2321-2328, 2012
Abstract: This paper wants to present an integrated approach to Line Balancing and Risk Assessment and a Software Tool named ErgoAnalysis that makes it easy to control the whole production process and produces a Risk Index for the actual work tasks in an Assembly Line. Assembly Line Balancing, or simply Line Balancing, is the problem of assigning operations to workstations along an assembly line, in such a way that the assignment be optimal in some sense. Assembly lines are characterized by production constraints and restrictions due to several aspects such as the nature of the product and the flow of orders.…To be able to respond effectively to the needs of production, companies need to frequently change the workload and production models. Each manufacturing process might be quite different from another. To optimize very specific operations, assembly line balancing might utilize a number of methods and the Engineer must consider ergonomic constraints, in order to reduce the risk of WMDSs. Risk Assessment may result very expensive because the Engineer must evaluate it at every change. ErgoAnalysis can reduce cost and improve effectiveness in Risk Assessment during the Line Balancing.
Show more
Keywords: assembly lines, line balancing, ergonomics, OCRA index, risk assessment
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0460-2329
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2329-2333, 2012
Abstract: Injuries due to manual valve handwheel operations are a major concern in the chemical process industry. Manual valves are used to start, stop, and control flow in process lines. The torque required to operate handwheels after the initial “breaking” can vary due to the size, design, and condition of the valve. This study tested four methods of turning the handwheel on a medium-sized gate valve at two different torque requirements (25 Nm and 50 Nm). The methods were compared to each other, in terms of efficiency, subjective ratings of perceived exertion, and electromyography activity of the upper extremity and trunk…muscles. The results indicate that different methods and torque requirements are compensated for by the use of different muscles. Also, this use of different muscles, along with the increased mechanical advantage of the wrench, can affect the operator’s actual and perceived comfort and efficiency while operating a valve handwheel.
Show more
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate muscular strain in the upper limbs of workers in a freeze-processing plant for poultry by developing a tool for quantitative analysis, yielding a final score, which can provide diagnostic support in legal proceedings. Methods: The Strain index proposed by Moore & Garg was used to quantify biomechanical aspects of muscular strain, evaluating the intensity and duration of effort, frequency of movement, position of wrist and hand, speed of activity and duration of the task per shift. The index was applied in three critical work-areas in a freezeprocessing plant for poultry where the activities of nine workers were…analyzed. Results: Absenteeism caused by osteomuscular lesions and mental-health problems reaches 20%. The three work-areas studied are those where the birds’ throats are cut, where they are suspended on a conveyor-belt and, where they are wrapped. These areas were chosen because they have the highest rates of absenteeism and rotation of workers. The findings identified final scores between 12 and 27, when 7 or more means the maximum risk. Conclusion: Defensive strategies developed by workers can reduce biomechanical problems arising from high throughput rates, but are not enough by themselves to allow production to proceed without the occurrence of osteomuscular problems.
Show more
Keywords: biomechanics, cumulative trauma disorders, ergonomics, work in freeze-processing plants
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0462-2341
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2341-2348, 2012
Abstract: To cut a fabric, the professional performs different jobs and among them stands out the cut. The scissors has been the instrument most used for this activity. Over the years, technology has been conquering its space in the textile industry. However, despite the industrial automation able to offer subsidies to answer employment market demands, without appropriate orientation, the worker is exposed to the risks inherent at the job. Ergonomics is a science that search to promote the comfort and well being in consonance with efficacy. Its goals are properly well defined and clearly guide the actions aimed at transforming the…working conditions. This study aimed to analyze the activity of cut tissues with a machine by a seamstress and the implications on their body posture. The methodology used was the observation technique and application of the Protocol RULA, where the result obtained was the level 3 and score 5, confirming that "investigations and changes are required soon". Conclude that using the machine to tissue cut should be encouraged, but in conjunction with orientations for improving posture while handling it. It seeks to prevent dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system that prevents employees from performing their work tasks efficiently and productively.
Show more
Abstract: Physical inactivity and prolonged static work tasks may seriously affect health. There are numerous indications that promoting physical activity (PA) at sedentary workplaces can reduce these health risks. However, PA interventions have so far been documented rarely on the basis of medical parameters. Effects on the PA behavior are often studied only through the methods of subjective self-assessment. For this reason an extensive method inventory was developed consisting of objective PA assessment methods and various methods for documenting PA related health outcomes. The developed method inventory has been tested in a pilot intervention study at office workplaces. The current paper…presents and discusses a part of the applied inventory. The methods considered here demonstrated several positive intervention effects: intervention subjects were more active, felt better, increased muscle strength and showed improvements in resting heart rate and BMI. Not all data has been analyzed to date, but the preliminary results suggest that most of the investigated methods turned out to be suitable for the documentation of intervention effects. Among the methods for which no effects were found, the question remains whether this is due to a lack of sensitivity of the method or due to aspects related to the study design.
Show more
Keywords: VDU workplaces, intervention study, measurement, physical activity, health outcomes
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0464-2355
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2355-2359, 2012
