Work - Volume 49, issue 3

Authors: Bolis, I. | Brunoro, C.M. | Sznelwar, L.I.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: By introducing policies for sustainability and social responsibility, companies declare their interest in caring for all stakeholders, including workers. OBJECTIVE: To analyze how and which themes related to work practices and to workers are approached in the discourse of corporations are considered sustainable and socially responsible. Based on ergonomic principles, more elements are brought into this discussion, viewed from a strategic perspective for the development of corporations and society. PARTICIPANTS: Data collected …from 20 corporations considered more sustainable according to an assessment made by the Corporate Knights organization. METHODS: Multiple-case study, based on the analysis of secondary sources content (websites and reports). Analysis of websites and reports by their content, and their classification according to the aspects present in the thematic of work practices and of human rights elaborated by standard ISO 26000. RESULTS: Corporations show that the worker is one of the stakeholders to be considered in their sustainability and social responsibility policies. However, it's not possible using this method to obtain effective evidences related to actual programs performed by companies in order to demonstrate the real importance of workers in sustainable polices. CONCLUSIONS: The discipline of ergonomics could be active in improving the implementation of corporate social responsibility policies, especially by emphasizing the social dimension of these policies. Show more

Keywords: Work practices, corporate social responsibility, corporate sustainability, corporate strategic policies

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141962

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 417-431, 2014

Authors: Ryan, Cormac G. | Lauchlan, Douglas | Rooney, Leigh | Hollins Martins, Caroline | Gray, Heather

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of work absence. Assisting individuals back into work is an important part of rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of individuals returning to work after an episode of sickness absence due to LBP. PARTICIPANTS: Five women employed by a UK University who had returned to work. METHOD: In this qualitative study, participants underwent semi-structured interviews about their experiences. The transcripts were …analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Two primary themes emerged 1) perceived pressure to return to work and 2) strategies employed to relieve the pressure to return. Pressure to return to work arose from a number of sources including guilt and a personal work ethic, internally, and from colleagues and management, externally. This pressure led to the individual employing a number of strategies to reduce it. These ranged from a simple denial of health concerns and decision to return to work regardless of their condition, to placing the responsibility of the decision not to return to work onto a significant other, such as a family member or health care professional. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals returning to work with LBP experience considerable pressure to return and use a range of strategies to mediate that pressure. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, work absence, interpretative phenomenological analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131646

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 433-444, 2014

Authors: Broday, Evandro Eduardo | de Paula Xavier, Antonio Augusto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This article presents the results of an investigation into the thermal aspect of workplaces of the metallurgical branch of furniture manufacturing, looking for the number of dissatisfied people in the environment. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the thermal suitability of a metallurgical industrial environment, from four interpretations of vote +1/−1 (slightly warm or slightly cool) on the thermal sensation range, reported by workers. METHODS: The methodological approach consists of quantitative …research and a literature review set for this work, composed of spreadsheets and statistical processing of data. Data collection took place through the use of environmental variables measurement equipment and software for statistical assistance. RESULTS: The results indicate an average above 35% of workers dissatisfied with the environment, thus, portraying the lack of suitability. CONCLUSIONS: It was noted, further, that, although average temperatures may be between 21°C to 28°C, workplace improvements can be made, so that the thermal sensations will be satisfactory. Show more

Keywords: Thermal comfort, thermal suitability, dissatisfied, metallurgical environment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131719

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 445-453, 2014

Authors: Johnston, V. | Strong, J. | Gargett, S. | Jull, G. | Ellis, N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: No self-management interventions have been developed to empower those chronically disabled by a musculoskeletal condition to find and/or remain at work. OBJECTIVE: Developand evaluate the content of two self-management training modules to improve vocational outcomes for those with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: Stanford University's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program provided the framework for the new modules. Focus groups with the eightpersons with workdisabilities and concept-mapping sessions with the 12 …experienced vocational rehabilitation professionals were conducted to identify factors and themes contributing to workers remaining/returning to work post-injury. Five experienced self-management trainers reviewed the modules for consistency with self-management principles. RESULTS: Two new self-management modules: 'Navigating the System' and 'Managing a Return to Work' were developed.The persons with work disabilitiesgenerated four themes: accepting and coping with injury; skills to manage pain and life; positive working relationships and, re-inventing self, whereas the rehabilitation professionals identified three themes:communication and support of others; the injured worker's abilities and resources, and knowledge and education. CONCLUSIONS: Anintervention developed to enhance self-management skills and facilitate positive vocational outcomes of those seeking to return to work post-injury was confirmed as relevant by persons with work disabilities, rehabilitation professionals and self-management trainers. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, work, recovery of function, patient education, worker empowerment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131722

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 455-464, 2014

Authors: Alcântara, Marcus A. | Sampaio, Rosana F. | Assunção, Ada Ávila | Silva, Fabiana C. Martins

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Work Ability Model has a holistic structure that incorporates individual characteristics, work-related factors and life outside of work. The model has been explored in the context of Finland but still needs to be applied in other countries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between age, health, work and work ability in a sample of Brazilian municipal employees. METHOD: A sample of 5,646 workers answered a …web-survey questionnaire that collected information about socio-demographics, health, work characteristics and work ability. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the simultaneous relationships between the variables that comprise the Work Ability Model. RESULTS: The sample was predominantly female (68.0%), between 30 and 49 years old (60.0%) and highly educated (66.0%). SEM produced good fit indexes that supported the Work Ability Model. Age was positively related to work ability and negatively related to health. Health and work characteristics positively influenced work ability. CONCLUSIONS: The results produced additional support for the conceptualization of work ability as a complex and dynamic phenomenon: a system composed of an individual and various elements of his/her work interact in time and space in a nonlinear way. Show more

Keywords: Sick leave, physical workload, stressful job, public sector, SEM

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131703

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 465-472, 2014

Authors: Chen, Yi-Lang | Chiang, Hsi-Ting

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We analyzed a case study for rolling gas cylinders for a large technology company in Taiwan. Four experienced employees participated in this study. The cylinder transporting postures of participants were photographed for Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and a goniometer was used for data gathering. The results showed that for atilt rolling movement and positioning of gas cylinders, the postures assessed by RULA all exceeded Action Level 3. The repetitive activity for each wrist was as …high as 1 time/s. The radial deviation for each wrist and the dorsiflexion on the right wrist nearly reached the maximum range of motion. This suggested that the tasks might potentially cause injury to the upper limbs (particularly the wrists) and require action "investigation and changes are required soon", as suggested by RULA. The results of this case analysis can be preliminarily used as a reference for related operation evaluation and improvement. Show more

Keywords: Cylinder transporting, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), wrist postures

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131720

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 473-481, 2014

Authors: Maiwald, Karin | Meershoek, Agnes | de Rijk, Angelique | Nijhuis, Frans J.N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGOUND: In Canada and other countries, sickness absence among workers is a significant concern. Local return-to-work policies developed by both management and workers' representatives are preferred to tackle the problem. OBJECTIVE: This article examines how managers perceive this local bipartite agreed upon return-to-work policy, wherein a social constructivist view on the policy process is taken. METHODS: In-depth interviews were held with 10 managers on their experiences with execution of this policy in …a Canadian healthcare organization. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and qualitative analyses were completed to gain deep insight into the managers' perspectives. RESULTS: Results show that the managers viewed themselves as a linchpin between the workplace and the worker. They did not feel heard by the other stakeholders, wrestled with worker's limitations, struggled getting plans adjusted and became overextended to meet return-to-work objectives. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the managers felt unable to meet the responsibilities the policy demanded and got less involved in the return-to-work process than this policy intended. RTW policy needs to balance on the one hand, flexibility to safeguard active involvement of managers and, on the other hand, strictness regarding taking responsibility by stakeholders, particularly the health care and re-integration professionals. Show more

Keywords: Discretionary space, managers' perspectives, return-to-work, sickness absence, social constructivist policy analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131727

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 483-494, 2014

Authors: Steenbeek, Romy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Because of the aging working population and the increasing age of retirement the number of workers with chronic illnesses and disabilities is growing. It is important that workers with health complaints receive efficient health care in order to remain fully or at least partly productive. OBJECTIVE: To explore workers' opinions about the effectiveness of contact with health care providers in shortening sickness absence duration. METHODS: Data come from a four-wave study …from 2005 to 2008 among Dutch workers (n=1,424). Data were obtained on visits to health care providers, sickness absence and workers' opinions on whether and how their absence could have been shortened. RESULTS: A third of the workers were of the opinion that the health care provider (most often the general practitioner, GP) had played a role in preventing sickness absence and 35% were of the opinion that the health care provider had limited their absence. Most often the physical therapist (71%) and mental health therapist (61%) shortened sickness absence duration, in contrast to the occupational physician (OP, 25%) and GP (32%). The effectiveness of the health care providers' treatment was associated with the cause of sickness absence. Approximately 15% of the workers reported that their sickness absence could have been shortened if health care providers had provided the proper treatment and if waiting times had been reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers differ in their potential to shorten sickness absence duration. Health care providers can further reduce sickness absence and health care costs by providing the proper treatment and by reducing waiting times. Show more

Keywords: Health care, sickness absence, effectiveness, care-seeking

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131714

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 495-504, 2014

Authors: Baumann, Michèle | Amara, Marie-Emmanuelle | Karavdic, Senad | Limbach-Reich, Arthur

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With increasing access at European universities, supporting and promoting the high education, students' mental well-being and generic employability capacities have become priorities, but their respective influences, after an adaptation period of seven months, remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: Our aims were to analyse the relationships between students' well-being and self-perceived academic employability skills, and other social and environmental factors. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty-one freshmen students at the end of their first year …completed an online questionnaire. Two instruments were used to assess well-being: the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), which explores psychological suffering, and the psychological quality of life subdomain of the Whoqol-bref. RESULTS: Psychological Whoqol-bref scores are linked to the academic employability skills (AES) items of drafting, critical spirit, problem-solving, teamwork, and supervision/direction of others, and has positive effects on AES score and on the following Whoqol-bref domains: physical, social relationships and environmental. Although three of six psychological Whoqol-bref items (ability to concentrate, satisfaction with self, negative feelings) are correlated with GHQ-12 items (sleeping, decision-making, feeling under strain, problem-solving, depression, self-confidence, thinking about self, feeling happy). GHQ-12 score is negatively linked with Whoqol-bref physical. CONCLUSIONS: For better quality of life, and improved employability skills, innovative activities should be developed to ascertain the sustainable academic's abilities of students. Show more

Keywords: Psychological Whoqol-bref, psychological suffering, GHQ-12, freshmen students, mental well-being, academic employability skills

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131729

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 505-515, 2014

Authors: Shrestha, Pramen P. | Menzel, Nancy N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hispanic (Latino) construction workers experience disparities in occupational death and injury rates in the United States. The cultural value of respect for those in authority may hinder these workers from requesting safe working conditions from supervisors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether Hispanic construction workers in Las Vegas, Nevada found assertiveness training more useful than non-Hispanic trainees and whether or not they practiced this behavior at work after the training. METHODS: An assertiveness training simulation was part …of fall prevention classes offered to area construction workers. Eight weeks after the training, participants were interviewed by telephone about class topics they found most useful and whether or not they had made any subsequent behavior changes at work. RESULTS: More than half of the 760 fall prevention trainees completed telephone interviews. A smaller proportion of Hispanic trainees found assertiveness training to be useful (11%) than non-Hispanics (28%) (p⩽ 0.001). Only 2% of both groups identified practicing assertiveness at work. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of Hispanic trainees valued other knowledge more highly. They may weigh job security as more important than speaking up about safety issues, which might threaten their employment. Interventions to improve safety should focus instead on improving work safety climate and engineering controls. Show more

Keywords: Latino workers, occupational injury, Prevention through design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131728

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 517-522, 2014