Work - Volume 50, issue 4

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152005

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 527-527, 2015

Authors: de Guimarães, Bruno Maia

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152006

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 529-530, 2015

Authors: Almada, Juan Felipe | Renner, Jacinta Sidegum

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Considering the current experience of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) seeking to join the labor market as well as improve their quality of life, full accessibility is an important tool to enable their integration into society. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to identify ergonomics and accessibility issues faced by wheelchair users and persons with mobility alterations when using public transport, from a user perspective. METHODS: This was an observational, …descriptive study, with a quantitative approach to data analysis and discussion. The study sample comprised 30 wheelchair-bound public transport users, and was drawn from the membership of LEME – Associação dos Lesados Medulares de Novo Hamburgo (Novo Hamburgo Spinal Injury Victims' Association). Data were collected by means of an open-ended interview, which guided questionnaire development, and direct field observations conducted during bus rides. RESULTS: Results indicate that the primary issues are the quality of services offered, particularly the schedule and number of accessible vehicles, and the lack of trained employees to aid wheelchair users. CONCLUSIONS: The paper also identifies issues related to accessibility and safety, both when accessing vehicles and during transportation. Show more

Keywords: Social inclusion, autonomy, safety, comfort

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131811

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 531-541, 2015

Authors: Carvalho-Freitas, M.N. | Souto, J.F. | Simas, A.L. | Costa, N.B. | Santos, L.M.M. | Marques, A.L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Quota Law in Brazil determines that the organizations with over 100 workers must hire people with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to verify the willingness of future professionals to work with people with disabilities. PARTICIPANTS: A survey was conducted with 341 Brazilian university students. METHODS: The following factors were taken into account: the Quota Law favorability (attitude); the conceptions about disability (beliefs); the evaluation of consequences (positive or negative) which the …individual attributes to the fact of working with people with disabilities; and the perception of the level of difficulty to insert these people (beliefs about control). RESULTS: Three patterns of willingness have been identified: willingness guided by the focus on the disability; willingness guided by the instrumental focus; and willingness guided towards accessibility. It has also been verified that these forms of willingness were associated to the perception of difficulties in inserting people with disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: These results empirically reinforce the fact that part of the difficulties in inserting people with disabilities is found in the social environment and conditions, suggesting that these aspects need to be taken into account in the studies on attitudes towards people with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Attitude, work, disposition, beliefs, accessibility

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131812

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 543-552, 2015

Authors: Brite, Roberta | Nunes, Francisco | Souza, Danielle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the managers' conceptions involved in the process of labor inclusion in 18 supermarkets with 5,000 employees, 300 of whom with disabilities. METHODS: A group of 90 managers working with people with disability completed a Conceptions of Disability Inventory (CDI) about their conceptions of people with disabilities. Their responses were categorized as follows: a) disability as a spiritual manifestation; b) disability as a deviation from normality; c) disability based …on assumptions of inclusion; d) disability assessed from performance criteria; e) disability assessed from the connection established with the work organization; f) disability conceived by contracting benefits, and g) disability based on the perception of the need for training. RESULTS: Based on the outcomes of the Pearson Correlation Matrix, significant linear correlations were found in seven managers' conceptions of disability. The results also indicate that the managers' conceptions contributed to differentiated inclusionist actions based on their perceptions related to people with disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: This study data contributes to identifying the best practices in labor inclusion. The outcomes of the present study could lead to development of a public policy aimed towards humanizing job alternatives for people with disability. Show more

Keywords: Managers' conceptions, people with disabilities, labor inclusion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141966

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 553-561, 2015

Authors: Filgueiras, Ernesto | Vilar, Elisângela | Rebelo, Francisco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Successful cases of professional reintegration were achieved when adequate conditions were created for the adaptation of the worker with disability to the working environment and to the professional activity, allowing them to carry out all their functions without any restriction. In this sense, this paper presents a methodology for professional integration of people with disability in service companies and industry. It has as results a matrix of analysis of a set of observables for the …reintegration of people with disability into the labour market, as well as an auxiliary tool for those who work in recruitment of personnel. OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to develop a tool (i.e., a software) based on the crossing of data obtained from the analysis of the individual capacities and the requirements of the job to optimise the relationship between worker and the workplace. There was also considered a series of strategies which can be adopted by the individuals and the possible adaptations in the workplace, as a way to reduce the handicap in the accomplishment of different activities. METHODS: The methodology for the development of this study is divided in two phases: Phase I, destined to the assessment criteria and classification of the indispensable functional characteristics of the individuals; Phase II, related to the assessment criteria of the jobs and the functions that have to be performed. RESULTS: As a result it was developed an evaluation tool to match the individuals' capabilities and the job requirements. A software was created to support the evaluation and to help professionals during the assessment. CONCLUSIONS: This methodology together with the support tool demonstrated to be a quite inclusive tool, as it considers, as a matter of priority, the capacities of the individuals and the real necessities of the workplaces. Show more

Keywords: Professional integration, inclusive methodology, workers with disability, individual capacities, job requirements

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141835

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 563-573, 2015

Authors: de Guimarães, Bruno Maia | Martins, Laura Bezerra | Junior, Béda Barkokébas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the attempts to include people with disabilities at work, the number of such people seeking employment and of those receiving job opportunities remains low. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the construction jobs of bricklayer, carpenter, steel fixer, painter, laborer 1, laborer 2 and foreman on the construction site of a water supply network so as to determine the profile of workers with disabilities who could perform these jobs and what adaptations …are needed. METHODS: The methods used were: direct observation of the activities and the environment, interviews with staff on the site, and a video and photographic record of the tasks, while the software ErgoDis/IBV was used to analyze the jobs. RESULTS: it was found that workers with hearing impairments could perform the activities without any adaptations to the job, while for individuals whose leg or foot had been amputated, some adjustments would be needed. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, by the knowledge of the task, the physical, intellectual and organizational demands of jobs and knowing the functional capabilities of workers with disabilities, reasonable adaptation to work environments can be carried out adequately. To achieve this goal, it is important that this be done through an integration of a multidisciplinary team, which involves the areas of occupational safety and ergonomics. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, occupational safety, people with disabilities, workplace adaptation, construction industry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131813

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 575-584, 2015

Authors: Martins, Anabela Correia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was approved by the World Health Assembly in 2001. Ten years later, strong arguments have arisen regarding the added value of ICF to the policies on employment and the outcomes at the workplace. As a conceptual framework, ICF has universality because of its inclusive and comprehensive view of human functioning. At a practical level ICF can be used to quantify the impact of impairment on an individual's ability …to act in his/her environment and to assess interventions to minimize the impact of disability and maximize functioning. OBJECTIVE: To explore key indicators of social participation (life habits) of persons with disabilities, particularly related to work, among environmental and personal factors. METHODOLOGY/PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires from a convenience sample of 149 working-age persons with disabilities. RESULTS: Social participation is a construct composed by multiple components and employment domain is the strongest indicator of participation. Correlations between social participation and personal factors, such as self-efficacy and attitudes towards disability were moderate. Those who are employed scored higher quality of life in terms of satisfaction with life, more positive attitudes toward disabilities and higher self-efficacy than the ones who are retired or unemployed. Persons using adapted wheelchair and those who were involved in wheelchair selection scored higher in social participation in general, performance at work, and quality of life. Age and disability duration were not associated with participants' employment status. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that rehabilitation and vocational agents, like physiotherapists and other professionals, should have knowledge and understanding of the multiple factors that influence persons with disabilities' participation at work. Programs should provide appropriate wheelchairs, skills training, empowerment and problem-solving strategies in labour activities and occupational environment to promote employment of working-age persons with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Assistive technologies, social participation, persons with disabilities, employment, personal factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141965

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 585-593, 2015

Authors: Paiva, Marie | Ferrer, Nicole | Villarouco, Vilma

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The phenomenon of aging is increasing worldwide. Various problems accompany it since aging makes the elderly undergo a decline in their natural functions. As such, senility can present itself as a barrier for everyday activities. OBJECTIVE: This article presents a research that deals with the study of collective residences for the elderly. It seeks to identify configurations of these homes by seeking shortcomings and/or successful solutions. METHODS: The Ergonomic Methodology for the Built Environment was …applied. The method of the approach is qualitative and consists of multi-case study. RESULTS: Through the methodological approach, conflicts in the environment created by missing or inadequate elements were identified. Also, the opinions and suggestions from the elderly were analyzed, which shows their perception of the environment in use. CONCLUSIONS: The situations detected in this study indicate the occurrence of problems, exacerbated by the multiple deficiencies found in the user population of the environments analyzed. Thus it highlights the importance of there being future studies that are better targeted on designing environments for the elderly. Show more

Keywords: Senescence, quality of life, housing for the elderly

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141967

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 595-606, 2015

Authors: de Guimarães, Bruno Maia

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152013

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 607-609, 2015

Authors: Liu, Chien-Hsiou | Chiang, Hsin-Yu | Chen, Kun-Hung

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Based on the high prevalence of people with problems in the wrist and hand simultaneously, it is of its importance to clarify whether hand joints exert extra motion to compensate for wrist motion while immobilized. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure the compensatory movement of the thumb and index finger when people perform daily activities with an immobilized wrist. METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. A wrist splint, …the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and the OptoTrak Certus motion tracking system were used. Seven inter-digit mean joint angles of the index finger and thumb were calculated. Paired sample t-test was used. RESULTS: (1) The compensatory motions were noted in the Metacarpophalangeal and Carpometacarpal joints of the thumb, and the proximal interphalangeal joints of the index finger; (2) The manifestation of compensatory motion was related to type of activity performed except when picking up light and heavy cans. CONCLUSIONS: The compensatory motions appeared while the wrist was immobilized and were found to be disadvantageous to the progression of disease. In the future, studies need to be done to understand how to select products with correct ergonomic design to enable people to reap greater benefits from wearing wrist splints. Show more

Keywords: Compensatory motion, wrist immobilization, splint

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141825

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 611-619, 2015

Authors: Mayer, John M. | Nuzzo, James L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Firefighting is a dangerous occupation with a high incidence of low back pain and injury. Abnormal back muscle function and morphology has been linked to low back pain and poor physical performance. The effect of exercise training on back muscle size and symmetry has not been investigated in firefighters. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of worksite exercise training for eliciting lumbar multifidus muscle hypertrophy in firefighters. …METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with healthy, career firefighters (n=64) from a medium-sized fire department. Participants were randomized by fire station to exercise training (n=36) (supervised back and core exercise performed on duty, 2X/week, 24 weeks) or control (n=28). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the L4 and L5 lumbar multifidus muscle was assessed with ultrasonography at baseline and following the intervention. RESULTS: At 24 weeks, no significant differences were noted between the groups in the adjusted (by baseline scores and body mass) L4 and L5 lumbar multifidus muscle CSA and asymmetry values. CONCLUSIONS: A worksite exercise training program targeting the back and core is not effective for eliciting hypertrophy of the lumbar multifidus muscle in healthy firefighters. Show more

Keywords: Muscles, hypertrophy, exercise training, spine, ultrasonography

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141831

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 621-627, 2015

Authors: Lo, Panmi | Siu, Andrew M.H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Social-cognitive deficits have a significant impact on the community and vocational functioning of persons with schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between social-cognitive abilities and vocational functioning in a Chinese population. METHOD: We recruited 30 outpatients with schizophrenia to participate. We administered the Chinese Social Cognition and Screening Questionnaire (C-SCSQ) to assess Theory of Mind (ToM), attributional bias, and neurocognition; the Facial Expression Identification Test (FEIT) to assess …emotion perception (EP) ability, and the Chinese Work Personality Profile (CWPP) to assess work performance in a simulated work setting. RESULTS: ToM showed a significant negative correlation with attributional bias. The neurocognitive measure displayed a significant positive correlation with ToM and EP. The structural equation model was a good fit to the data (CFI=0.91, RMSEA=0.12), and showed that social-cognitive abilities had a significant impact (−0.41) on work performance. Of the four social-cognitive domains, ToM and paranoid attributional style (PAS) contributed significantly to variations in work performance. These results support the theory that social-cognitive abilities have an impact on work performance. ToM has a positive impact whereas PAS has an adverse effect. CONCLUSION: Persons with schizophrenia present specific deficits in their social-cognitive abilities, which have significant impact on their work performance and employability. Show more

Keywords: Emotion perception, theory-of-mind, attributional style, vocational

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141828

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 629-636, 2015

Authors: Hensing, G. | Holmgren, K. | Rohdén, H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Profound changes are taking place in the Swedish welfare state. The general population's attitudes are important insofar changes will be perceived as fair and effective to become implemented. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to study attitudes to the strictness of the sick-leave rules, relocation to other work tasks after 3 months of sick leave and applications for new jobs after 6 months of sick leave. METHODS: Eligible for this questionnaire study were 1,140 individuals aged 19 to …64 years. Their attitudes were analyzed in relation to age, gender, political ideology and health status. Health status was measured as sick-leave experiences, self-reported health and level of symptoms. RESULTS: Showed that 42% considered the sick-leave rules to be too strict, 60% found relocation to other work tasks to be good while 35% found that applications for new work were good. In logistic regression analyses, high sick-leave experience was associated with increased odds of finding the sick-leave rules too strict and disagreement with relocation to other work tasks or application for new jobs. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, strong support was found for relocation to other work tasks with the present employer. Earlier research on returning to work has found workplace interventions to be efficient. From a policy perspective it seems relevant to promote such interventions given the strong public opinion in their favor. Show more

Keywords: Attitude, sick leave, legislation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141827

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 637-647, 2015

Authors: Yu, Ruifeng | Li, Kai Way

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Slips and falls contribute to occupational injuries and fatalities globally. Both floor slipperiness and floor roughness affect the occurrence of slipping and falling. Investigations on fall-related phenomena are important for the safety and health of workers. OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to: compare the perceived floor slipperiness before and after walking on the floor; compare the perceived floor slipperiness with and without shoes for males and females; discuss the perceived floor …roughness based on barefoot walking; and establish regression models to describe the relationship between perceived floor slipperiness and actual friction of the floors. METHODS: Male and female subjects walked on 3 m walkways with or without shoes. The perceived floor slipperiness ratings both before and after their walk were collected. RESULTS: The perceived floor slipperiness both before and after walking were significantly affected by both floor and surface conditions. Gender, floor, surface, and footwear conditions were all significant factors affecting the adjustment of perceived floor slipperiness. The subjects made more adjustment on perceived floor slipperiness rating when they had shoes on than when they were barefooted. CONCLUSION: Regression models were established to describe the relationship between perceived floor slipperiness and floor coefficient of friction. These models may be used to estimate perceived floor slipperiness, or in reverse, the coefficient of friction of the floor, so as to prevent slipping and falling in workplaces. Show more

Keywords: Slips and falls, subjective rating, coefficient of friction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141830

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 649-657, 2015

Authors: Alberda, W. | Kampinga, O. | Kassels, R. | van Kester, R. | Noriega, J. | Vink, P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Efficient use of space and passenger comfort in aircraft interiors are major issues. There is not much research available about the flying experience regarding passengers' personal belongings. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to explore concepts within the current aircraft seats which improve the passenger experience related to their personal belongings like wallets, mobile phones and laptops. METHODS: Through on-site observations, interviews and online questionnaires, data regarding the number of personal belongings taken into the …airplane and opinions about access to hand luggage were gathered. These data were used to develop different concepts to optimize the aircraft interior, which were evaluated by passengers. RESULTS: Almost every passenger carries a phone (88%), wallet (94%), travel documents (98%) and keys (76%) with them and they like to have these stored close by. Passengers rate the concept that provides integrated storage in the tray table of the aircraft seat the best. CONCLUSIONS: Extra storage possibility in the table-tray seems a promising solution according to the passengers. Show more

Keywords: Aircraft interior, aircraft seats, passenger comfort, storage

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141829

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 659-667, 2015

Authors: Abedini, R. | Choobineh, A.R. | Hasanzadeh, J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Manual patient handling is known to be the major source of musculoskeletal load among hospital nurses. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), assess patient manual handling risk and identify major factors associated with MSDs symptoms among hospital nursing staff. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 randomly selected nurses from 75 wards of 11 hospitals. Data were collected by demographic and Nordic musculoskeletal …questionnaires together with MAPO checklist. Prevalence of MSDs was estimated with confidence interval of 95%. Chi-square test and independent sample t-test were used to investigate differences of MSDs prevalence for demographic variables between the subjects with and without MSDs. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed (forward: Wald) to determine MSDs associated risk factors. RESULTS: The means of age and job tenure in subjects were 30.76 ± 6.44 and 6.92 ± 5.75 years, respectively. Some form of musculoskeletal symptoms had been experienced during the last 12 months by 88.2% of the subjects. MAPO assessment revealed that 83.5% of the individuals were at risk. Statistical analysis showed that job tenure, nurse to bed ratio, gender, shift working and MAPO score were associated with MSDs (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of MSDs in hospital nursing personnel was high and the occurrence of MSDs was found to be associated with MAPO score. Based on the results, to improve working conditions, it is imperative to provide lifting equipment, implement training programs and increase nurse to bed ratio in hospitals. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, nursing personnel, patient manual handling, MAPO index

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141826

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 669-675, 2015

Authors: Baker, Nancy A. | Moehling, Krissy K. | Park, Seo Young

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is limited research on the effectiveness of alternative keyboards in reducing discomfort in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that participants using a fixed split-angle (alternative) keyboard would report significantly greater improvements in discomfort in comparison to those using a standard keyboard. Additionally, we hypothesized that at 5 months participants would significantly prefer the configuration of the alternative keyboard in comparison to the standard keyboard. METHOD: In this randomized cross-over trial 77 symptomatic computer operators …used fixed split-angle or standard flat keyboards for five months in their workplace, then switched to the other keyboard. Discomfort was collected weekly using the Weekly Discomfort Survey and usability was measured monthly. RESULTS: There was no significant keyboard by period effect on any discomfort measure. The number of participants with discomfort decreased dramatically in the first month of use, regardless of keyboard type, and this number remained relatively unchanged for the remainder of the study. Participants' ratings significantly favored the standard flat keyboard for usability. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not support the use of fixed split-angle keyboards over standard flat keyboards to reduce discomfort in the workplace. Further research is needed to evaluate if subgroups of keyboard users might benefit. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, discomfort, office ergonomics, typing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131797

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 677-686, 2015

Authors: Mann, Donna Purtee

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152002

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 687-690, 2015

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 691-695, 2015

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 697-699, 2015