Work - Volume 55, issue 2

Authors: Stavrakos, Stavros-Konstantinos | Ahmed-Kristensen, Saeema

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Past research on anthropometry, especially in the industry of external ear worn products, stresses that positive comfort is enhanced when there is sufficient knowledge of human factors; however, most anthropometric studies focus only on the acquirement and presentation of data. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to provide with different methods to support design applications of 3-dimensional head and ear data with a focus on external ear products. METHODS: Two hundred persons representing the Danish population were scanned. The 3D data was collected, refined and analysed in 3 meaningful ways: Advanced geometry, visualisations …of data and for the generation of archetypes. RESULTS: A matrix containing 29 new ear dimensions was generated. The application of methods led to the development of 9 additional dimensions. The paper finally presents all phases of the analysis of the 3D data in the form of a methodological framework. CONCLUSIONS: The paper contributes with, in addition to the methodological framework, techniques to extract data based on product understanding and how the data can be used to define archetypes for focus groups and other qualitative assessments. In their endeavour to develop successful and comfortable products designers should focus more on fitting the task into the human by benchmarking human dimensions against product data. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, design for interaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162399

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 321-334, 2016

Authors: Hall-Andersen, Lene Bjerg | Neumann, Patrick | Broberg, Ole

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The integration of ergonomics knowledge into engineering projects leads to both healthier and more efficient workplaces. There is a lack of knowledge about integrating ergonomic knowledge into the design practice in engineering consultancies. OBJECTIVES: This study explores how organizational resources can pose constraints for the integration of ergonomics knowledge into engineering design projects in a business-driven setting, and how ergonomists cope with these resource constraints. PARTICIPANTS: An exploratory case study in an engineering consultancy was conducted. A total of 27 participants were interviewed. METHODS: Data were collected applying semi-structured interviews, observations, and …documentary studies. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and categorized into themes. RESULTS: From the analysis five overall themes emerged as major constituents of resource constraints: 1) maximizing project revenue, 2) payment for ergonomics services, 3) value of ergonomic services, 4) role of the client, and 5) coping strategies to overcome resource constraints. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that resource constraints were shaped due to sub-optimization of costs in design projects. The economical contribution of ergonomics measures was not evaluated in the entire life cycle of a designed workplace. Coping strategies included teaming up with engineering designers in the sales process or creating an alliance with ergonomists in the client organization. Show more

Keywords: Engineering consultancy, engineering design, resources, organizational design and management

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162400

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 335-346, 2016

Authors: Newnam, Sharon | Petersen, Alan | Keleher, Helen | Collie, Alex | Vogel, Adam | McClure, Rod

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Case managers within injury compensation systems are confronted with various emotional demands. OBJECTIVE: Employing the concept of emotional labour, this paper explores distinctive aspects of these demands. METHODS: The findings are drawn from focus groups with 21 Australian case managers. RESULTS: Case managers work was characterised by extra-role commitments, emotional control, stress and balancing tensions arising from differing stakeholder expectations about outcomes related to compensation and return to work. CONCLUSIONS: By examining the experiences of case managers, the findings add to the literature on the emotional labour of front line …service workers, especially with respect to the demands involved in managing the conflicting demands of work. Show more

Keywords: Emotional labour, case managers, compensation industry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162406

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 347-357, 2016

Authors: Tobin, Rochelle | Leavy, Justine | Jancey, Jonine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Office-based staff spend around three quarters of their work day sitting. People who sit for long periods while at work are at greater risk of adverse health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The pilot study aimed to determine the effect of sit-stand workstations on office-based staff sedentary and physical activity behaviors, work ability and self-reported physical and mental health outcomes. METHODS: A two-group pre-post study design assessed changes in sedentary and physical activity behaviors (time spent sitting, standing and stepping and sit-stand transitions and number of steps taken) work ability and physical and mental health. Physical activity …behaviors were measured using activPAL activity monitors and self-reported data on work ability and physical and mental health were collected using an online questionnaire. RESULTS: Relative to the controls (n =19), the intervention group (n =18) significantly decreased time spent sitting by 100 minutes (p <0.001) and increased standing time by 99 minutes (p <0.001). There was a decrease in self-reported current work ability when compared to lifetime best (p =0.008). There were no significant differences for all other sedentary behavior, other workability outcomes, physical health or mental health outcomes at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The Uprising Study found that sit-stand workstations are an effective strategy to reduce occupational sitting time in office-based workers over a one month period. Show more

Keywords: Sedentary behavior, workplace, sitting, psychological health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162410

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 359-371, 2016

Authors: Barbieri, Barbara | Dal Corso, Laura | Di Sipio, Anna Maria | De Carlo, Alessandro | Benevene, Paula

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND : This study, carried out in five Therapeutic Communities (TCs), aims to evaluate the relationship between social support and sense of community for people with pathological addictions and the personal and professional dimensions of hope, resilience, work engagement, future time perspective, and job performance. Support to the person is attained through social support at work by the supervisor and the person’s sense of belonging to the community. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to analyze the relationship between social support, sense of community, hope, resilience, work engagement, future time perspective, and job performance. METHODS: …In order to verify the relations between those variables, structural equation models with observed variables (path analysis) were estimated using LISREL 8.80. RESULTS: The results show a direct relationship between social support at work by the supervisor and hope, as well as between sense of community and resilience at work, while work engagement plays a mediating role between the two antecedents and the personal and professional variables investigated – hope, resilience, future time perspective and performance at work. Performance was measured through both people’s self-perceptions and their supervisors’ evaluations. A positive correlation exists between the two assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The positive consequences of the research entail both theoretical and practical aspects. Show more

Keywords: Therapeutic community, drug and alcohol addiction, work engagement, positive attitudes, performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162411

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 373-383, 2016

Authors: Boeijinga, Anniek | Hoeken, Hans | Sanders, José

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The working environment, the nature of the work, and the characteristics of truck drivers as a social group typically pose great challenges for the truck drivers’ health and health promotion activities aiming to improve it. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to obtain a better understanding of (a) Dutch truck drivers’ perceptions of health and lifestyle themes, and (b) the challenges they experience in their pursuit of a more healthy lifestyle, as a guiding framework for the development of health interventions targeting this occupational group. METHODS: In this qualitative study, we conducted and analyzed 20 semi-structured …interviews and seven cases of participant observations with Dutch truck drivers. Grounded theory was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Our findings illustrate that Dutch truck drivers wish to improve their lifestyle but have unproductive associations with concepts of healthy living as well as a tendency to downplay their health risks. In addition, they experience barriers within their work and personal environment that prevent them from translating their intentions into actual lifestyle changes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the insights derived from the interviews, we discuss recommendations for the development of more effective health promotion interventions for truck drivers. Show more

Keywords: Truck drivers, trucking work environment, occupational health, grounded theory

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162409

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 385-397, 2016

Authors: Ganesh, Shankar | Chhabra, Deepak | Kumari, Nitika

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that farming is associated with many agricultural workers experiencing low back pain (LBP). The rehabilitation of these workers should facilitate their functioning, activities and level of participation in an adequate way. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to identify the health components associated with LBP and to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions in returning agricultural workers with LBP to their vocation using the International Classification of Function (ICF) -based tools. METHODS: Thirty-one full time agricultural workers from 3 different Indian states were prospectively assessed using the ICF core set …for LBP. ICF core sets permitted analysis of limitations of function from both the participant and rehabilitation team’s perspectives. Each ICF category was rated using an ICF qualifier. The components identified were linked to the ICF categorical profile and assessment sheet. The clinicians identified the global, service program and cycle goals based on ICF. The participants’ functioning was followed over a 4-month period. RESULTS: After intervention, the participants were able to undergo their routine activities without increases in pain. However, on returning to active farming, participants noted few improvements in the components d410 (changing basic body position), d415 (maintaining body position), d430 (lifting and carrying objects), d465 (moving around using equipment), d850 (remunerative employment) and d859 (work and employment, other specified and unspecified). CONCLUSION: The results of the study conclude that the current interventions for LBP are not effective in returning agriculture workers with LBP in India to pain-free farming. There is an urgent need to individualize the health needs of agriculture workers. Show more

Keywords: Occupations, return to work, human engineering, international classification of functioning, disabilityand health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162403

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 399-411, 2016

Authors: Langdon, Rebecca R. | Biggs, Herbert C. | Rowland, Bevan

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Australia’s mineral, resource and infrastructure sectors continues to expand as operations in rural and remote locations increasingly rely on fly-in, fly-out or drive-in, drive-out workforces in order to become economically competitive. The issues in effectively managing these workforces are becoming more apparent with reported high amounts of turnover and concerns for safety and performance. The issues presented include a range of physical, mental, psychosocial, safety and community challenges. OBJECTIVES: This review aims to consolidate a range of research conducted to communicate potential challenges for industry in relation to a wide variety of issues when engaging and …using FIFO/DIDO workforces which includes compressed working schedule design (work schedules), working hours, fatigue, safety performance, employee wellbeing, turnover, psychosocial relationships and community concerns. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed using EBSCOhost, PubMed and google scholar, with a focus on FIFO or DIDO workforces engaged within the resources sector. Search terms were kept broad in order to capture all national and international research conducted and included: “fly-in, fly-out” “FIFO” “DIDO” “drive-in, drive-out” “mining”. There was no date restriction included in the search. RESULTS: Many of the studies were focused on sleep quality, fatigue and the influence of lowered safety performance while at work, presenting an increased risk for health and safety. These issues may be exacerbated for the FIFO workforce when linked to additional research surrounding the extended periods of absence from families influencing workers personal relationships, psychological wellbeing, job satisfaction and the reported high amounts of turnover within the industry. Taken together, this presents a unique implication for the management and continued use of FIFO workforces when considering balancing safety and performance with economic viability of production and operations. CONCLUSIONS: The issues of long working hours, fatigue, turnover and job satisfaction are not new to the management of workers. However, FIFO workforces appear to be at an increased risk physically and mentally due to a culmination of other influences, such as extended and frequent periods of absence from friends and families which contribute to feelings of isolation and lowered psychological wellbeing. FIFO workers and their families, engage in a unique lifestyle, rarely are other workers subjected to long hours and compressed work weeks while separated or isolated from their families for extended periods of time. Recently, FIFO interest has shifted to understanding the influences on employee engagement, satisfaction, retention and safety. Considering the management of FIFO workforces from a holistic perspective incorporating all of the issues impacting on these workers may assist to ensure the challenges associated with FIFO employment are understood, addressed and communicated to workers and their families is crucial for safety and health. Show more

Keywords: FIFO, DIDO, health, mining, wellbeing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162412

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 413-427, 2016

Authors: Agarwal, Neelam | Kumar, Vinod

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Lupus is one of the leading causes of work disability in the United States, accounting for about 20% of the more than estimated 1.5 million Americans with a work disability. The symptoms of lupus can have a profound impact on the person’s employment. Impacts of lupus are more pronounced among young and middle-adulthood. Studies have shown that loss in work hours cost the nation nearly $13 billion annually. The loss also impacts the individual’s work, quality of life, self-management, and self-efficacy. OBJECTIVE: In this article, the author describes the financial burden …of lupus. The article also describes the substantial impact of lupus on employment outcomes for individuals living with the condition. The author also reviews major signs and symptoms of disease and their impact on employment. RESULTS: Findings from this research can be used to identify various accommodations and strategies for individuals to prevent flare-ups. CONCLUSIONS: The paper presents innovative strategies that include early interventions and how employers andco-workers can provide helpful support that includes job accommodations to individuals with lupus. Show more

Keywords: Lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE, employment, work disability, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162398

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 429-439, 2016

Authors: Mokarami, Hamidreza | Stallones, Lorann | Nazifi, Morteza | Taghavi, Sayed Mohammad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The role of psychosocial and physical work factors in predicting health related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been investigated among Iranian industrial workers. OBJECTIVE: The present study is designed to assess these relationships among Iranian workers from steel and cosmetic factories. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 workers from two factories. Psychosocial and physical work factors and HRQOL were measured by the Persian translations of the following questionnaires: Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-Brief). An instrument was developed to assess socio-demographic, health, and other …work-related factors. The data were analyzed using independent t -tests, Pearson product moment correlation and hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: Results revealed that the respondents generally had poor HRQOLs especially in the environmental domain. The steel factory workers who were exposed to higher levels of occupational risk factors suffered from poorer HRQOL compared to the cosmetic factory workers. The results of hierarchical regression for all participants revealed that social support, sleep quality, work schedule, smoking and exercise were significant predictors of all domains of HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the worker’s HRQOL, intervention programs should focus on promoting social support, sleep quality, exercise and smoking habits. Moreover, reducing hazardous work environments should be considered an important intervention to promote HRQOL. Show more

Keywords: Psychosocial work factors, job content questionnaire (JCQ), health-related quality of life, World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief, WHOQOL-brief

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162405

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 441-452, 2016

Authors: Håkansson, Carita | Axmon, Anna | Eek, Frida

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: More knowledge about how recovery may promote health among parents with small children is needed. OBJECTIVE: To explore whether insufficient time for leisure was associated with poorer perceived health and higher stress in working parents. A further aim was to explore potential gender differences in the association between insufficient time for leisure and poor perceived health. METHODS: A postal survey including the perceived stress scale and three measures of subjective health – self-rated health (SF-36), work-related fatigue (Swedish occupational fatigue questionnaire), and Lund subjective health complaints – as well as questions about time for leisure …was completed by 965 women and 597 men. Risk ratios for poor perceived health and stress were estimated using Poisson regression, in which also gender interaction was analysed. RESULTS: The results showed higher risk for perceived stress among parents reporting insufficient time for relaxation, and more subjective health complaints among those reporting insufficient time to spend with their children. Overall, effects were larger among women than among men. CONCLUSION: A good balance between work and leisure seems to be of importance for working parents’ perceived health and stress. Show more

Keywords: Gender, health promotion, human activities, relative risks

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162404

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 453-461, 2016

Authors: Salmani Nodooshan, H. | Koohi Booshehri, S. | Daneshmandi, H. | Choobineh, A.R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Iranian orthotic and prosthetic workshops, the majority of activities are carried out by manpower and the tasks are labor-intensive. In these workshops, ergonomic aspects of working conditions are seldom considered. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted in orthotic and prosthetic workshops with the objectives of determination of prevalence rate of MSDs among employees and assessment of ergonomics working conditions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, all employees (n  = 42; 29 males and 13 females) in 11 active orthotic and prosthetic production centers of Shiraz city participated. Data were collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) …and observational technique by an ergonomics checklist for assessment of working conditions. RESULTS: The means (SD) of age and job tenure (years) in the study individuals were 37.26 (10.21) and 12.8 (9.39), respectively. The most prevalent MSD symptoms in the past 12 months were reported in the lower back (42.9%), shoulders (40.5%) and knees (40.5%). Working conditions assessment showed that the main ergonomic problems in the workshops studied originated from awkward working posture, improper workstation design, poorly designed hand tools and incorrect manual material handling. CONCLUSION: Any interventional program for working conditions improvement should, therefore, focus on these areas. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomics assessment, orthosis and prosthesis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162401

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 463-470, 2016

Authors: Nilsson, Kerstin

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The number of older workers is increasing throughout the industrialised world and older workers are known to be more frequent in the injury-prone agricultural sector. OBJECTIVE: This paper sought to extend knowledge by reviewing evaluated intervention studies intended to decrease risks and work injuries among older workers in agriculture. METHODS: A systematic literature review regarding: evaluated intervention projects on injury prevention, including participants aged 55 years and older, and working in agriculture. RESULTS: This review identified evaluated intervention projects regarding: i) intervention in injury prevention; ii) interventions to increase knowledge in health …and safety tasks and practice; and iii) interventions to increase the use of safety equipment in work. The evaluations reviewed showed that the interventions were less successful in involving older agricultural workers than their younger counterparts. The evaluations also showed that the outcome of interventions was generally less positive or brought about no significant difference in risk awareness and behaviour change among older agricultural workers. CONCLUSIONS: Many articles and statistics describe injuries in agriculture. Especially older farm workers are one of the groups with most work injuries and deaths. Despite this, an important finding in this review was shortage of implemented and evaluated intervention studies orientated toward reduce injuries among older workers in agriculture. This review also found that no intervention project in the evaluations studied had a clear positive effect. Many intervention studies have problems with or lack of evaluation in the study design. Based on the results in this review, important future research tasks are to improve the design of interventions, devise implementation methods and formulate appropriate evaluation methods to measure the outcome of the interventions. Intervention programmes also need to involve older workers specific physical and cognitive age aspects in the design to increases their willingness to participate and to be successful to reduce injuries. Show more

Keywords: Risk prevention, accidents, injury, occupational health, age management, farm, health and safety practice, older employees, work risk education, extended working life

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162407

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 471-480, 2016

Authors: Buntat, Yahya | Saud, Muhammad Sukri | Mokhtar, Mahani | Kamin, Yusri | Feh, Lim Set

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Increase in the occurrence of existing diseases, continual emergence of new or exotic diseases and re-emergence of old diseases have placed increasing demands on biomedical services in Malaysia. Biomedical technicians play an important role in operating biomedical instruments. However, there are no clear specifications about characteristics and traits for these semi-professional employees. Employers in a few studies claimed that biomedical graduates are not ready to enter and face challenges in the job market. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify technical and generic skills for a biomedical technician from the perspectives of the …biomedical technicians and their employers. METHODS: A quantitative survey design was employed whereby data were obtained through the administration of an instrument developed by the researchers. The sample consisted of 20 hospital managers and 186 biomedical technicians who are currently working in Malaysian government hospitals. RESULTS: The findings show that there are no difference in the perceptions of hospital managers and biomedical technicians regarding technical and non-technical skills. CONCLUSIONS: These findings resulted in a checklist which can be used for institutions to produce future biomedical technician graduates in order to meet job demands. However, future research is needed to validate the findings and explore the variables in depth. Show more

Keywords: Technical skills, generic skills, biomedical education employer, employee

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162417

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 481-487, 2016

Authors: Shih, Yi-Nuo | Chien, Wei-Hsien | Chiang, Han-sun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In addition to demonstrating that human emotions improve work attention performance, numerous studies have also established that music alters human emotions. Given the pervasiveness of background music in the workplace, exactly how work attention, emotions and music listening are related is of priority concern in human resource management. OBJECTIVES: This preliminary study investigates the relationship between work attention performance and emotions arising from listening to music. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty one males and 34 females, ranging from 20–24 years old, participated in this study following written informed consent. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) …was performed in this study, which consisted of six steps and the use of the standard attention test and emotion questionnaire. RESULTS: Background music with lyrics adversely impacts attention performance more than that without lyrics. Analysis results also indicate that listeners self-reported feeling “loved” while music played that implied a higher score on their work-attention performance. Moreover, a greater ability of music to make listeners feel sad implied a lower score on their work-attention performance. CONCLUSIONS : Results of this preliminary study demonstrate that background music in the workplace should focus mainly on creating an environment in which listeners feel loved or taken care and avoiding music that causes individuals to feel stressed or sad. We recommend that future research increase the number of research participants to enhance the applicability and replicability of these findings. Show more

Keywords: Background music, feeling, attention performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162408

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 489-494, 2016