Work - Volume 62, issue 2

Authors: Guner, Umit

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous studies find conflicted results on the relationship between long working hours and hypertension. Establishing a consensus for the direction of the relationship, more research is needed. OBJECTIVES: Although the European Union’s Working Time Directive limits weekly working hours, no such similar restriction exists in the United States. This leads to the important question of which is a better policy. This study bridges a gap in the literature by examining the relationship between working hours and having hypertension among older workers in the United States. METHODS: We applied the Cox regression and probit methods to …panel data taken from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS.) RESULTS: We found that an increase in a person’s working hours reduces the probability of having high blood pressure for male and female workers. CONCLUSION: This study’s findings may raise questions about the need for initiatives in the European Union and other countries that regulate the length of work schedules. Show more

Keywords: Health and retirement survey, older workers, employee health, cox regression

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192862

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 279-285, 2019

Authors: Haraldsson, P. | Jonker, D. | Rolander, B. | Strengbom, E. | Areskoug-Josefsson, K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational health services (OHS) are rarely involved in preventive issues and systematic work environment management. The Structured Multidisciplinary Work Evaluation Tool (SMET) questionnaire was created to address the lack of multidisciplinary/multifactorial OHS tools with the aim to be used in preventive issues and systematic work environment management. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate trustworthiness of the inter-rater reliability in the qualitative analysis of the open-ended items and intra-rater reliability of the self-estimated items in the SMET questionnaire. METHODS: A qualitative comparison of the inter-rater reliability in the qualitative analysis of the open-ended …items was performed to evaluate trustworthiness. The intra-rater reliability of the self-estimated items in the SMET questionnaire were analysed with Elisabet Svensson method. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis of the open-ended items showed good trustworthiness. The self-estimated items showed a high percent agreement (PA), 0.98–0.99 in the physically, 0.99 in the environmentally and 0.98–1.0 in the psychosocially demanding items. A low degree of systematic errors and individual variability were found. CONCLUSIONS: The SMET questionnaire shows good trustworthiness and intra-rater reliability and can be used to follow up and evaluate work environmental interventions. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health care, pragmatic value, validity, work environment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192863

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 287-297, 2019

Authors: Dainter, K.M. | McKinlay, A. | Grace, R.C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major health problem for adults aged 50–65 years. Mild/moderate TBI in older adults has implications for the workforce and the individual’s quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in life roles, QOL, daily activity performance, perceptions of support available and rehabilitative experiences among older adults with predominantly mTBI and orthopaedic injury (OI). METHODS: The study included 15 individuals with TBI (13 mild, 2 moderate) and 15 with OI (50–65 years), with injuries sustained more than 6 months prior to. A semi-structured interview retrieved background information, and satisfaction with …life roles and daily activities. The World Health Organisation Quality of Life Questionnaire - 100 Version was used to examine QOL, and The Role Checklist was administered to assessed change in life roles. RESULTS: Independent samples t- tests revealed older adults with mTBI experienced more role losses, had lower QOL, and were less satisfied with daily activity performance than those with OI. Regression analysis revealed mTBI significantly predicts QOL (except physical domain) when controlling for gender, age at injury and time since injury. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate the detrimental impact of predominantly mild TBI on older adults’ life roles and QOL, and highlights need for services that adequately support older adults who have experienced mTBI, so they can return to their pre-injury life roles and maintain QOL. Show more

Keywords: Life satisfaction, daily activities, social relationships, employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192864

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 299-307, 2019

Authors: Bazazan, Ahmad | Rasoulzadeh, Yahya | Dianat, Iman | Safaiyan, Abdolrasoul | Mombeini, Zohreh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Shift working is unavoidable in many industries with continual material processing such as petrochemical plants. So, the adverse effects of shift working on workers should be seriously considered. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study evaluated occupational fatigue and mental health complaints and their relationship in rotating 8-hour shift workers. METHOD: In this study, 287 shift workers participated. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to evaluate the level of fatigue and mental health, respectively. RESULT: A relatively high prevalence of mental health complaints (particularly social dysfunction) and fatigue (especially general …fatigue) were found among the study population. In general, 43.4% of participants reported a mental health problem. A moderate correlation was found between fatigue and mental health (r = 0.58). The stepwise regression model revealed that fatigue was significantly related only to “anxiety and insomnia” and “severe depression”. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the 8 h shift workers in studied areas are exposed to a considerable risk of mental health and fatigue. So, improving the ergonomics and health aspects of the workplace is recommended to reduce related risk factors. Show more

Keywords: Shift work, petrochemical, ergonomics, iran, fatigue

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192865

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 309-317, 2019

Authors: Sharma, Bhanu | Nowrouzi-Kia, Behdin | Mollayeva, Tatyana | Kontos, Pia | Grigorovich, Alisa | Liss, Gary | Gibson, Brian | Mantis, Steve | Lewko, John | Colantonio, Angela

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although work-related injuries are on the decline, rates of work-related traumatic brain injury (wrTBI) continue to rise. As even mild wrTBI can result in cognitive, behavioural, and functional impairments that can last for months and even years, injury prevention is a primary research focus. Administrative claims data have provided valuable insights into the mechanisms that cause wrTBI; however, data from the perspective of injured workers on wrTBI prevention is limited. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to better understand the factors that precipitate wrTBI, as perceived by injured workers. METHODS: We recruited 101 injured workers from a …neurology services clinic with a province-wide catchment area in a large, urban teaching hospital and studied perceived preventability of these injuries from the injured workers’ perspective. RESULTS: Key findings were that nearly 80% of injuries were perceived as preventable, and nearly 25% and 50% of workers reported that they did not receive job and health and safety training, respectively. Less than half of all workers reported being regularly supervised, and of those who were supervised, approximately two-thirds reported that supervision was adequate. Moreover, 84% and 77% reported they were advised to rest and take time-off after the injury, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to show that the vast majority of injured workers consider their wrTBI to be preventable. In addition, we found that training and supervision are two areas that can be targeted by wrTBI prevention strategies. Our study provides valuable and unique perspectives to consider when designing wrTBI prevention initiatives. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192866

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 319-325, 2019

Authors: Siu, Andrew M.H. | Fung, Manfred S.M. | Cheung, Phoebe P.P. | Shea, Chi Kwan | Lau, Benson W.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Young people recovering from drug addiction often face challenges in returning to the job market and in maintaining their jobs. Many of them feel they have no choice but to do entry-level work, and they are often unsure about their work ability and vocational choice. OBJECTIVE: In collaboration with a youth outreach service, this study aims to provide a package of vocational assessment, guidance, and support for these clients. METHODS: Using a strength-based case management framework, we conducted a comprehensive vocational evaluation for each participant (N = 17), which covered self-perception of abilities, work and occupational interests, …work readiness, work-related self-efficacy, and work aptitudes. We presented assessment results to each client and provided guidance on their education, training, or vocational choice. RESULTS: The results of aptitude tests indicate that most participants can cope with an entry-level job. Many participants are strong in jobs that require quick decision-making, sorting, assembly, and clerical tasks, but many are weak in fine manual dexterity and eye-hand-foot coordination. Many participants preferred jobs that are creative, indefinite, and autonomous in nature. CONCLUSION: Longer-term vocational counseling and coaching is needed to help clients make vocational choices and extend their job tenure. Many clients will also need training in job seeking and job maintenance skills. Show more

Keywords: Substance abuse, assessment, guidance, chinese, vocational

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192867

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 327-336, 2019

Authors: Zlatar, Tomi | Torres Costa, José | Vaz, Mário | Santos Baptista, João

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exposure to severe cold thermal environment (SCE) is a significant risk factor in the frozen food industry, influencing health and safety of the employees. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to present the level of knowledge on the influence of SCE on core and skin temperatures. METHODS: The review has been conducted using appropriated keywords and expressions, by searching 21 electronic databases and references of the included articles. Only research articles with healthy subjects and considering exposure to SCE conditions (– 5°C or lower) were considered. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were included in …the systematic review which met the research objective and were in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the included studies measured core or skin temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: The main findings of this review indicate that working in SCE is and will remain an added risk factor. Further studies should be conducted in laboratory and industrial severe cold thermal environments on acclimatized and non-acclimatized subjects, in order to evaluate core and skin temperature variations and its recovery periods. Show more

Keywords: Cold exposure, thermoregulation, body temperature, cold store, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192868

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 337-352, 2019

Authors: Schnoor, Joerg | Braehler, Elmar | Heyde, Christoph-E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Management by Objectives (MbO) has been shown to establish efficient team work in both industry and medicine. Its most important prerequisite for success is target agreements between managers and medical professionals on equal footing. In medicine, lump-sum financing urges the delivery of a health care service with minimal effort. Consequently, daily clinical life changed, with economic goals seeming to become priority over medical principles. OBJECTIVE: To determine how well MbO can still be practiced in hospitals with lumped treatment prices. METHODS: We used an anonymized questionnaire for already retired physician executives who completed their active …leadership positions between 2010 and 2015 in Saxony (Germany). We asked various type of target agreements that had been used in order to achieve medical or economic targets. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Out of 111 former executives, the questionnaires of 25 respondents could be analysed. Eight respondents confirmed target agreements that were mostly set by managing directors. If used, most targets had not been adapted to the infrastructure and personnel strength, nor were they coordinated with neighbouring departments. Four respondents received financial incentives. Most medical executives were unsatisfied and preferred to abandon further goal setting. Due to the low number of cases, the representativeness of the study is limited. Nevertheless, it might be questioned if a flat-rate remuneration system facilitates the change into an authoritarian leadership concept. Show more

Keywords: Hospital management, economics, targets, Management by Objectives, financial incentives

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192869

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 353-359, 2019

Authors: Marino, D. Joshua | Rivera, Victor | Joseph, James | Williams, Randy | Jeannis, Hervens | Goldberg, Mary | Grindle, Garrett G. | Kimmel, Joshua | Cooper, Rory A.

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act mandate for reasonable accommodations, wheelchair users are often placed in the role of observer and note-taker when learning machining and fabrication skills due to a lack of accessibility. The focus of this case study report is to identify and develop reasonable accommodations for wheelchair users in an academic machine shop environment to address accessibility limitations of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) machines. Individual wheelchair users working and learning within the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) were observed and interviewed about their experiences using the machine shop equipment without modifications, followed by further observations after accommodations …were implemented. Show more

Keywords: Machining, engineering, accessibility, worksite accommodations

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192870

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 361-370, 2019