Work - Volume 64, issue 1

Authors: Rydell, Alexis | Andersson, Ing-Marie | Bernsand, Carl-Olof | Rosén, Gunnar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A considerable amount of money is invested annually in workplaces to promote creative, comfortable and safe work environments. The processes and effects of these investments are however not sufficiently studied. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to examine work environment investment processes and identify organizational critical elements for optimizing investment in terms of occupational health and safety effects for employees. METHODS: Twelve case studies were conducted in different sectors. The data was collected through interviews, by studying available documents, and, in several cases, observations and measurement of hazards by means of the PIMEX-method. …RESULTS: The empirical results yielded seven different critical elements for work environment investment processes. The critical elements identified were: identifying the need, risk assessment, involvement of staff, consultation with OHS expertise, procurement and delivery, implementation and training of workers, and evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The critical elements have wide similarities with steps outlined in Swedish Work Environment Management processes, and ideas described in the Plan-Do-Act-Check model. If organizations follow this process, they are provided with improved possibilities for maximizing invested money for a safer working environment. Show more

Keywords: Safe workplaces, systematic work environment management, improvement measures, change process

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192974

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 1, pp. 107-116, 2019

Authors: Nützi, Marina | Schwegler, Urban | Staubli, Stefan | Ziegler, Ruth | Trezzini, Bruno

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Matching an individual’s capabilities, interests and needs with corresponding job demands and characteristics is an established procedure in vocational rehabilitation (VR). Yet, a systematic exposition of specific factors affecting the determination and attainment of a person-job match in VR practice is currently missing. OBJECTIVE: To examine factors, assessments and interventions related to job matching (JM) in VR of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) by using a literature-based conceptual JM framework. METHODS: Applying a qualitative descriptive design, data were collected by overt non-participant observations across the VR process of two individuals with SCI, representing major …return-to-work scenarios (returning to the pre-injury job and preparing for vocational retraining). RESULTS: Person-related, job-related and environmental factors were identified that either played a direct or indirect role in determining and attaining a person-job match. The factors were evaluated by different work-related and medical assessments and were targeted by a number of JM-related interventions. CONCLUSIONS: While our conceptual framework may serve as a generic blueprint to facilitate JM approaches in VR practice, the specific factors identified in our study are particularly valuable for developing JM applications aimed at promoting sustainable return to work for persons with SCI. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, work rehabilitation, non-participant observation, vocational counseling, person-job fit, person-environment fit, work participation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192975

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 1, pp. 117-134, 2019

Authors: Bagheri, Zahra Shaghayegh | Patel, Nidhi | Li, Yue | Rizzi, Katherine | Lui, Kai Yan Grace | Holyoke, Paul | Fernie, Geoff | Dutta, Tilak

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Falls are among the leading causes of occupational injuries for workers exposed to outdoor winter conditions such as Personal Support Workers (PSWs). Slip resistant footwear is known to reduce the risk of falls, however, it is difficult to predict how well a particular boot will perform prior to purchasing them. Our recently developed Maximum Achievable Angle (MAA) test can be used to rate footwear objectively to address this gap. OBJECTIVE: To rate the slip resistance of a selection of winter footwear that meets the needs and preferences of PSWs. METHODS: We selected 40 representative types …of footwear based on survey results from 677 PSWs and applied our MAA test to rate slip resistance. RESULTS: Comfort and slip resistance were rated the most important features for selecting winter footwear. Of the 40 types of footwear tested, six were found to have a good slip resistance on ice. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of winter footwear that meet the needs and preferences of PSWs, perform poorly on ice. Therefore, PSWs should consult our website (ratemytreads.com) for selecting appropriate footwear that will keep them safe in the winter. Show more

Keywords: Slips, falls, outdoor workers, footwear, homecare workers, icy surfaces

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192947

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 1, pp. 135-151, 2019

Authors: Singh, Harbir | Singh, Lakhwinder Pal

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Insurance employees in India are overworked, and their jobs demand prolonged sitting hours in the office; this can lead to musculoskeletal disorders through consistent stress on the musculoskeletal system. The present study includes implications for the reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders to minimise sick leaves and medical expenses. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder-related issues among employees working in insurance offices and to analyse the association of pain symptoms with risk factors including demographic, occupational and psychosocial factors. METHODS: The study included 400 employees from different insurance offices. Data were …collected using a questionnaire about pain, a flexibility test (sit-and-reach test) and a video-based analysis of working postures using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method. RESULTS: The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms was the highest in the neck (57.2%), shoulders (38.5%), upper back (28.5%) and lower back (46.2%). CONCLUSIONS: A high persistence of musculoskeletal symptoms was observed in the neck, lower back, upper back and shoulders; the presence of these symptoms was strongly associated with predominant factors: assumed awkward posture, body mass index, job demand, RULA score and infrequent rest breaks. Additional research is required for testing the effect of interventions involving stretching exercises and/or installation of ergonomic workstations. Show more

Keywords: BMI, occupational factors, psychosocial work factors, RULA

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192978

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 1, pp. 153-160, 2019

Authors: Kekkonen, Päivi | Reiman, Arto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Service organizations and their employees encounter challenges today due to an increase in the average age of employees, a decrease in recruitment, and changes in work tasks, sites, and communities. These factors give rise to physical and psychosocial burdens that can lower the work ability and productivity of the employees. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to find practical solutions for challenges related to the work environment and practices at a public in-house enterprise providing meal and cleaning services. Also, the design of a model for the management of these load factors at municipal workplaces, where …stakeholders from different subdivisions work together, is intended. METHODS: The materials comprised of documents provided by the case organization, interviews, and work observations. Root cause analysis and participatory development sessions were carried out to find causes for the observed challenges and to discover practical solutions. RESULTS: A number of microergonomic solutions were found. Also, broader subjects for development, common to several target workplaces, were discovered. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of a shared workplace, proved useful in exploring ways to manage work ability and productivity. A generalizable macroergonomics model for the management of load factors at shared workplaces in the public sector was proposed. Show more

Keywords: Load factors, macroergonomics, participatory development, public sector, work system

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192966

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 1, pp. 161-173, 2019