Work - Volume 64, issue 4

Authors: Kee, Dohyung | Haslam, Roger

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are estimated to be the most common and frequent of all occupational diseases in agriculture in Korea, but the full extent of the problem has yet to be surveyed. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the results of a survey investigating the extent of WMSDs among self-employed farmers in Korea. It also describes ergonomics based preventive interventions initiated by the Korean government. METHOD: The prevalence of WMSDs was surveyed among 358 farmers using a questionnaire adapted from the Nordic questionnaires, employing three case definitions. RESULTS: The results showed that the overall …prevalence rates of WMSDs by case definition 1 (any symptoms), 2 (symptoms with a pain intensity of moderate or greater), and 3 (symptoms with a pain intensity of high or greater) were 97.2%, 83.2%, and 39.7% respectively and that the shoulder, knee and lower back disorder rates were higher than those of other body parts. Compared to the prevalence rates of WMSDs for workers in other industries in Korea as well as USA farmers, the overall rates for farmers in Korea were much higher. The interventions, which adopted a participatory approach involving government, farmers, ergonomics, technical and industrial hygiene experts, showed benefits in terms of work efficiency, safety and farmer satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The high WMSD symptom prevalence showed that agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in Korea, and the Korean government’s interventions were effective and successful. Show more

Keywords: Nordic questionnaire, WMSDs, ergonomics interventions, participatory ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193038

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 763-775, 2019

Authors: Rinaldi-Miles, Anna | Das, Bhibha M. | Kakar, Rumit Singh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pedometer-based worksite interventions have been found to be successful in increasing physical activity (PA) but adherence is challenging. OBJECTIVE: To examine the use of Implementation Intentions (II), a self-regulatory skill, with self-monitoring with a pedometer to initiate behavior change as well as post-intervention adherence in a worksite wellness intervention. METHODS: University employees (N  = 54) participated in an 8-week pedometer-based intervention. A 2-arm randomized trial was used to compare the effectiveness of 1) only pedometers (PED) (n  = 28) and 2) pedometers and II (PED+II) (n  = 26) on PA. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between …time points (p  < .0001) but not between groups. Post -hoc pairwise comparisons between the time points revealed difference between Baseline and Week 4 (mean difference: 2446.9 steps/ day; p  < 0.001), Week 4 and 12 (mean difference: 2956.3 steps/ day; p  < 0.001), and Week 8 and 12 (mean difference: 2228.8 steps/ day; p  = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The PED+II group had higher step increases during the intervention indicating that the behavioral strategy was effective. However, participants in both groups had a significant decrease in steps from the end of the intervention to the delayed-post assessment highlighting the challenge to maintain behavioral changes post-intervention. Show more

Keywords: Pedometry, physical activity, health behavior, intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193039

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 777-785, 2019

Authors: Mokarami, Hamidreza | Toderi, Stefano

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Given the wide variety of factors affecting work-related stress, a work system approach could be adopted in order to better identify factors that impact individual stress. OBJECTIVES: To provide a scoping review of the available work-related stress questionnaires and to reclassify their scales on the basis of the five elements included in the work system model using a content analysis method. METHODS: The main available work-related stress questionnaires used in previous studies in the time range of 1975 to 2017 were collected through a search in several indexing and citation databases. To reclassify the scales …of these questionnaires, a qualitative content analysis was used and then reclassified in accordance with the five components of work system model: job (tasks), organizational condition, individual characteristics, technology and tools, and physical environmental. RESULTS: In total, 22 questionnaires met the conditions required to be entered into the final stage of the study. Emphasis of these questionnaires was on measuring job-related factors and organizational condition-related factors. 22.7% of them had considered no scales to measure the individual characteristics-related factors. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the reclassification can help organizations select areas that encompass their own specific problems. Practical implications are also discussed. Show more

Keywords: Occupational stress, psychosocial factors, risk assessment, work system model, macroergonomic, questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193040

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 787-795, 2019

Authors: Smeets, Jard | Hoefsmit, Nicole | Houkes, Inge

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dutch legislation stimulates active participation of employees in their own return-to-work (RTW). In addition, RTW professionals encourage sick-listed employees to self-direct RTW. It remains unclear, however, how employees give meaning to and shape their self-direction. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to conceptualize self-direction using the components of Self-Determination Theory (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) as a framework. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three long-term sick-listed employees. These results were combined with 14 existing transcripts of semi-structured interviews with long-term sick-listed employees and employees who experienced long-term sick leave during the previous calendar year. All interview transcripts …were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Employees generally think of self-direction as making their own decision regarding RTW. They wish to decide by themselves how to shape their RTW-process. Several environmental factors play a role in employees’ self-direction. Proximal factors are satisfaction of the need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Distal factors are legislation regarding RTW, organizational culture and clarity regarding the roles of various stakeholders in the process of sickness absence and RTW. CONCLUSIONS: Exercising self-direction in RTW seems to contribute to a personalized RTW-process that takes into account individual needs and wishes. Preconditions for effective self-direction are a supportive environment and good cooperation between employee, employer, and occupational physician. Show more

Keywords: Sickness absence, sick leave, work resumption, cooperation, self-determination theory

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193041

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 797-807, 2019

Authors: Bejer, Agnieszka | Domka-Jopek, Elżbieta | Probachta, Mirosław | Lenart-Domka, Ewa | Wojnar, Jolanta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Burnout is most often referred to as a syndrome of characteristic mental and somatic symptoms, which are the result of chronic stress most often associated with professional work. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of burnout syndrome among physiotherapists and its determinants related to sex, age, education, workplace, occupational activity, work experience and financial situation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-six professionally active full-time physiotherapists participated in the study. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure burnout. RESULTS: In the examined group of physiotherapists, we observed a low …level of Emotional Exhaustion ( x ¯ = 15.99) and Depersonalization level ( x ¯ = 4.31), while Personal Accomplishment was moderate but approaching high level ( x ¯ = 31.63). A significant relationship between sex, education, work experience, place of work, scope of professional activities, financial situation, and individual dimensions of burnout syndrome were observed. CONCLUSION: A significantly reduced sense of personal accomplishment occurred commonly in a studied group of physiotherapists. Professional burnout is most likely to occur in men, in people with higher education, in those working in hospital departments with more work experience, and those in a poor financial situation. Employers should take care of their employees’ mental health as a part of burnout prophylaxis. Show more

Keywords: Maslach Burnout Inventory, emotional exhaustion, psychophysical exhaustion, depersonalization

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193042

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 809-815, 2019

Authors: Chander, Harish | Turner, Alana J. | Swain, Jonathan C. | Sutton, Phillip E. | McWhirter, Katherine L. | Morris, Cody E. | Knight, Adam C. | Carruth, Daniel W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The impact of occupational footwear and workload on postural stability has been studied previously to prevent fall-related workplace injuries. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of two types of occupational footwear [steel-toed (SB) and tactical (TB) work boots] on human balance, when exposed to physical workload. METHODS: Postural stability was evaluated in eighteen male participants in the following conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), eyes open unstable surface (EOU) and eyes closed unstable surface (ECU). Postural sway parameters were analyzed using a 2×3 repeated measures analysis of variance design …[prior to (PRE) and twice post-workload (POST1 & POST2) separated by 10 minutes of rest]. RESULTS: Findings revealed that the use of SB resulted in greater postural stability, which could be attributed to the design characteristics of these footwear and that postural stability was negatively impacted immediately after the workload which could be attributed to the physical exertions during the workload. However, significant differences were limited to ECU with no visual and altered somatosensory feedback. CONCLUSION: Design features on occupational footwear can aid postural stability while physical exertional tasks can be detrimental. Findings can offer design and work-rest scheduling suggestions to improve work safety. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, fall prevention, balance, human factor, personal protective equipment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193043

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 817-824, 2019

Authors: Adje, Misheal | Odebiyi, Daniel O. | Okafor, Udoka A. | Kalu, Michael E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists are advocates of workplace health and safety. Despite the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), there is limited knowledge of ergonomic principles have been successfully applied in the workplace by Nigerian physiotherapists. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the knowledge and practice of ergonomic principles in patient handling among physiotherapists in Nigeria. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey design was used to sample 360 physiotherapists practicing in Nigeria. Participants responded to a three-part structured questionnaire that had a reliability coefficient of 0.77. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square. RESULTS: The majority (95.9%) of …the participants had good knowledge of the ergonomic principles in patient handling while only 48.6% reported practicing them. Poor practice was mainly due to a lack of patient handling equipment. There was no significant association between knowledge and practice of ergonomic principles among study participants. Specific areas of physiotherapy practice showed a significant association with ergonomic knowledge and practice. Years of physiotherapy practice and highest educational qualifications showed a significant association with the levels of practice and knowledge respectively. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists in Nigeria reported a good level of knowledge of ergonomic principles, but a poor practice level. Perhaps this non-adherence contributed to the high prevalence of WMSDs among physiotherapists in Nigeria. Show more

Keywords: Health care professionals, manual handling, musculoskeletal disorders, workplace ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193044

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 825-832, 2019

Authors: Teraoka, Mutsumi | Kyougoku, Makoto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Occupational dysfunction is frequent among healthcare workers, but little is known about factors related to occupational participation and stress coping behavior among healthcare workers. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze structural relationships among occupational dysfunction, stress coping, and occupational participation in healthcare workers. METHODS: Participants were 601 healthcare workers in 13 facilities. Data were collected with participant profile, Classification and Assessment of Occupational Dysfunction (CAOD), Coping Scale (CS), and Self-completed Occupational Performance Index (SOPI). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, item response theory (IRT), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation analysis, and path analysis. …RESULTS: CFAs of CAOD, CS, and SOPI indicated good fit to the predicted models. In IRT, CAOD and SOPI showed conformity, but two items of CS showed nonconformity. The correlation between CAOD-SOPI was high to moderate (–0.486 to –0.246; p  < 0.001), whereas that between CAOD and emotion-focused coping was weakly negative. SOPI and CS were negatively associated with occupational dysfunction (p  < 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: This model demonstrated that SOPI and CS had a negative structural relationship with occupational dysfunction. Therefore, it seems important to encourage occupational participation (in the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure) to reduce occupational dysfunction in healthcare workers. Show more

Keywords: Structural equation modeling, preventive occupational therapy, stress, coping, healthcare workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193045

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 833-841, 2019

Authors: McElhiney, Martin C. | Rabkin, Judith G. | Daughters, Stacey B. | Timperlake, Erin C. | Wainberg, Milton L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment rates for people with HIV/AIDS are low, compared to the general population. One widespread barrier is fatigue, accompanied by daytime sleepiness and a lack of stamina. Previous pharmacological studies have demonstrated improvement of fatigue-related symptoms without affecting work-related goal attainment OBJECTIVE: In this pilot study, we sought to determine whether a pharmacologic-behavioral two-phase combined approach could facilitate returning to work. METHODS: HIV+ participants with fatigue were treated with armodafinil. If energy improved, 8 sessions of biweekly manualized Behavioral Activation (BA) counseling were added to medication maintenance. Outcome was assessed on a 3-point scale along …with clinician and self-ratings. RESULTS: Of the 46 participants enrolled in BA, 15 (33%) did not complete all 8 sessions: 6 got jobs so they no longer needed counseling; 4 did not like BA, and 5 dropped out for reasons such as moving away or substance use relapse. Of the 46, 29 (63%) attained their vocational goal and showed significant changes on self-report scales. CONCLUSIONS: Our integrated treatment including armodafinil plus BA counseling significantly increased the success of achieving work-related goals. The two-phase medication plus counseling program was well-tolerated by participants and the manualized BA counseling was readily applied by counselors without advanced mental health training, making the method potentially feasible in community settings. Show more

Keywords: Employment, armodafinil, behavioral activation, goal attainment, HIV+

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193046

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 843-852, 2019

Authors: Augner, Christoph | Kaiser, Gerlinde

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) are a major health problem in health professionals. However, there is very little evidence about predictors of MSS in the group of radiology technologists. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify prevalence and predictors of MSS in radiology technologists working in Austrian Hospitals. METHODS: 272 radiology technologists completed a self-report questionnaire including MSS, work demands, work strain and well-being (WHO-5 questionnaire). RESULTS: Lower back pain and upper back pain are the most frequent MSS in radiology technologists. A high proportion of participants experience these symptoms every day (20.1% …and 19.8%, respectively). Work strain, age and well-being were the best predictors for MSS in a regression model. CONCLUSIONS: MSS is a major health issue for radiology technologist working in hospitals. Our results provide evidence for the assumption that psychological factors play an important role in development of MSS. Thus, beside physical health promotion programs (e.g. safe patient handling), psychological intervention may have positive effects on MSS. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, health professionals, low back pain, work conditions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193047

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 853-858, 2019

Authors: Long, Jennifer | Edwin, Marion | Albolino, Sara | Toccafondi, Giulio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The International Ergonomics Association is a professional association for human factors and ergonomics (HFE) professionals. Australia and New Zealand are two of 52 Federated Societies within the IEA. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes an Ergonomics and the Future World (EFW) workshop held at the IEA Triennial Congress in 2018 (IEA2018), and reports the findings of the Australia / New Zealand (Southern Cross) Cluster (SCC). METHODS: Four questions were developed by the IEA EFW committee to evaluate the ergonomics state-of-play in various world regions. Southern Cross delegates (N  = 17) participated in a 90-minute workshop discussion at IEA2018 …(45% participation rate for SCC delegates). A summary was presented during the IEA2018 closing ceremony and as a written report for the IEA. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the SCC discussions: (i) the impact of technology advances on HFE professional practice;(ii) communication with internal and external stakeholders; and (iii) HFE education. CONCLUSIONS: The workshop findings are similar to issues raised at local discussions in Australia and New Zealand over past decades and mirror comments and opinions published by authors in the HFE profession. They provide a benchmark for current SCC opinion and may provide direction for future discussion of these recurring issues. Show more

Keywords: IEA, professional association, marketing, communication, education

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193026

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 859-868, 2019

Authors: Carneiro, Paula | Braga, Ana C. | Cabuço, Roberto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health professionals could be at risk of having work-related accidents or health problems. The operating room (OR) is a place where physical, ergonomic, biological, and chemical risks may be present. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to characterize the OR of a hospital regarding occupational risks, particularly biological and chemical. It was also sought to verify if professionals’ training about occupational risks has some influence on their safety behaviors. METHODS: The research method was based on a Questionnaire applied to the 214 professionals working at the operating rooms of a hospital in northern Portugal. RESULTS: …The results revealed the occurrence of 39% (95% CI [29.3%, 50.7%]) of accidents involving biological material, and 12% (95% CI [6.1%, 21.0%]) of accidents involving chemical material. Not all professionals have had training in occupational risks (64% and 47% reported having had training in biological risks and chemical risks, respectively). A non-statistically significant association was found between having had training in biological/chemical risks and having had an accident involving biological/chemical material (Fisher’s exact test, p  > 0.05). A statistically significant association (X2  = 25.978, df = 3, p  < 0.05) was found between the occurrence of accidents involving biological material and the professional category. CONCLUSIONS: This study allows to characterize the main biological and chemical risks in operating rooms according to the perceptions of professional. Show more

Keywords: Chemical risk, biological risk, healthcare professionals, hospital

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193027

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 869-876, 2019

Authors: van Duijnhoven, J. | Aarts, M.P.J. | Kort, H.S.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Light and alertness studies have applied different measurement methodologies to determine lighting conditions. However, it has been demonstrated that researchers rarely measure or describe the lighting conditions of their studies in sufficient detail to generalize conclusions or derive universal guidelines. OBJECTIVE: Part I of this paper summarizes the current measurement methodologies used in light and alertness studies to potentially identify methodological issues. Part II determines the differences in lighting conditions for different viewing directions within an office environment. METHODS: A literature review (part I) and both experimental studies and an observational study (part II) were …undertaken in this study. RESULTS: Part I demonstrates that most light and alertness studies include photometric quantities; however, it is recommended that one should measure radiometric quantities as well. Further, the light measurements should be performed at the individual level. Part II demonstrates large differences in lighting conditions between viewing directions. For example, when looking toward the window, vertical illuminances were at least 12 times higher when compared to looking in the opposite direction. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that when analysing or designing an office environment, office workers’ positions and viewing direction should be included in the determination of personal lighting conditions. Show more

Keywords: Light measurements, personal lighting conditions, non-image-forming effects, alertness, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193028

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 877-895, 2019