Work - Volume 68, issue 1

Authors: Raji, Rafiu King | Luo, Qing | Liu, Haijin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Before the emergence of ready-to-wear (RTW) garments, production of apparels relied on ergonomics considerations through body measurements (anthropometry) of individual users. This is an indication of the inherent nature of ergonomics in apparel fabrication; however active mention of ergonomics related to fashion engineering and design before then was lacking. OBJECTIVE: This article seeks to emphasize the need for an organized framework of knowledge for ergonomics suited to fashion engineering and design education and research. METHODS: Relevant literature have been reviewed and three main knowledge components of ergonomics relevant to fashion engineering and design have been …identified and classified based on standard classes of areas within the general field of ergonomics. RESULTS: Areas of ergonomics applications in fashion engineering and design under the headings of consumer product design, i.e. apparel design, workspace or office design, manufacturing process design and man-machine system, have been discussed. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive ergonomics education related to fashion engineering and design consist of the three main knowledge components: (1) the five aspects of ergonomics, (2) anthropometry and biomechanics and (3) the three domains of ergonomics. Show more

Keywords: Biomechanics, workplace design, anthropometry, garment design, man-machine systems, ergonomics, fashion engineering and design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203274

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 87-96, 2021

Authors: Wagenfeld, Amy | Winterbottom, Daniel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adjusting to incarceration is traumatic. An under-utilized strategy understood to buffer and counteract the negative impacts of incarceration are nature interventions. OBJECTIVE: Outcomes of an interdisciplinary design studio course focused on developing masterplans for a women’s prison in the Pacific Northwest (US) are presented. Course objectives included comprehension and application of therapeutic and culturally expressive design principles to increase the benefits of environmental design within a carceral setting; collaboration, developing a deeper, more representative understanding of how design processes can improve the lives of marginalized populations; and enhancing design skills, including at masterplan and schematic scale using …an iterative process and reflection. METHODS: A landscape architect, occupational therapist, and architect teaching team, with support from architects and justice specialists facilitated an elective design studio course to redesign the Washington Corrections Center for Women campus. RESULTS: In a ten-week academic quarter, six student design teams created conceptual masterplans for therapeutic outdoor spaces at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. Students presented their plans to prison staff, current and ex-offenders, and architects and landscape architects in practice, and then received positive feedback. CONCLUSION: Despite well-documented need for and value of nature interventions to improve health and wellbeing for everyone regardless of circumstance or situation, the project awaits administrative approval to move forward to installation. Show more

Keywords: Correctional institutions, environmental justice, therapeutic outdoor environments, interdisciplinary academic design studio

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203360

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 97-106, 2021

Authors: İnal, Özgü | Serel Arslan, Selen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Smartphone usage has become more common in daily life, and in certain situations, this may lead to addictive behavior. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal problems and cognitive flexibility in university students. METHODS: Smartphone addiction was evaluated with the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms, and pain was measured with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Cognitive flexibility was assessed with the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI). RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between SAS total score and musculoskeletal problems …in the upper back, lower back, hip and feet (p  < 0.05, r  = 0.11; r  = 0.16; r  = 0.11; r  = 0.13, r  = 0.14). Smartphone addiction showed a significant positive correlation with neck pain, right hand pain and right arm pain (p  < 0.05, r  = 0.13; r  = 0.17; r  = 0.14). There was a significant negative correlation between CFI total score and SAS total score (p  < 0.05, r  = – 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone addiction is associated with musculoskeletal problems, pain and cognitive flexibility in university students. Encouraging an active lifestyle, physical activity, ergonomic arrangements, individual behavioral modification as well as environmental regulations and policies may eliminate the negative effects of smartphone addiction. Show more

Keywords: Cognitive flexibility, musculoskeletal pain, smartphone addiction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203361

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 107-113, 2021

Authors: Ebrahimi, Kamal | Tajik, Reza | Karami, Taybeh | Rahimnejad, Samira | Arghavani, Farshad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational noise exposure in workplaces is the most common detrimental factor that has the greatest impact on the health of people working there. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate occupational noise exposure and its relation to the general health status in industrial workers in Sanandaj, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the general health of 500 male workers in Sanandaj using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Likewise, occupational noise exposure was measured based on sound pressure level (SPL) and dosimetry in the work and rest conditions of workers. …RESULTS: The results showed poor general health status of workers, exceeded the daily working hours and also the standard range of sound. A significant correlation was found between general health and its dimensions with indicators of workplace sound pressure levels (P  < 0.05). This means that with the increase in sound pressure level is worse general health status. CONCLUSION: It seems that the health of workers in these industries is an inappropriate process due to exposure to occupational noise exposure and poor conditions of the workplace. A high percentage of them will lose their health in case of non-implementation of prevention programs and health in the workplace in the future. Show more

Keywords: General health, occupational noise exposure, industrial workers, Sanandaj

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203362

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 115-121, 2021

Authors: Coelho, Denis A. | Lourenço, Miguel L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Static muscular activity of muscles activated in the use of the conventional PC mouse is believed to represent a higher risk for the musculoskeletal health of the user than dynamic muscular activity. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a compounded muscular activity dynamics indicator (akin to percent relative range), enabling comparison between computer handheld pointing devices. METHODS: This muscular dynamism approach considers baseline muscular activity (APL, ECR, ECU and ED) relative to the Maximum Voluntary Contraction as well as the dynamics of muscular activation. The latter is computed as the ratio of the difference between APDF90 and …APDF10 divided by APDF50 (APDF-Amplitude Probability Distribution Function for the 90th, 50th and 10th percentiles). The paper demonstrates the approach with results of comparative evaluation of a horizontal, a slanted and a vertical PC mouse, through surface EMG monitoring of 20 participants performing standardized graphical task with the devices. RESULTS: Hand size impacts muscular activity dynamics in these four muscles, which supersedes differences in device geometry, across the range of devices tested. CONCLUSION: Smaller devices relative to hand size foster more dynamic muscular activity. Show more

Keywords: Graphical tasks, static contractions, hand size, conventional mouse, percent relative range, APL, ECR, ECU, ED, APDF, MVC, S-EMG, dynamic muscular activity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203242

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 123-135, 2021

Authors: Castellucci, H.I. | Viviani, C.A. | Molenbroek, J.F.M. | Arezes, P.M. | Martínez, M. | Aparici, V. | Bragança, S. | Bravo, G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Anthropometrics is very important when ensuring a physical match between end users and product or workstations. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study are twofold, to provide anthropometric data for the design of products and to examine the secular changes in the adult Chilean workers in a period of more than 20 years. METHODS: Nineteen anthropometric measurements from two samples from 1995 and 2016 were compared using independent t-test (95% confidence interval), where additionally absolute and relative differences were calculated. RESULTS: The secular trend observed for Stature is characterized by an increase average of …20mm and 10.5mm per decade for females and males, respectively. There is a positive secular trend for both genders, which is observed for most of the selected body measurements. The most pronounced increases were onWeight, Shoulder breadth, Body mass index, Popliteal height; Buttock-popliteal length and Hip width. CONCLUSIONS: Segmental dimensions that experienced a positive secular trend, together with Weight and Stature, are highly correlated with seating design, addressing the need to review products targeting Chilean adult workers, such as public transport seats, office furniture or industrial workplaces. Show more

Keywords: Design, anthropometry, Chile, secular trends in anthropometry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203363

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 137-147, 2021

Authors: Suiter, Sarah V. | Wilfong, C. Danielle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment is a predictor of sobriety for women in recovery from addiction, however, finding and maintaining employment is often a challenge. A number of interventions and a large body of research exist related to improving employment outcomes of women in recovery, but most fail to account for employment as an on-going, uneven process. OBJECTIVE: This study applied a longitudinal, qualitative design to explore employment experiences of women in recovery, as well as how those experiences interact with participants’ sobriety, health, and well-being. METHODS: Nineteen women from two residential recovery programs were interviewed four times over …the course of nine months. Data were analyzed using longitudinal coding. RESULTS: Women encounter on-going struggle to find and keep employment, and multiple forces exacerbate this struggle. At the same time, positive work experiences described by some participants illustrate opportunities for the creation of new workplace structures that address employment needs of women in recovery while supporting sobriety and overall well-being. CONCLUSION: Understanding employment as an on-going process that interacts with addiction and sobriety in complex and multiple ways could contribute to improved employment and health outcomes for women in recovery. Show more

Keywords: Employment, women, substance abuse, poverty

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203364

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 149-159, 2021

Authors: Sendall, Marguerite C. | Brodie, Alison | McCosker, Laura K. | Crane, Phil | Fleming, Marylou | Biggs, Herbert C. | Rowland, Bevan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is little published research about managers’ views about implementing and embedding workplace health promotion interventions. OBJECTIVE: To shed light on research-to-practice challenges in implementing workplace health promotion interventions in the Australian road transport industry. METHODS: In this Participatory Action Research project, managers from small-to-midsized companies in the Australian road transport industry were asked their views about enablers and barriers to implementing nutrition and physical activity interventions in their workplace. RESULTS: Managers identified practical assistance with resources, ideas, and staffing as being key enablers to implementation. Barriers included time restraints, worker age and …lack of interest, and workplace issues relating to costs and resources. CONCLUSION: Manager perspectives add new insights about successful implementation of workplace health promotion. A Participatory Action Research approach allows managers to develop their own ideas for adapting interventions to suit their workplace. These findings add to a small body of knowledge about managers’ views regarding implementing workplace health promotion in small-to-midsized road transport companies – a relatively unexplored group. Managers highlight the importance of time constraints and worker availability when designing interventions for the road transport industry. Managers require a good understanding of the workplaces’ socio-cultural context for successful health promotion and health behaviour change. Show more

Keywords: Participatory Action Research, management, implementation, interventions, truck drivers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203365

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 161-169, 2021

Authors: Fusz, Katalin | Kívés, Zsuzsanna | Pakai, Annamária | Kutfej, Natália | Deák, András | Oláh, András

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Distinctly, shift work is burdensome for nurses and may lead to health problems. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to examine the nursing shift system genres and to analyze the potentially debilitating effects upon sleep quality and the subjective state of physical and mental health when considering varying shift schedules. METHODS: The first cross-sectional study (n  = 639) was performed at the Clinical Center at the University of Pécs, and throughout various hospitals in the South-Danubian Region. The Hungarian version of the Bergen Shift Work Sleep Questionnaire, the Berlin Questionnaire and the 13-item Sense of …Coherence Scale were implemented. In the longitudinal survey (n  = 52), the quality of sleep was determined by the ActiGraph GT1M type of activity meter supplemented with a sleep diary. RESULTS: Interestingly, most respondents weight gained among the irregular schedule group (p  = 0.004). The nurses working a flexible schedule reportedly slept better (p  = 0.003), had a higher sense of coherence (p  = 0.013) and exhibited better subjective health status (p  = 0.017) than when compared with nurses working irregular shifts. The frequency of psychosomatic complaints aligned with the length of rest periods proved influential (p  = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Admittedly, the irregularity of work schedules is stressful for nurses. Due to the health status of nurses, it is a worthy consideration to establish the least exhausting work schedules. Show more

Keywords: Shift work, work schedules, sleep disorders, the sense of coherence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203366

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 171-180, 2021

Authors: Heidary, Elham | Latifi, Seyed Mahmoud | Afshari, Davood

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is composed of a collection of risk factors for heart diseases and diabetes. In recent decades, metabolic syndrome has been identified as one of the important risk factors leading to the development of work-related diseases. OBJECTIVE: Since few studies have been conducted on evaluating the prevalence of MetS among Iranian workers, this cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the prevalence of MetS and the factors affecting it among Iranian steel workers. METHODS: This study was carried out on 510 employees working in a large steel producing company. The data pertaining to blood pressure, …triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and demographic information were collected and the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) criteria were implemented to diagnose MetS. RESULTS: The prevalence of Mets was obtained equal to 13% and a significant positive relationship was observed between age and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. From among MetS elements, low HDL cholesterol and increased waist circumference were recognized as the most and the least frequently involved elements with 39.3% and 6.5% prevalence, respectively. Chi-square test was run and the results showed that the prevalence of MetS and some of its components rose at higher BMI values. It was also indicated that MetS and its components had no significant relationship with shift work. CONCLUSION: The current findings revealed that the prevalence of MetS increased with aging. Low HDL and high triglycerides levels were among the main risk factors for MetS. Therefore, considering these risk factors, it should be attempted to develop relevant strategies at workplace to encourage workers to go for a healthier lifestyle so that they can prevent the incidence of MetS. Show more

Keywords: Shift work, work-related diseases, cardiovascular diseases, steel workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203367

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 181-188, 2021