Work - Volume 68, issue 1

Authors: Vatani, Javad | Arami, Mahmoud | Khanikosarkhizi, Zahra | Shahabi Rabori, Mohammad Ali | Khandan, Mohammad | Dehghan, Naser | Aminizadeh, Mohsen | Poursadeqiyan, Mohsen | Jafari, Mojtaba

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Safety climate is a common insight of staff that indicates individuals’ attitudes toward safety and priority of safety at work. OBJECTIVES: Nursing is a risky job where paying attention to safety is crucial. The assessment of the safety climate is one of the methods to measure the safety conditions in this occupation. The aim of this study was to assess the safety climate of rehabilitation nurses working in hospitals in Tehran. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study which was carried out on 140 rehabilitation nurses selected from all hospitals and clinics in Tehran in 2019. …To collect the required data, a two-section questionnaire was used. The first section was related to demographic factors and the second part (22 statements) was to measure the safety climate using nurses’ safety climate assessment questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS V16 using independent t-test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test at the 5% level. RESULTS: Findings showed that the total mean of safety climate was 3.06±0.56. According to the results, a significant difference was found between the positive and negative satisfaction of nurses with safety climates (P-value = 0.03), communication with nurses (P-value = 0.01) and supervisors’ attitude (P-value = 0.02). Furthermore, a significant difference in safety climate between the individual with the second job and the individual without second could be observed (P-value = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the safety climate was not at an acceptable level. Thus, it is essential to introduce safety training courses (e.g. safety, work-rest balance, and so on) and to improve the safety performance at work. Show more

Keywords: Safety attitude, hospital safety, patient safety, job satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203368

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 189-196, 2021

Authors: Brkić, Aleksandar | Veljković, Zorica | Spasojević Brkić, Vesna | Essdai, Ahmed | Pavićević, Snežana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that the collection and analysis of crane operators’ anthropometric characteristics is very important for operators’ comfort, health and working ability and also from the aspect of performance, productivity and safety. OBJECTIVE: The first aim of this survey is to collect up-to-date anthropometric data of crane operators in Serbia and to collect those data for the first time in Libya. The second aim of this survey is to compare the collected data. The third aim is to model the interior space necessary to accommodate operators in the cabins they operate in Serbia and Libya. …METHODS: Standing height, sitting height, lower leg length, upper leg length, shoulder width, hip breadth, arm length, foot length and weight data were collected of 83 Serbian and 50 Libyan crane operators. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and tests for differences between variables were conducted to examine differences between Serbian and Libyan crane operators and enable further modeling. The modeling of the cabin interior was done using both univariate and multivariate operators’ models from both samples. RESULTS: There are only four common correlations between variables for both samples. The only measurement without statistical differences is shoulder width. Serbian crane operators have statistically higher values of almost all measurements in comparison to Libyans. The minimal cabin interior space dimensions are 1207×1080×1884 mm for Serbian operators and 1106×1040×1790 mm for Libyan operators when using univariate approach, while multivariate approach provides more precise and comfortable accommodation within 1327×1123×1926 mm for Serbian operators and 1203×1090×1830 mm for Libyan operators. Accordingly, our survey shows that percentile models include less than the intended population proportion in the design problem with few dimensions and depends on correlations among them. CONCLUSIONS: A number of problems are solved through modeling the crane operator workspace and it has been shown that cabins with different dimensions have to be offered to Serbian and Libyan markets. Show more

Keywords: Serbian and Libyan crane operators, weight, anthropometric measurements, statistical analysis, interior space dimensions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203241

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 197-212, 2021

Authors: Alnaser, Musaed Z. | Almaqsied, Alaa M. | Alshatti, Shaimaa A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have become a great health issue among dentists. However, it is never been examined among dentists in the State of Kuwait. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to define the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among dentists in the State of Kuwait, to identify risk factors for WMSD, and to explore relationships between WMSD and absenteeism/productivity. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to dentists at government, private, and academic dental clinics. RESULTS: A total of 186 questionnaires were returned …(80% response rate). The results showed that 88 (47%) of responding dentists experienced WMSDs. Dentists self-reporting WMSD were older (36.4 (10.3) years vs. 32.6 (9.33); P  = 0.01), in practice longer (11.7 (10.4) years vs. 8.2 (8.4); P  = 0.013), and worked longer hours (34.9 (10.6) hours vs. 30.4 (11.5); P  = 0.08) than dentists not reporting WMSD. A significant association was found between rating of pain and lost days from work (x 2  (10, n  = 85) = 20.96, ρ  = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Dentists’ occupational procedures expose their bodies to prolonged and awkward postures, thereby subjecting the dentists to unnatural forces and stresses on crucial movement and functioning joints. Cumulative exposures to such postures lead to WMSDs. Generally, WMSD has a considerable impact on the health and economic status of the individual, family, and workplace. WMSD increases absenteeism and reduces productivity. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal injuries, ergonomics, occupational injuries, work incidence, posture

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203369

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 213-221, 2021

Authors: Honoré, Helene | Pallesen, Hanne | Ellegård, Kajsa | Nielsen, Jørgen Feldbæk

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Development of clinical practice at a Danish neurorehabilitation centre was delegated to a group of health professional developers. Their job function lacked conceptual foundation, and it was unclear how their working tasks contributed to evidence-based practice. OBJECTIVE: Conceptual clarification of the job function and pattern analysis of activity distributions for health professional developers. METHODS: Health professional developers kept continuous time geographical diaries for two weeks. Meaningful categories were subtracted through content analysis. Patterns were analysed within activity distributions with regards to evidence-based practice. RESULTS: A total of 213 diaries were collected from 21 …health professional developers of three professions (physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses). Each participant reported 6–13 workdays (median 10 days). Eleven main categories of work tasks emerged with 42 subcategories. Overall, 7% of total time reported was spent on external knowledge, with minimal variation between professions and contractual time allocation. CONCLUSION: Conceptual clarification of work tasks was established for health professional developers. Their work activity distributions contributed mainly to maintenance of existing level of professional knowledge rather than to implementation of new knowledge, which did not fulfil the intended responsibility for development of evidence-based practice. Educational competence boost and data-driven change of organisation structure was recommended. Show more

Keywords: Time geographical analysis, content analysis, conceptualisation, knowledge translation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203354

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 223-233, 2021

Authors: Carneiro Muniz, Carina Moreno Dias | da Silva, Sergio Fernando Saraiva | Façanha, Rachel Costa | Bassi-Dibai, Daniela | Silva, Fabricio Brito | Felipe, Ilana Mirian Almeida | Dias, Rosane da Silva

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musicians and dancers can be considered an at-risk population for developing noise-induced hearing loss. OBJECTIVES: To determine the audiological profile of members of a folklore-related music group and quantify noise exposure at their rehearsal venue. METHODS: This was a quantitative and descriptive study. The musicians and dancers were evaluated in two stages: an interview about their working life, followed by high frequency tonal audiometry. The sound pressure level in the group’s rehearsal venue was measured using a BEK 2270 Noise Analyzer. RESULTS: A total of 7.2% of the subjects had noise-induced hearing loss …(NIHL) and 39% of the audiometric tests were notch type. During the interview 31.7% of the subjects mentioned discomfort from loud noise, although none of them used ear protection. The environmental assessment showed inadequate humidity and oscillating temperature. Twenty sound pressure level measurements were performed for Leq (equivalent sound pressure levels) and the results ranged from 88 dB (A) to 99 dB (A) with a mean of 97.05. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to high levels of sound pressure has led to NIHL in some members of the group. Some of those with normal hearing also presented a notch configuration characteristic of NIHL. Tinnitus, indicating that a change in hearing has occurred, was the most frequent auditory symptom. Show more

Keywords: Music, noise induced hearing loss, occupational noise, tinnitus

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203370

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 235-241, 2021

Authors: Schouten, Maria J.E. | Nieuwenhuijsen, Karen | Wind, Haije | Andriessen, Saskia | Frings-Dresen, Monique H.W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Structured work support needs assessment could facilitate professionals and increase assessment consistency. OBJECTIVES: Evaluating usability of the Work Support Needs Assessment Tool and test if professionals’ (labour experts, coaches) findings become more consistent after a tool training. The tool includes a 21 item checklist for assessing work support needs of people with disabilities. METHODS: Usability was explored through 28 interviews with professionals. Consistency was evaluated in an experimental pre-post study design, in which thirty-nine other professionals assessed work support needs of standardized clients before and after a protocolized training. Quantitative content analysis was conducted. Consistency …of findings between professionals covered three categories: type (client-focused coaching), focus (topics to be addressed) and duration of support. An increase in consistency was defined as a decrease in the total number of different sub-categories of findings in each category. RESULTS: Nineteen professionals indicated that the tool was useful, as they gained relevant information and insights. Regarding consistency, the number of findings differed pre- and post-training for type of support (8 vs 9) and focus of support (18 vs 15 and 18 vs 17). CONCLUSIONS: Participants had positive experiences with the tool. Increased consistency in findings of professionals after the training was not demonstrated with the current study design. Show more

Keywords: Disability, employment, vocational rehabilitation, needs assessment, job coaching

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203371

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 243-253, 2021

Authors: Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed | Heyns, Megan | Kaapitirapi, Philadelphia | Shoko, Sifiso | Modise, William

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work holds great meaning and benefits beyond just monetary gain for people with intellectual disabilities. It gives these individuals the opportunity to engage in meaningful occupation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to explore challenges that people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) experience when adapting to their worker roles in the open labor market. METHODS: The study used grounded theory as the research design. Five male participants and two key informants participated in the study. Two semi structured interviews were conducted with each one of the seven participants (five PWID and two key informants). …RESULTS: Three core concepts emerged: 1) Unforeseen challenges of change; 2) A well-planned work preparation program enables success and 3) Crossing the bridge into the workplace: “Do I belong here?” CONCLUSIONS: This indicated that with sufficient external support, PWID are able to gain a sense of social belonging and develop the necessary skills to cope with challenges that arise in the workplace when PWID transition from protective/sheltered workshops to the open labor market. The findings of the study also indicated that work preparation programs and supportive employment approaches helped PWID transition to the open labor market. Show more

Keywords: Work, occupational adaptation, barrier, facilitator, qualitative research and social belonging

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203372

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 255-266, 2021