Work - Volume 73, issue 2

Authors: Jussli, Alexandra | Villegas, Paloma Ocampo | Lippke, Sonia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work in the industrial sector underlies deep structural changes triggered by demographic and societal transformations. These developments require tailored measures for maintaining employees’ work ability by reacting to new demands and overcoming barriers in organizational implementation. Previous research lacks in considering practitioners’ perspective in terms of tailoring effective interventions to the workplace conditions of blue-collar employees. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to enrich the understanding of work ability by using the job-demands-resources (JDR)-theory and the work ability house concept as basis and considering aspects of organizational measures’ feasibility. METHODS: Data results from observations of the collaboration …between occupational health professionals and supervisors on the shop-floor and n  = 18 semi-structured interviews with different occupational health stakeholders. A participatory and qualitative approach characterizes this study. RESULTS: The study participants report on how increasing organizational demands of efficiency and uncertainty affect workability promotion of blue-collar employees. Furthermore, the findings imply aspects regarding feasible interventions. For designing effective interventions, specifically psychosocial aspects such as work intensification, job uncertainty, work-life-conflicts, and inter-personal trust need to be addressed. Measures need to be aligned better to the industrial setting with specific focus on decision-makers’ interests and intra-organizational collaboration. CONCLUSION: Further research should investigate interrelationships between relevant psycho-social job demands and resources. Moreover, additional aspects, which are related to measures implementation in the organizational sphere, need to be identified. Practical implications connect organizational sciences with the workability theory and the job-demands-resources (JDR)-theory by focusing more on psychological work design and intra-organizational collaboration. Show more

Keywords: Workplace interventions feasibility, ethnographic observations, organizational health practitioners, expert interviews

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205329

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 591-610, 2022

Authors: Pajaczkowski, Jason

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace safety is a necessary and frequent topic of discussion for researchers, employers, and workers. It is estimated that annual losses caused by work-related injuries cost the United States $140 to $145 billion. Specifically, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) have risen from just over 10% to 50% of the total claims from 1952 to 1996, accounting for more than 345,00 days lost and more than $57 million in WSIB costs in 2015. Novel approaches to managing WMSDs, such as Active Release Techniques® , need to be explored to ensure the ongoing health of workers. OBJECTIVE: This descriptive study …provides the details of the 697,002 onsite treatments across 448 sites in North America between 2014–2018 provided by Active Release Techniques® Corporate Solutions (ARTCS) practitioners. The objective was to calculate the total number of treatments, cost per closed case, percent improvement, and the number of cases referred to worker’s compensation. METHODS: All charting was done on the ARTCS EMR portal. The lead author was given a spreadsheet of the results sanitized of all identifying data in order to perform the aforementioned calculations. RESULTS: From 2014 to 2018, ARTCS providers opened 199,077 new cases, with an average cost to the employer of $306.69 USD per case and an average percent improvement in pain (VNPS) of 87.2%. The most frequently treated areas were the shoulder (32,574 cases), hip (6,633 cases), and low back (27,873 cases), respectively. A total of 48,946 cases were work-related pain/discomfort, of which 1,110 (2.27%) went on to worker’s compensation. CONCLUSION: ARTCS in the workplace has shown a positive trend in terms of reducing pain intensity. The cost was low as compared to worker’s compensation claims, as was the rate of cases (2.27%) referred to worker’s compensation. Additional studies, including prospective data collection and a control group, are warranted to substantiate this. Show more

Keywords: Soft tissue therapy, workplace musculoskeletal disorders, cumulative trauma disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210030

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 611-620, 2022

Authors: Wang, Ching-Yi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the past, the designers used to dominate and conduct user-centered design and research. The findings of such surveys might not reflect the user needs and produce the best design solutions. OBJECTIVE: This project aimed to use PD to introduce the design curriculum to break through the previous user-centered design thinking, as the designer and the user design together, with the user given the right to lead the entire design process. METHODS: The theme of this research design is tableware; 55 students and 11 elderly (over the age of 65) were invited to participate in this …study. Questionnaires divided into the beginning, middle and final stages tested the teaching effectiveness of PD. RESULTS: The results showed that PD effectively improves five points: (1) design concepts and attitudes, (2) design methods, (3) problem solving and communication skills, (4) implementing design concepts, and (5) responding to the variety of user needs. CONCLUSION: This PD teaching model employs a well-established practical process to form an effective teaching routine, which is expected to be universally applied to other related design courses. Show more

Keywords: Participatory design (PD), elderly, product design, teaching effectiveness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210061

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 621-638, 2022

Authors: Jaramillo, Nataly Rodríguez | Trillos, Carlos Enrique | Julià, Mireia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Precarious employment conditions can influence the worker’s mental health; however, there is no consensus regarding the definition of precarious employment or the way it is measured. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to identify existing research of the conceptual framework, the ways to measure precarious employment and its impact on the mental health of workers. METHODS: A systematic review with the strategic search for observational-empirical and qualitative studies published between 2007 and 2020 in Embase, Scopus and PubMed, full text, in English and Spanish. Studies were selected and excluded, according to eligibility criteria. Two independent reviewers and …one arbitrator evaluated the quality of selected papers with the STROBE guidelines for observational studies and SRQR for qualitative ones. RESULTS: 408 studies were obtained, 21 met inclusion criteria, in 14 studies precarious employment was measured one-dimensionally. Of these, 11 with the dimension of temporality and three with insecurity. Four studies it was measured in a multidimensional way, with the Employment Precariousness Scale (EPRES) and in three qualitative designs, with different categories of analysis. Mental health was measured with SF-36 (n  = 4), GHQ-12 (n  = 3) and CES-D (n  = 3). CONCLUSIONS: The concept of precarious employment requires a multidimensional construct, although the tendency to measure precarious employment is one-dimensional. Regardless of how is measured, this has a negative impact on the mental health of workers. The outcomes related to this social determinant included depression, depressive symptoms, psychological distress, stress, and suicidal thoughts. Youths, women, people with low levels of education and immigrants are the groups that show the major precariousness. Show more

Keywords: Depressive symptom, job insecurity, job vulnerability, suicidal thought, temporary employment, stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210064

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 639-650, 2022

Authors: Wegge, Jürgen | Goerdeler, Katharina Julia | Dörfel, Denise

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Affective Events Theory (AET) postulates that job characteristics have an impact on job attitudes and work behaviour via affective events and reactions. However, the display of positive emotions can be rather problematic in undertakers and be in conflict with displaying compassion. OBJECTIVE: This study examines work events eliciting various emotions in the work of undertakers and how display of emotions in this profession affects job satisfaction. We thereby focus on AET and extend this by investigating time pressure as a moderator of the relationship between autonomy, positive emotions and job satisfaction. METHODS: First, we collected …specific affective work events of undertakers in a pilot interview study. Second, N = 112 undertakers participated in a cross-sectional survey measuring affective events, emotional display, commitment to display compassion, autonomy, time pressure, job satisfaction and work engagement. RESULTS: Experiencing positive emotions at work is beneficial even in undertakers. Additionally, autonomy was associated with positive emotions particularly under high time pressure and low commitment to display compassion moderated the link between work events and showing compassion. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, undertakers’ well-being is associated in complex ways with the interplay of positive emotions, autonomy and time pressure at work and individual differences in commitment for displaying compassion to clients. Show more

Keywords: Compassion and sympathy, display rules, job autonomy, job satisfaction, time pressure

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210507

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 651-665, 2022

Authors: Khorasaniha, Reihaneh | Sotoudeh, Gity | Milajerdi, Alireza | Khajehnasiri, Farahnaz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies have been done on the association of dietary intakes with sleep disorders among shift workers, in particular those exposed to air pollution. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association of major dietary patterns with risk of sleep disorders in shift workers of a cement factory. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 257 male shift workers in a cement factory in Iran. Usual dietary intake of participants was assessed using a validated self-administrated 147-item dish-based food frequency questionnaire. To examine sleep disturbances of participants, we used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. …RESULTS: Three major dietary patterns including Classic Iranian, Modern Iranian, and High Protein Low Fruit and vegetables were identified. The Classic Iranian pattern was mainly consisted of high-protein animal foods, fruit, and vegetables, while the Modern Iranian pattern had high amounts of refined grains, solid oils, and caffeine drinks. No significant association was found between adherence to the Classic Iranian pattern and risk of sleep disorders (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 0.69, 7.81) and also for the Modern Iranian dietary pattern (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.20, 1.93). However, we found a significant direct association between the High Protein Low Fruit and vegetables dietary pattern and risk of sleep disorders (OR: 3.92; 95% CI: 1.03, 14.86). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a significant direct association between a dietary pattern high in animal proteins and solid oils and low in fruit and vegetables with risk of sleep disorders among shift workers in the cement factory. However, no such association was found for the two other dietary patterns. Show more

Keywords: Food intake, diet, sleep wake disorders, circadian rhythm, shift work schedule

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210516

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 667-673, 2022

Authors: Brohi, Saman | Khokhar, Rasham | Marriam, Paras | Rathor, Ameeta | Memon, Aamir Raoof

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The nature of the work of sewing machine operators predisposes them to a wide variety of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and obesity. However, there is a paucity of studies on the prevalence and associated factors for symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among this occupational group. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptoms of WMSDs and their association with personal and occupational factors and body mass index (BMI) among sewing machine operators of Sindh province in Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on male sewing machine operators in two major cities …(i.e., Hyderabad and Nawabshah) of Sindh province in Pakistan. Obesity was determined through the BMI cutoff values for Asians. Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Numeric Rating Scale were used. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v20. RESULTS: Of the 200 participants, 91% participants had symptoms of WMSDs in the past 12 months. Most (41.5%) participants reported pain and discomfort during the last 12 months in the lower back region. Symptoms of WMSDs in the lower back region had a significant positive association with working days/week (r  = .196 p  = .005). Symptoms of WMSDs in the ankle/feet region had a significant positive association with age (r  = .246 p  = .001) and work experience (r  = .276 p  = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is high among sewing machine operators of Sindh province in Pakistan, with significant associations between personal and occupational factors. Show more

Keywords: Garment workers, obesity, musculoskeletal problems, occupational health, pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210620

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 675-685, 2022

Authors: Abareshi, Fatemeh | Rastaghi, Seddighe | Fallahi, Majid

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The nail job is a new occupation in which the number of people who choose this job is rising. Therefore, the harmful hazards affecting the health of the practitioners should be taken into account. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ergonomics and occupational health hazards among nail technicians in Iranian society. METHODS: The self-administered questionnaire, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Novel Ergonomic Postural Assessment (NERPA) method were used to gather data from 80 female nail technicians who participated in this study. RESULTS: More than half of the participants (67.6%) …complained of coughing and eye irritation (70%) which was the most frequently reported irritation. The final score of the NERPA was at a high-risk level and the neck pain (63.8%) was the highest in comparison with other parts of the body. There was a significant relationship between activity type with disorder in the neck, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle. Lighting intensity was not significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Concerning the low work experience, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and, respiratory complaints is high. Hence, the attention of policy-makers to the safety and hygiene issues of women in this occupation is necessary by setting guidelines and considering inspections of occupational health and safety professionals. Show more

Keywords: Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, novel ergonomic postural assessment, occupational safety and health, technicians

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210672

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 687-694, 2022

Authors: van der Valk, Alexandra M. | Theou, Olga | Wallace, Lindsay M.K. | Andrew, Melissa K. | Godin, Judith

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The relationship between occupational physical activity and frailty is complex and understudied. OBJECTIVE: We explore whether moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in retirement and main lifetime occupation physical demands (OPD) are associated with frailty in retirement. METHODS: Retired adults aged 50 + who participated in waves 3-4 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe were included. We constructed a 65-item frailty index (FI; Wave 4). Linear regressions tested the independent associations between OPD (Wave 3) and retirement MVPA (Wave 4) with FI (B : 95% CI) controlling for occupation characteristics (Wave 3) and demographics (Wave …4). These models were repeated across country groups (Nordic; Mediterranean; Continental) and sexes. RESULTS: We included 8,411 adults (51.1% male) aged 72.4 years (SD 8.0). Frequent MVPA was consistently associated with lower FI (-0.09 : 0.10–-0.08, p  < .001) while OPD was associated with higher FI (0.02 : 0.01-0.03, p  < .001). The MVPA*OPD interaction (-0.02: -0.04–-0.00, p  = .043) was weakly associated with FI, but did not explain additional model variance or was significant among any country group or sex. CONCLUSIONS: For a sample of European community-dwelling retirees, a physically demanding main lifetime occupation independently predicts worse frailty, even in individuals who are physically active in retirement. Show more

Keywords: Frailty index, leisure activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity, occupation demands

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210859

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 695-705, 2022

Authors: Lightfoot, Nancy | Manitowabi, Darrel | Arrandale, Victoria | Barnett, Nathaniel | Wabegijig-Nootchtai, Carmen | Odjig, Mary Lynn | Moulton, Jeff | Fongemy, Julie | Larivière, Michel | Kerekes, Zsuzsanna | Holness, Linn | MacEwan, Leigh | Eger, Tammy | Warry, Wayne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of research about occupational health and safety experience in Indigenous communities and compensation applications from Indigenous workers appear limited. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative descriptive study was designed to explore workers’ compensation experiences in some Canadian Indigenous communities. METHODS: A community-based participatory research approach was used to conduct focus groups (n  = 25 participants) in three Northeastern Ontario (NEO) Indigenous communities and at one NEO Indigenous employment centre. Semi-structured focus group questions addressed community experience with workers’ compensation, the compensation process, and discussion of a training session about the process. Reflexive thematic analysis followed …Braun and Clarke procedures. RESULTS: Discussion with study participants resulted in these themes: 1) both lack of knowledge, and knowledge, about compensation demonstrated, 2) impact of lack of compensation coverage and need for universal coverage on reserve, 3) need for community training sessions about workers’ compensation, 4) workload and financial impact of workers’ compensation on reserve, and 5) requirement for cultural competence training in the compensation board. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative descriptive study revealed the: need for more information about applying for workers’ compensation and navigating the process, need for universal workplace insurance coverage in Indigenous communities, demand for community-based compensation process training, community costs of compensation, and the requirement for cultural safety and competence training for compensation organization employees. More education about the workers’ compensation process would be of benefit to leadership, health care providers, administrative personnel, employers, and employees on reserves. Nurses in community health centres are well situated to provide further guidance. Show more

Keywords: Qualitative descriptive, indigenous, aboriginal, cultural safety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210895

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 707-717, 2022