Work - Volume 77, issue 1

Authors: Taylor, Wendell C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Computers are ubiquitous in the workplace and facilitate prolonged sitting, which has adverse health consequences. Various computer-prompt software programs are designed to decrease sedentary behaviors and increase physical activity in the workplace. However, specific guidelines that would improve research in this area have not been published. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to present recommendations for improving computer-prompt software research, to decrease sedentary behaviors and increase physical activity in the workplace. METHODS: Ten domains were identified based on deficiencies in the current literature combined with quality assessment tools to reduce the risk for bias. …The ten domains include composition of the research team, behavioral sciences theoretical frameworks, research design, alert types, outcome measures, confounding factors, intervention duration, carryover effects, racial/ethnic composition, and organizational culture. RESULTS: Specific recommendations are presented for each domain. The research team should include all stakeholders contributing as copartners in designing the intervention. For theory, a systems science framework was presented. Clustered randomized controlled trials were recommended, rather than randomization at the individual level. Distinct types of alerts (visual, auditory, or both) and frequency of alerts (hourly, randomly generated, or based on prolonged sitting patterns) are described. Outcome measures include average duration of sitting bouts, longest sitting bout, and number of sitting bouts. CONCLUSION: Prolonged sitting and physical inactivity at work lead to major health problems. Adherence to the recommendations presented here should facilitate high-quality research and improve the health of desk-based workers by decreasing sedentary behaviors and increasing physical activity. Show more

Keywords: Health promotion, public health, movement breaks

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220305

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 123-131, 2024

Authors: Yang, Eunhwa | Kim, Yujin | Rodgers, Charner

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Behavior-based safety (BBS) programs promote coworkers observing and correcting each other’s at-risk behaviors on site; the idea behind BBS programs is to create a cultural shift in a company where it is acceptable for coworkers to stop anyone, at any time, from working in an unsafe manner. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to examine the impacts of a BBS observation program in the construction industry. METHODS: The subject, an electrical contracting company, implemented the BBS program in January 2019. This study utilized multiple data sources: the company’s incident data, BBS program report …data, and surveys, including the Safety Climate Assessment Tool for Small Contractors. A total of 3,891 at-risk behaviors from the BBS reports, including 600 comments, and 141 survey responses were analyzed. RESULTS: The most frequently reported at-risk behavior was the line of fire, and the at-risk behaviors were often observed when workers conducted tasks, such as running or pulling wires, installing devices, and installing lights. The overall perception of safety climate was high, and the respondents reported that the safety climate had improved since the adoption of the BBS program. Overall, implementing the BBS program benefited in cultivating the company’s collective safety climate. CONCLUSION: As a result of the BBS program, the company implemented better communication strategies for their safety meetings on the most frequently reported at-risk behaviors, replacing safety gears with higher quality ones, and redesigning online safety training to better reflect the identified tasks that were associated with more at-risk behaviors. Show more

Keywords: Construction safety, peer observation, safety climate, safety program, at-risk behaviors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220465

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 133-145, 2024

Authors: Mann, Stephanie | Juhl, Carsten Bogh | Paarup, Helene M. | Søgaard, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Playing the violin often requires a rotated and lateral flexed neck, leading to potential neck and shoulder problems. An ergonomic chinrest (EC) with or without a shoulder rest (SR or WSR) may enhance neutral neck positioning, but the feasibility of the EC needs to be studied. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate the usability of the EC for a two-week familiarisation period, including aspects such as playing performance, comfort level, and emotional response (e.g., feelings about using the product) among a group of violinists. METHODS: A one-arm feasibility study was conducted to assess the feasibility …of violinists playing with EC every day for two weeks. Six violinists who usually played with SR were included and asked to divide their daily playing time equally between SR and WSR. Feasibility outcomes were measured as adherence (days), compliance (playing hours per day) and usability (5-point Likert scale and open-ended questions). Compliance was achieved with a minimum of 25% playing time. RESULTS: Daily violin playing with EC showed high adherence of 89.3%. Compliance with the 25% play time criterion was met for SR, but not for WSR. Low playing performance (median 45.8 points difference), long confidence time (two violinists failed to reach a confidence level) and mainly negative feedback (26 out of 33 comments) were found in WSR compared to SR. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of playing WSR was low and negatively impacted playing performance. As a result, a larger-scale study will only evaluate the EC with SR due to greater feasibility. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, music, art, neck, work performance, occupational injury

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220518

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 147-160, 2024

Authors: Putra, Ade Mardani | Arce, Maria Carrera | Baumler, Raphael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Just culture aspires to prompt organizational learning from enhanced feedback by frontline operators. Just culture requires mechanisms to eliminate fear and sanction but not accountability when reporting safety-related issues. Adopted in sectors such as aviation, just culture remains an underdeveloped field in the maritime sector. OBJECTIVE: This study explores how some pre-requisites for a just culture (i.e., ease of reporting, motivation to report, and trust) are perceived and potentially implemented by seafarers’ and shipping company safety representatives in Indonesia. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data in an exploratory study involving eleven active …seafarers and four safety managers from shipping companies in Indonesia. RESULTS: The conditions for ease of reporting seem present, at least on paper. Shipping companies receive one to two near-miss reports per month. However, incidents seem to be underreported. It appears that companies are unsuccessful in establishing the motivation and trust necessary to enhance safety event reporting. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the concept of a just culture is not well understood among certain Indonesian shipping companies. The main barriers to implementing a just culture relate to hierarchical structures in the industry, frequent crew changes, blame culture, and lack of anonymous reporting for safety concerns. Show more

Keywords: Just culture, ease of reporting, motivation to report, trust, near-miss, incident, shipping

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220555

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 161-170, 2024

Authors: Duan, Xiaosai | Yu, Suihuai | Chu, Jianjie | Cong, Yangfan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The cockpit of an aircraft is the main place where the pilot controls the aircraft on a mission. An excellent cockpit environment not only ensures the pilot’s basic survival needs but also improves the comfort level and alleviates fatigue when performing missions. OBJECTIVE: On the basis of domestic and international airworthiness standards, a top-down refinement method is deployed to determine the initial goal, and the environmental criteria are fully discussed and balanced in a dynamic process to build a comprehensive evaluation system for environmental factors in the aircraft cockpit. METHODS: Based on the fuzzy comprehensive …evaluation theory, an evaluation model for environmental factors is constructed by combining analytic hierarchical analysis (AHP) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). Then the feasibility of the evaluation model is verified by an illustrative example. RESULTS: The results suggest that the light environment gains the highest score among the 4 environmental criteria followed by the thermal environment, while both sound environment and microenvironment have relatively low scores. CONCLUSION: As for the 27 environmental sub-criteria, temperature, illumination, lighting clarity, light-color coordination, noise duration and pressure score the highest. The evaluation findings can provide important environmental control criteria for the subsequent environmental control system in the cockpit of the aircraft. Show more

Keywords: Aircraft cockpit, environmental factor index, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, analytic hierarchy process, index weight, particle swarm optimization

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220583

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 171-184, 2024

Authors: Rick, Vera B. | Brandl, Christopher | Mertens, Alexander | Nitsch, Verena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research demonstrates that work interruptions are considered one of the most common work stressors. Understanding the mechanisms of work interruptions is therefore vital to reducing worker stress and maintaining performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of the frequency of work interruptions on subjective workload in the context of office work. Specifically, the mediating influence of interruption perception as well as the moderating influence of the complexity of the primary task are examined. METHOD: The work interruptions of 492 office workers in Germany were collected by means of a one-day …diary study. A mediation model and a conditional indirect effect model were calculated to examine the influence of interruption frequency on subjective workload, mediated by the individual perception of these interruptions as well as moderated by the complexity of the primary work tasks. RESULTS: The analyses indicated a significant mediation and moderation. This implies that, on the one hand, the perception of work interruptions significantly mediates the relationship between the frequency of work interruptions and subjective workload. On the other hand, more complex primary work tasks seem to strengthen the positive relationship between interruption frequency and perceived interruption overload. CONCLUSION: The study underlines that work interruptions need to be considered in a much more differentiated way than is currently the case. Both in research and in terms of intervention measures in the work context, the various influencing factors need to be identified for an assessment of the effects on the working person to be possible. Show more

Keywords: Workload, digital work, office work, knowledge work, routine work, task complexity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220684

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 185-196, 2024

Authors: Robert, Rhonda | Andersen, Clark R. | Murphy, Kathleen M. | Granger, Teresa A. | Scardaville, Melissa C. | Medina-George, Sandra A. | Nguyen, Vinh | Frieden, Lex M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Financial distress is a primary concern for young adults with cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify material resources, physical and psychological health, and workplace variables that are associated with financial distress in young adult cancer survivors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Cancer Survivor Employment Needs Survey. Participants were young adults (18–39 years of age) who lived in the United States and had a cancer diagnosis. Multivariable linear regression was used to model relations between financial distress and material resources, physical and psychological health, and workplace …variables. RESULTS: Participants (N = 214) were mostly non-Hispanic White (78%), female (79%), and had a mean age of 31 years and 4.6 years post-diagnosis. Material resources, physical and psychological health, and workplace variables were all identified as contributing to study participants’ financial distress. Among the young adults surveyed, financial distress was prevalent, and an array of problems were associated with financial distress. CONCLUSION: Oncology and rehabilitation providers should openly discuss finances with YAs with cancer and guide them to resources that can address their financial, benefits, and vocational needs to ultimately improve quality of life. Show more

Keywords: Young adults, financial distress, financial burden, cancer, oncology, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220687

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 197-209, 2024

Authors: Alam, Beenish Fatima | Najmi, Muhammad Arqam | Hussain, Talib | Babar, Bilal Zaman | Ghani, Salwan | Khan, Amna | Nayab, Talha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Professionalism is one of the fundamental traits which includes behaviors, commitments, standards, and goals that helps define a profession. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the attitude of dental students and graduates regarding the practice of professionalism in dentistry using the Professionalism Mini Evaluation Exercise (P-MEX) questionnaire. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the dental undergraduates, lecturers and postgraduate faculty. Views regarding professionalism were assessed using the P-MEX. The 24-questions based survey form is comprised of questions related to doctor and patient relationship skills, reflective abilities, time management, and lastly, interprofessional …relationship expertise. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were done using mean and SD, whilst associations between responses were assessed using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: From a total of 201 participants, 95 (47.3%) were males and 106 (52.7%) were females. Statistically significant association was seen between time management, reflective skills, and interpersonal skills with gender, as well as the domains of P-MEX and years of education. CONCLUSION: The use of P-MEX provides a valid confirmation for the assessment and awareness of professionalism amongst the dental faculty and students. Females demonstrated higher traits of professionalism as compared to males. The findings from the current study identify that students and faculty members had sufficient awareness regarding professionalism and the practice of professionalism was routinely followed. Show more

Keywords: Medical professionalism, ethics, professional competence, teaching, assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220694

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 211-218, 2024

Authors: Alaca, Nuray | Karakuş, Meryem Bektaş | Kocaer, Özge | Arslan, Dilek Çağrı

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The social position, perceived prestige and image of a profession are often of interest to members of that profession, and physiotherapy is no exception. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the perceived occupational prestige and image of physiotherapists and physiotherapy students in Turkey. METHODS: 235 physiotherapy students and 465 physiotherapists were included in the study. A survey questioning occupational image, job satisfaction and prestige of the profession according to eight occupations was completed by the participants online. RESULTS: In terms of prestige, physiotherapy students ranked their profession fourth among eight …undergraduate professions, while physiotherapists ranked their profession fifth. Compared to physiotherapists, physiotherapy students had more positive perceptions about their children becoming physiotherapists, the image of the profession in the eyes of the society, and job satisfaction (p  < 0.05). Professional expectations of physiotherapists were higher than students. In addition, physiotherapists working for more than ten years had more positive perceptions about their children becoming physiotherapists, the public image of the profession, income level, and social standing, although perceived job satisfaction and need status were lower compared to physiotherapists with less than ten years of experience (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: While physiotherapy students in Turkey perceived the prestige of the physiotherapist profession at a moderate level compared to other undergraduate professions, physiotherapists had a slightly lower perception of professional prestige compared to students. More comprehensive studies are needed on this subject. Show more

Keywords: Image, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, prestige, satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220697

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 219-230, 2024

Authors: Lee, Li-Hung | Yang, Cheng-I | Chen, Mu-Kuan | Hsieh, Ming-Yu | Chen, Yen-Ju

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The number of survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) has steadily increased due to major advances in cancer care. However, cancer survivors who experience job loss face different challenges regarding return to work (RTW). Relatively few studies have integrated the experience encountered by patients. OBJECTIVE: This mixed-methods study aimed to explore the experience and challenges of RTW in patients with HNC. METHODS: Data were collected with structured questionnaires (n  = 120) and semi-structured face-to-face interviews (n  = 12). RESULTS: Relationships were found between patient’s physical status, perceived stress, and social …support. Patients who continued work, or not, had significant differences in reported physical function and stress. Four themes emerged from the qualitative data, including the perceived meaning of work, challenges for RTW, preparing for RTW, and social support. After diagnosis and treatment, patients perceived the meaning of work, such as personal value, responsibility, and financial need. They faced many challenges to RTW, including declining physical strength, workload, schedule rearrangement, speech difficulty, and changed appearance. In order to RTW, they prepared extensively and needed support from family and friends. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the experiences and challenges of RTW patients with HNC. The results allowed us to identify patients’ concerns and ways that healthcare providers could improve the RTW process. Future studies may develop tailored approaches for RTW in healthcare and government policies. Show more

Keywords: Cancer survivorship, employment, mixed-method, rehabilitation, work resumption

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220707

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 231-241, 2024