Work - Volume 79, issue 3

Authors: Starik, Tal | Huber, Maya | Zeilig, Gabi | Wolff, Julie | Ratzon, Navah Z.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The high unemployment rate among people with disabilities (PWDs) can be attributed to barriers found in the work environment and demands of the job itself. Given the lack of comprehensive tools to identify these barriers, we developed the Employment Barriers Questionnaire (EBQ). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop and examine the EBQ’s reliability and validity for detecting employment barriers and possible modifications to overcome them. METHODS: Two stages were conducted: stage I was a cross-sectional design. Stage II included a cross-sectional and prospective design. Thirty-nine people with physical disabilities (mean age 47.21±10.78 …years) were recruited, 51% of which were employed during data collection. During stage I, we developed a first version of the EBQ (EBQ.I) and evaluated its internal reliability. The EBQ.I was filled twice, one week apart to assess test-re-test reliability. Predictive validity was tested using a regression model to predict the employment status of stage II based on EBQ.I’s results from stage I. In stage II, we generated a second version (EBQ.II) and tested its internal-reliability and known-groups validity, by comparing the EBQ.II’s results between employed and unemployed subjects. RESULTS: The results showed that the EBQ.II has a high internal-reliability (α = 0.79–0.97) and a medium-large known-groups validity (–3.95≤Z≤–2.26, p  < 0.05). Additionally, the EBQ.I has a high test re-test reliability (ICC = 0.85–0.94, p  < 0.001) and predictive validity (β = 0.861, p  = 0.033). CONCLUSION: This study has illustrated that the EBQ.II is a unique, reliable and valid tool for identifying employment barriers and modifications to address them, expected to improve vocational rehabilitation efforts. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, work capacity evaluation, job demands

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230736

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1255-1267, 2024

Authors: Singh, Gurdeep | Karmakar, Sougata

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The FMCG manufacturing industry in industrially developing countries operates in a manual or semi-automatic setup, employing a vast labor force. Several non-standardized work activities prevail on the FMCG shop floor and remain prone to safety-related risks involving repetitive motions, forceful exertions, and awkward postures. Among those, the rework of defective pouches/sachets is an unsafe activity of prime concern. It is prone to minor nicks, cuts, and injuries due to inadequate tools being used. It involves sharp cutters/blades and extensive forceful manual hand squeezing, which leads to drudgery and safety concerns. There lies the lack of standardized tools/apparatus for …rework activity, and efforts towards its mitigation are required. OBJECTIVE: Current research aims to address occupational safety-related issues in non-standardized rework activity in small-scale FMCG units through an innovative product design approach. METHODS: An ergo-audit was conducted in eight small-scale FMCG units to identify the prevailing ergonomic stressors and safety concerns. The most critical area of concern, i.e., rework activity, was chosen through card-sorting sessions and discussions held with the stakeholders. An appropriate context-specific apparatus was designed/developed to ensure better safety and occupational health utilizing a systematic product design method involving three phases: initial field survey, design and development, and field trials. RESULTS: The apparatus, which was developed and factory-trialed, was evaluated for productivity improvement and ensuring user compatibility from various human factors’ perspectives. CONCLUSION: In field trials, the developed apparatus was found effective in mitigating safety concerns and various ergonomic stressors associated with FMCG rework. Show more

Keywords: Safety, hazard control, OSH in FMCG, human factors, ergonomic stressors, product design, innovation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-240096

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1269-1290, 2024

Authors: Artar, Melike | Erdil, Oya

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the Covid-19 period, academics have given great importance to the concept of teleworking. However, despite this interest, empirical studies investigating the effect of workplace isolation on employees’ behavior during Covid-19 are limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between workplace isolation and psychological well-being in light of the mediating role of perceived organizational support and the moderating role of job insecurity. METHODS: Within the scope of the research, teleworkers in accordance with the isolation rules was used as a criterion for the selection of the participants. In this vein, data collected from …382 respondents were investigated using structural equation modelling analysis. RESULTS: The results indicate that (1) workplace isolation positively relate to perceived organizational support and negatively related to psychological well-being, (2) perceived organizational support positively relate to psychological wellbeing, (3) perceived organizational support mediates the relationship between workplace isolation and psychological well-being, and (4) job insecurity moderates the relationship between perceived organizational support and psychological well-being. CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative to understand telework employees’ psychological and emotional processes, which have gained speed in the last year, in adapting to the new order. This study is critical in understanding the psychological processes of teleworkers. Show more

Keywords: Teleworking, workplace, social isolation, job security, Covid-19, psychological well-being, employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230580

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1291-1306, 2024

Authors: Hittle, Beverly M. | Keller, Elizabeth G. | Lee, Rebecca C. | Daraiseh, Nancy M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the high risks associated with occupational fatigue in healthcare, few organizations require nurses to screen and report fatigue symptoms. As a result, little is known about if and how nurses would report fatigue while on the job. OBJECTIVE: To determine if hospital-based pediatric nurses reported fatigue as part of an active injury reporting method. METHODS: This secondary analysis of qualitative data used a descriptive design with content analysis. Data from the parent study were collected at a U.S. pediatric hospital where nurses verbally reported on-shift injuries or near misses and pre- and post-shift health …status via a digital voice recorder. Researchers used content analysis to independently code data for nurses’ references to fatigue. Codes were then analyzed for patterns and themes. RESULTS: Approximately 30% (n  = 104) of participants reported fatigue-related content. Emergent themes were Work Stressors, Individual Risk Factors, Fatigue Descriptors, Adverse Outcomes from Fatigue, Fatigue Buffers, Descriptors for Buffered Fatigue, and Favorable Outcomes from Buffered Fatigue. Fatigue descriptions align with prior literature, demonstrating the accuracy of the voice recorder data collection method. In addition, nurses expressed uncertainty about the appropriateness of reporting fatigue symptoms. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study support pediatric nurses will report fatigue, when provided an opportunity. Additional efforts are needed to better understand effective ways to improve fatigue reporting among nurses, including harnessing current technology for real-time reporting and how to change the culture around fatigue reporting. Show more

Keywords: Fatigue, occupational health, occupational injuries, organizational culture, safety management, risk assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230273

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1307-1321, 2024

Authors: Carlstedt, Anita Björklund | Bjursell, Cecilia | Nyman, Rosita | Dahl Aslan, Anna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 2020 the Swedish Government started a gradual raising of the retirement age, but employers have been silent on the issue. Little is known about whether and how they reflect on what it will mean for their organization, or whether they already have, or are going to, make arrangements in order to facilitate and motivate older workers to stay longer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore and describe managers’ experiences of older workers and age management in connection with the increase of the retirement age in Sweden. METHODS: Data was collected through …semi-structured interviews with fourteen managers from a broad set of organizations in the public and private sectors, and from the Middle and East of Sweden. The transcribed material was analysed in line with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis ended up in seven main categories with associated sub-categories: Older Workers, Retirement Ages, Transition Initiatives, Competence Transfer, Competence Development, Increased Retirement Ages, Knowledge Gaps. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that there is an ambivalence in addressing the issue of age among the interviewed managers, what we have interpreted and labelled as “silent age discrimination”, and it was shown that they do not have elaborated strategies for age management. Show more

Keywords: Competence transfer, competence development, knowledge gaps, prolonged working life, transition

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230468

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1323-1331, 2024

Authors: Meadley, Benjamin N. | Caldwell-Odgers, Joanne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Paramedics working in helicopter teams undertake water and land rescues. Historical assessments of role-related fitness were not developed using physical employment standards methodology. OBJECTIVE: To compare the historical selection tests with new tests developed via contemporary scientific methodology. METHODS: Candidates undergoing selection to the role of flight paramedic (n  = 14; age 37±5 yrs, body mass index [BMI] 26±4 kg.m2 ) undertook existing paramedic selection tests on land and in water, measurements of task duration, maximum heart rate (HRmax ), rate of perceived exertion (RPE6 - 20 ) and capillary blood lactate (Lacmax ) were recorded. These results were …compared to the same variables in experienced paramedics (n  = 14; age 44±5 yrs, BMI 25±3 kg.m2 ) who undertook the new tests. RESULTS: Land task duration (existing 17±2 min vs. proposed 7±2 min, p  <  0.05) HRmax (existing 186±13 b.min–1 vs. proposed 173±11 b.min–1 , p  <  0.05), and Lacmax (existing 23±3 mmol.L–1 vs. proposed 8±2 mmol.L–1 , p  <  0.05) were higher in the existing test compared to the proposed tests. Water task duration (existing 12±2 min vs. proposed 10±1 min, p  <  0.05) was longer in the existing test, but HRmax (existing 166±18 b.min–1 vs. proposed 167±15 b.min–1 , p  = 0.90), Lacmax (existing 11±4 mmol.L–1 vs. proposed 11±4 mmol.L–1 , p  = 0.90) did not differ. RPE6 - 20 did not differ between groups for water or land. CONCLUSIONS: The historical land-based physical tests for paramedics differed from the proposed tests, however the water-based tests had similar duration and physiological demands. Use of tests not developed via established scientific methodologies risks eliminating candidates suitable to work in the role, or including candidates that are not. Show more

Keywords: Fitness, ergonomics, work, specialist, strenuous, task

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230582

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1333-1341, 2024

Authors: Lindberg, Monika | Larsson-Lund, Maria | Berg Jansson, Anna | Ranner, Maria

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Digital work poses cognitive demands on all employees, but the impact is greater for employees with cognitive impairments. Digitalization also has significant implications for employer representatives as they are responsible for the work environment. However, knowledge is scarce concerning employer representatives’ perspectives on identifying needs and support for employees with cognitive impairments working in a digital work environment. OBJECTIVE: To describe employer representatives’ experiences of work environment management with focus on employees with cognitive impairments working in a digital environment. METHODS: Focus group methodology was used. Six employer representatives with work environment responsibilities participated. …RESULTS: One overall theme “Mastering the interconnected processes in a transformative digital work environment ” as well as three themes “Facilitating good digital work conditions ”, “Identifying needs and difficulties in work tasks among employees ’ with cognitive impairments ” and “Pursuing knowledge and collaborations to support employees with cognitive impairments ” with subthemes were identified. The themes describe employer representatives’ challenges and efforts to identify fluctuating needs in employees with cognitive impairments and, also, to organize and reduce cognitive demands in the work environment to support them. CONCLUSIONS: Managing the challenges of an evolving digital work environment and matching individual work ability of employees with cognitive impairments in relation to cognitive demands is an ongoing process. The participants valued cooperation with employees with cognitive impairments but lacked support from expertise. The need to develop and implement a functioning support system for vocational rehabilitation to ensure a sustainable work in digital work environments is indicated. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, human resources, managers, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, stroke, sustainable work, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230690

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1343-1356, 2024

Authors: Askaripoor, Taleb | Siadat, Morteza | Saleh, Elahe | Aghaei, Hamed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational accidents remain a critical challenge for healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, using the Bayesian network (BN) approach association among resilience, job satisfaction, stress, and occupational accidents among healthcare professionals is examined. METHODS: Data was gathered using several valid questionnaires. The BN approach was utilized to analyze the r5/31/2024ionships between the variables of the current study. The performance of BN analysis was evaluated using related indexes. RESULTS: In total, 300 healthcare professionals participated in this study. Results showed that almost 23% of healthcare professionals had experienced occupational accidents. Results of the …sensitivity analysis demonstrated that job satisfaction had the most significant influence on occupational accidents in healthcare settings. The belief updating analysis results showed that by increasing job satisfaction and decreasing stress of healthcare professionals the occurrence of occupational accidents decreased 9.8% and 6.4%, respectively. Moreover, decreasing the stress of healthcare professionals can lead to an increase in the level of job satisfaction. Evaluation indexes showed that the performance of the developed BN was acceptable (error rate: 16.09). CONCLUSION: The Findings reveal that both job satisfaction and stress had a significant influence on occupational accidents in healthcare professionals. Moreover, by influencing job satisfaction and stress, resilience can indirectly affect occupational accidents. Show more

Keywords: Resilience, job satisfaction, accidents, Bayes theorem, hospitals, occupational stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-240178

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1357-1367, 2024

Authors: Yigit, Sedat | Ağar, Ali | Berşe, Soner

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The concept of ergonomics in health services is attracting significant attention in the scientific community. There is a need for an integrated study presenting a summary of the published literature backed by detailed bibliometric characteristics. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to provide a summary of the published literature supported by detailed bibliometric properties. METHODS: Within the scope of this study, a total of 3008 articles on ergonomics in the health field were reviewed and analyzed using a bibliometric method. RESULTS: It reveals the trends of the publications conducted between 1999–2023, and …defines the common citation structure between the articles, bibliographic coupling, and keyword co-occurrences. This study presents a knowledge map of ergonomics studies conducted in the health field using a bibliometric analysis method. CONCLUSION: The research results provide comprehensive information to the relevant literature, and define global research focuses and future scopes. This serves as a guide for academics to understand developments in the field of ergonomics and health more easily and quickly. Show more

Keywords: VOSviewer, content analysis, web of science, health sciences, publication analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230367

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1369-1378, 2024

Authors: Siddiqui, Maria Khadija | Taqi, Muhamamd | Yaqoob, Rabeea | Aslam, Amjad Muhammad | Razak, Huzaafa Shahid

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has affected millions of people around the world since its first case in 2019. In this pandemic, health professionals have been among the most vulnerable groups to contracting the virus or spreading it to others; therefore, their appropriate response in line with health and safety is crucial and needs to be addressed. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated health professionals’ behaviors and attitudes toward COVID-19. This includes testing, vaccination, history of infection, and fear of infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among health professionals practicing in Sindh, Pakistan. A sample size of 400 was considered …for the present study, including dentists and medical doctors practicing in Sindh’s healthcare setups. RESULTS: According to the results, the response rate was 95.50%. 73.04% of participating health professionals reported a history of COVID-19 infection. The highest levels of fear and anxiety of getting infected with new COVID-19 variants were derived among junior medical professionals (RMOs). 98.69% of health professionals were reported to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 virus. 3% of participating health professionals revealed that they do not believe in testing. CONCLUSIONS: Although fear and anxiety towards new emerging COVID-19 variants were largely prevalent, negligible reluctance toward vaccination among health professionals of Sindh was reported in the study. More studies are required from other parts of Pakistan to address health professionals’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to aid health policymakers in establishing precise SOPs for health professionals, and to manage COVID-19-related negative psychological and corporal effects on them. Show more

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 variants, anxiety, fear, vaccination

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230130

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1379-1389, 2024