Work - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press

Authors: Brandl, Christopher | Nitsch, Verena

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223639

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-4, 2022

Authors: Davenport, Katie E. | Morgan, Nicole R. | McCarthy, Kimberly J. | Bleser, Julia A. | Aronson, Keith R. | Perkins, Daniel F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Underemployment is a challenge for the civilian workforce and a particular risk for veterans as they transition from military service to civilian employment. Workers’ economic and demographic characteristics factor into underemployment risk. Veterans may be at greater risk due to specific economic and demographic factors, transitional factors (e.g., geographic relocation), and characteristics of their military service (e.g., military skill alignment with civilian jobs). OBJECTIVES: Describe underemployment experiences in employed post-9/11 veterans three years after their military transition to the civilian workforce. METHODS: The current study uses self-reported underemployment experience data from a longitudinal study of …transitioning veterans. This study compares average perceptions of veteran underemployment experiences by specific groups (e.g., by race, gender, and paygrade) using analysis of variance and logistic regression. RESULTS: Veterans reported underemployment in their current jobs based on a perceived mismatch between the skills, education, and/or leadership experience they gained during military service. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans who were enlisted rank, identified as non-White, completed a bachelor’s degree, and indicated PTSD symptoms reported higher pervasive underemployment. Intervention implications for the results, such as employer and veteran employment supports, are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Veterans, transition, underemployment, subjective experience, military

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210029

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2022

Authors: Peng, Lu | Li, Kai Way

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones are becoming popular in both commerce and private usage. Behaviors of novice drone operators are critical to UAV flight safety. OBJECTIVES: This study aims at discovering the perceived difficulty, flight information access frequency, and flight performance of novice drone operators. METHODS: Twenty adults without prior experience joined as human participants. After attending an onsite training, they operated a drone to perform three missions. The subjective rating of mission difficulty, frequency of flight information checked, and time to complete the mission were analysed. RESULTS: The results indicated significance …of gender effects on the difficulty experienced by the novices. Females reported significantly higher difficulty ratings than males initially. This gender difference diminished later in their last mission. Frequency of flight information access was negatively correlated with the difficulty experienced by the operators. Operators who checked flight information more often had less difficulty in performing the flight missions. CONCLUSIONS: There were gender effects in the perceived difficulty and flight information access in drone operations for novices. Such information is helpful in drone operator training and drone design considering drone operation safety. Show more

Keywords: Drone ergonomics, unmanned aerial vehicle, mission difficulty, gender effects

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210862

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2022

Authors: Zhang, Defa | Su, Tong | Lyu, Bei | Yang, Yanchao | Zhuo, Xiangzhi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The rapid development of science and technology and the swift improvement of people’s material living standards enabled smartphones to be indispensable of people’s daily lives. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper was to examine the influence of self-control in adolescents’ participation in physical activity on cell phone dependence. METHODS: The Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Self-Control Scale, and the Cell Phone Dependence Scale were used to measure the influence of self-control in adolescents’ participation in physical activity on cell phone dependence among 649 adolescents. RESULTS: The results show: (1) There were significant …differences (p  <  0.01) in the physical activity levels of adolescents under different gender, birthplace, and education background. (2) Each dimensional variable of physical activity was negatively correlated with the cell phone dependence variable, and positively correlated with each variable of self-control, and the self-control variables were negatively correlated with cell phone dependence. (3) Self-control was partially mediating the effects of physical activity on cell phone dependence, with the mediating effect accounting for 39.68% . CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents’ participation in physical exercise activities will improve self-control and ultimately reduce cell phone dependence. Curbing the negative and malignant events of cell phone addiction among adolescents, timely investigation of mobile phone and Internet addiction, pathological formation mechanisms and intervention measures are important measures to reshape the healthy lifestyle of adolescents and have great practical significance for the prosperity and development of families, society, nation and country. Show more

Keywords: Physical exercise, self-control, cell phone dependence, adolescents

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210702

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2022

Authors: Shiga, Kiko | Izumi, Keisuke | Minato, Kazumichi | Yoshimura, Michitaka | Kitazawa, Momoko | Hanashiro, Sayaka | Cortright, Kelley | Kurokawa, Shunya | Momota, Yuki | Sado, Mitsuhiro | Maeno, Takashi | Takebayashi, Toru | Mimura, Masaru | Kishimoto, Taishiro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies that investigated the effect of a wide range of work environmental factors on stress and depression in Japan. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of work environment factors with stress and depression among workers in Japan. METHODS: We conducted questionnaire surveys of workers that mainly engage in desk work in Japan. Stress was assessed through the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), depression through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and work environment through physical and psychological workplace environment questionnaires. Workers were divided into low and high stress groups based on PSS score …(median split), and divided into non-depressed and depressed groups based on their PHQ-9 score (<  5, and ≥5); these groups were then compared with their working environment. In addition, a multiple regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 210 subjects. Multiple regression analysis showed that “Ability to work at one’s own pace” and “Ability to apply personal viewpoint to work,” etc., had effect on stress, while “Workplace harassment” and “Support from colleagues,” etc., had effect on depression. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that stress and depression in Japanese workers are related to factors such as job demands, control of work, workplace harassment, and psychological safety. Show more

Keywords: Psychological stress, depression, work environment, occupational mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210356

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2022

Authors: Kekeç, Bilgehan | Bilim, Niyazi | Ghiloufi, Dhikra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 affected numerous industries and the mining industry has not been immune to the adverse impacts caused by the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the importance of the mining industry and its benefits to the economy of the producing countries. The paper also gives an insight into the pre-COVID global and Turkish mining industries and investigates the impact of the pandemic on the global and Turkish mining sectors. Furthermore, the study suggests numerous measures that should be adopted in mines to limit the spread of COVID-19 and conduct mining operations safely and efficiently. METHODS: An …extensive literature review was conducted and relevant papers on the importance and benefits of the mining industry, the Turkish and global mining industry, and the impact of COVID-19 on the Turkish and global mining industry were studied. RESULTS: The COVID-19 crisis has deeply affected metal and mineral production and the economic sectors that depend on the mining industry for supplies. The most significant impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the global mining industry consist of the drastic decline in demand and production and the decrease in the prices of several commodities. As with any complex global situation, the mining industries of some countries were affected more than others by the COVID-19 crisis. The Turkish mining industry was to some extent affected by the COVID-19 crisis, but it quickly recovered. CONCLUSIONS: An efficient planning of operations and adopting effective measures and precautions enable limiting the spread of COVID-19 in quarries and mines. Show more

Keywords: Mineral, pandemic, occupational safety, economics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220037

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2022

Authors: Parent-Lamarche, Annick | Marchand, Alain | Saade, Sabine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Psychological distress affects between 5 and 27% of the general population [1 ]. Workers facing stressful work conditions are especially at high risk for experiencing psychological distress [1 ]. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between work organization conditions and work performance via psychological distress. While the individual contribution of work organization conditions to psychological distress and work performance has been examined in the scientific literature, their combined influence on work performance remains relatively unknown. METHODS: To adjust for design effects, we relied on cluster sampling (employees working in organizations). MPlus was used to conduct path …analyses [2 ]. RESULTS: While psychological demands, number of hours worked, and job insecurity were positively associated with psychological distress, job recognition was negatively associated with it. In the same vein, irregular work schedules and job insecurity seem to be negatively associated with work performance. On the one hand, skill utilization, decision latitude, recognition, and job promotion, all seemed to be positively associated with employee’s work performance. On the other hand, psychological demands, number of hours worked, and job insecurity were negatively and indirectly associated with work performance. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the indirect association between work variables and workers’ psychological distress could promote their work performance. Understanding this association could help shed light on the difficulties employees with psychological distress face while meeting their job requirements. The results of this study should serve as a reminder to intervene on work organization conditions. Show more

Keywords: Psychological distress, work performance, work organization conditions, path analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210843

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2022

Authors: Khanehshenas, Farin | Mazloumi, Adel | Jalaldehi, Pourya Ahmadi | Kaveh, Mahdieh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Drivers’ drowsiness is a significant issue globally known as a contributing factor to crashes in various transportation operations. Although there is evidence that suburban bus drivers experience drowsy driving, most previous studies are quantitative, which means that drivers experiencing drowsiness have not had the opportunity to explain their direct views and thoughts. OBJECTIVES: This qualitative exploratory study subjectively investigates the contextual factors influencing fatigue among suburban bus drivers. METHODS: Collecting data was conducted through 14 in-depth interviews with suburban bus drivers working in Tehran province’s transportation system, Iran. The interview recording was transcribed by the …research team and entered into the qualitative data analysis software. Two independent coders with qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis approach analyzed transcripts. RESULTS: Four themes emerged, including human factors (with categories of individual characteristic and lifestyle), vehicle factors (with categories of design and performance), job factors (with categories of task requirement, quantity and quality of sleep, and circadian rhythm,) and environmental factors (with categories of the physical and economic environment). We found a more significant number of codes and categories and thus more contextual factors associated with job factors. The participants emphasized the importance of sleep deprivation, long driving hours, and even time of the day as factors influencing fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: The study results can provide beneficial information for both ergonomists and car manufacturers in developing more accurate fatigue detection models and effective educational and technical interventions to maintain road user’s health and reduce road accidents and mortality rates due to drowsiness. Show more

Keywords: Interview, road safety, drowsy driving, human factors, traffic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210755

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2022

Authors: Abareshi, Fatemeh | Salami, Fatemeh | Farina, Faezeh | Fallahi, Majid | Rastaghi, Seddighe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Job burnout syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to difficult working conditions. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff are exposed to varying levels of mental workload (MWL) depending on the operation, so it is more likely that they experience burnout syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the current research was to investigate the effect of MWL, work-related and socio-demographic factors on job burnout among Iranian EMS staff. METHODS: The current cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical research was carried out among 198 EMS. In doing so, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), The NASA task load index (NASA TLX), and …an author-developed work-related and socio-demographic factors were distributed among participants to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (t -test, ANOVA test, multiple linear regression, and Pearson correlation coefficient). RESULTS: The results showed a significant statistical relationship between burnout and MWL. A significant statistical relationship between overall workload and two dimensions of MBI, namely, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were observed (P  <  0.05). Moreover, a significant statistical difference regarding the mean of burnout in the different groups of educational levels and occupational categories were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The EMS staff generally reported moderate levels of MWL and burnout. Findings showed that socio-demographic and occupational factors had little effect on burnout. MWL, education levels, and occupational categories are the main predictors of job burnout. Show more

Keywords: Burnout, emergency medical services, mental workload

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210001

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2022

Authors: Hosseinpouri, Mahdi | Majarshin, Vahid Mirzaei | Sheikhmozafari, Mohammad Javad | Ahmadi, Omran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Considering that the frequency of a factor contribution to accidents occurrence is not always a reason for the importance of that factor, in addition to studying the participation of basic risk factors (BRFs) in the occurrence of the accidents, their importance must be investigated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to propose a quantitative methodology for monitoring BRFs based on Tripod Beta and Tripod Delta methods. METHODS: In the present study, first, the accidents that took place in the manufacturing companies were analyzed using a reactive approach, ie Tripod Beta. In the second …step, a proactive, ie Tripod Delta was used to identify the weaknesses in the companies using safety performance indicators. Finally, a quantitative methodology for monitoring BRFs was proposed. RESULTS: According to the results of the accident analysis, training with 33 cases, hardware with 30 cases, procedures with 25 cases and error induce conditions with 14 cases were the most frequent contributing basic risk factors to the accidents. The lowest score of the basic risk factor indicators was related to the organization (4.9), design (8.8), training (8.3), procedures (8.3), and hardware (8.7). Based on the results, maintenance management, hardware, and training have the highest weight in the occurrence of accidents, 0.23, 0.179, and 0.125, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: he proposed methodology helps the organization to continuously improve safety performance by identifying system’s weaknesses before the accident and invest optimally in the system’s critical points. Show more

Keywords: Accident analysis, performance indicators, tripod beta, tripod delta

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205313

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2022