Psychophysical rating of library employees' work tasks

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lange, Tanya M. de | Allen, Shelley M. | Maas, Frikkie

Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Note: [] c/o Shelley Allen, Department on Occupational Therapy, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia 4072

Abstract: {\it Objective:} This exploratory research aimed to identify the perceived physical demands of library assistants' and attendants' work tasks. {\it Study design:} A fixed format survey was completed by 36 library assistants and attendants from suburban and university libraries. Surveys were distributed and completed within the participants' workplaces. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's r correlations were calculated using the SPSS data analysis program. {\it Results:} Data analysis revealed a hierarchical distribution of library assistants' and attendants' work tasks according to perceived physical demands. Significant Pearson's r correlations between personal factors and perceived exertion during some work tasks, were also identified. {\it Conclusions:} The hierarchical distribution of tasks revealed by this research can be used as a guide by therapists in designing graded suitable duties programs for library assistants and attendants following work-related injuries. Further task analysis is required to identify the critical physical requirements of those tasks receiving higher ratings of perceived exertion.

Keywords: library attendants/assistants, perceived exertion, suitable duties, workplace rehabilitation, re-injury prevention

Journal: Work, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 111-122, 2001