A multi-method approach to assessing deadlines and workload variation among newspaper workers

Issue title: The Changing Face of Work

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Beech-Hawley, L.^; | Wells, R.^; | Cole, D.C.^; | the Worksite Upper Extremity Group,

Affiliations: Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada | Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Department of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. R. Wells, Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200, University Avenue, W., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1. Tel.: +1 519 888 4567; Fax: +1 519 746 6776; E-mail: wells@healthy.uwaterloo.ca

Abstract: Objectives: Working under frequent deadlines was previously found to be associated with upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in newspaper workers. Further investigation was required so that concrete recommendations for change could be offered to the workplace parties (labour and management of a large metropolitan newspaper). Study design: The assessment was based on three methods. A questionnaire was used to clarify time-related aspects of work on deadlines for a larger group of workers. Experience sampling was used to document temporal variation in various aspects of physical and psychological demands over work shifts and deadline cycles. Focus groups were also conducted. Results: Differences were found between the "High" and "Low" deadline groups: Those working with frequent deadlines more frequently were required: to work together with others, to perform tasks on a specific schedule and specific order, to work at a fast paced, to perceive their work as hectic and "hard". Experience sampling showed differential trends in workload across daily, weekly, and no deadline days. The lack of breaks for extended periods of time leading up to a deadline was noticeable. The focus groups were useful in highlighting issues not addressed by the other two methods and to understand the feasibility of various possible interventions. Conclusions: The integration of results from all methods lead to recommendations for issues upon which to focus prevention related activities where deadlines are present: delays in work flow from others, interruptions from technology related problems, excessive work, insufficient staff/insufficient time, extra/unexpected work, compromising of work quality for speed, and lack of time for breaks.

Keywords: WMSD, repetitive strain injury, cumulative trauma disorder, questionnaire, qualitative methods, deadlines, newspapers, diary, time-variation pattern of exposure, exposure assessment, information technology, computers, VDT

Journal: Work, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 43-58, 2004