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At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Long workhours, work scheduling and work-related injuries among construction workers in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were (i) to examine work scheduling in construction and (ii) to establish whether there is any connection between workhours and safety outcomes among construction workers. METHODS: The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 cohort (NLSY79), was used for the data analysis. Odds ratios were used to measure the risk of work-related injury in different worker groups. RESULTS: The findings showed that (i) construction workers started work earlier, worked longer days and fewer weeks a year, and were more likely to hold multiple jobs and change jobs than their nonconstruction counterparts and (ii) long workhours and irregular work schedules were significantly associated with a higher work-related injury rate after control for possible confounders. CONCLUSION: The results provide evidence that overtime and irregular work scheduling have an adverse effect on worker safety.

Accidents, Occupational↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical assessment, prognosis and return to work with reference to work related neck and upper limb disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical assessment and management of work related neck and upper limb disorders. METHODS: A total of 65 references in English were found in Pub Med for the years 1980-2002 that dealt with clinical assessment, prognosis and return to work with reference to neck and upper limb original research that dealt with test performance in diagnostic procedures. Few studies were randomised studies of prognosis and return to work with reference to neck and upper limb disorders. RESULTS: The clinical assessment consists of the clinical and exposure history, the evaluation of the physical and laboratory findings. The physical examination should include the following steps: (1) inspection; (2) testing for range of motion (3) testing for muscle contraction pain and muscle strength (4) palpation of muscle tendons and insertions and (5) specific tests. The characteristics of clinical tests in terms of likelihood ratio for confirming and ruling out disease have to be considered for the diagnosis. The use of terms such as RSI (repetitive strain injuries) and CTD (cumulative trauma disorders) should be avoided. If the different musculoskeletal symptoms and signs do not completely comply with criteria for a disease, it is recommended to choose an ICD (International Classification of Disease) label that focuses on the symptoms rather than the pathology. The prognosis for most work related disorders are variable. The general experience is for non-specific neck and upper arm that pain and discomfort may be decreased but not eliminated in the majority of cases. It is important to start rehabilitation early. Long periods of sick leave are generally counterproductive. Disputed workers' compensation claims and an adverse work setting also are likely to impede successful rehabilitation. Since most patients with musculoskeletal disorders are also exposed to ergonomic stressors accommodation of the injured worker has to take the whole work system into account (task, technology, environment and organization). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the large number of patients with neck and upper limb disorders the scientific evidence for clinical assessment, to determine the prognosis and for successful procedures for return to work are few.

Arm↗

PubMed2004

Work environment and job satisfaction. A psychometric evaluation of the Working Environment Scale-10.

BACKGROUND: The working environment in mental health wards has been shown to have profound effects on the health and work stability of mental health workers. Despite an apparent need for regular measurement of work environment, development of short and reliable instruments for such measurements has been largely neglected. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Working Environment Scale-10 (WES-10). METHODS: During the period 1990 through 2000, a total of 640 staff members on 42 wards for psychotic patients completed the WES-10. To establish the number of subscales, a factor analysis was carried out. The internal consistency of the subscales was calculated as Cronbach's alpha. We also collected data concerning satisfaction with the ward, its patients and staff, and for how long the respondents had worked and expected to continue to work at the ward. RESULTS: We identified four subscales named: Self Realization, Workload, Conflict and Nervousness. The psychometric properties of the subscales proved to be acceptable. All the subscales were significantly correlated with at least one satisfaction item, and/or the time the staff expected to continue at the ward. Most notably, the Self Realization subscale was strongly correlated to general satisfaction with the ward, and to the time the staff expected to work on the ward in the future, while Conflict was strongly negatively correlated with liking for staff. CONCLUSION: The WES-10 appears to measure four clinically meaningful subscales. It seems well suited for use in further research and for evaluation of clinical milieus.

Health Personnel↗

PubMed2004

Anxiety and depression in the working population using the HAD Scale--psychometrics, prevalence and relationships with psychosocial work characteristics.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were: 1) to explore the psychometric properties of the HAD Scale in the working population, 2) to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression on two severity levels among employees, and 3) to examine whether psychosocial work-related determinants for both categories of mental health problems may differ. METHODS: Data were taken from 7482 employees participating in the epidemiological Maastricht Cohort Study on Fatigue at Work. Anxiety and depression were measured with the easy to administer self-report Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale, while several questionnaires and self-formulated questions were used to measure psychosocial work-related characteristics. RESULTS: A principal component analysis indicated that the HAD Scale enables measuring anxiety and depression as separate constructs among employees. On a subclinical level, prevalences of anxiety and depression were both considerable: anxiety prevalences were 8.2 % for males and 10 % for females, and depression prevalences were 7.1% for males and 6.2% for females. Regarding self-reported psychosocial work characteristics, in multivariate regression analyses partly differential cross-sectional associations were found for anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that subclinical anxiety and depression are considerable in the working population and provide suggestive evidence that diagnosing, preventing or managing anxiety and depression among employees may require focusing on different aspects of their psychosocial work environment.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Reduced oxygen uptake increase to work rate increment (DeltaVO2/DeltaWR) is predictable by VO2 response to constant work rate exercise in patients with chronic heart failure.

Patients with reduced peak oxygen uptake (VO2) due to chronic heart failure (CHF) exhibit abnormal VO2 kinetics even during mild to moderate exercise. This is characterized by a reduced ratio of the VO2 increase to the work rate increment (DeltaVO2/DeltaWR) during ramp exercise, and by a slow increase in VO2 during constant work rate exercise. Because the slow kinetics alone is unlikely to explain the reduced DeltaVO2/DeltaWR on theoretical grounds, we can postulate that the linearity between work rate and VO2 may be impaired when exercise is imposed in a ramp fashion. The present study was designed to address this issue. In 21 CHF patients and 17 normal controls, we performed both symptom-limited exercise testing (15 W. min(-1) ramp) and a constant work rate exercise test (0 W followed by 50-W step). The VO2 step response was used to mathematically derive the hypothetical VO2 ramp response by time integration. Although peak VO2 and work rate were both significantly lower in patients, the attenuation in peak VO2 was more prominent ( p<0.05), which could be explained by a lower DeltaVO2/DeltaWR in patients compared with controls [8.1 (SD 1.0) and 9.8 (0.5) ml. min(-1). W(-1), p<0.01]. The hypothetical DeltaVO2/DeltaWR derived from the VO2 step response was also significantly lower in patients [8.7 (1.0) and 10.0 (0.7) ml. min(-1). W(-1), p<0.01]. The hypothetical and measured DeltaVO2/DeltaWR were highly correlated ( r=0.78, p<0.001). Thus, we can reasonably predict the VO2 ramp response from the VO2 response to a step increase in work rate, indicating that linearity between VO2 and work rate is held constant irrespective of loading patterns. Additional studies, such as those including evaluation of anaerobic bioenergetics, are needed to further elucidate the precise mechanism(s) of this phenomenon.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed2005

Preliminary evaluation of the generalized work distress scale in patients with work-related upper extremity disorders.

This study evaluated the reliability and construct validity of the Generalized Work Distress Scale in 207 patients attending a specialty clinic with work-related upper extremity disorders. Factor analyses were conducted and compared to the original developmental study confirming a two-factor solution: an internal factor related to Work-Related Dysphoria and an external factor related to Work-Related Support. Reliability (internal consistency) of factors was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87 and 0.89). The Work-Related Dysphoria factor was more related to self-reported global depressed mood and self-reported upper extremity functional disability, than was Work-Related Support. This study provided preliminary support for the use of this scale in patients with work-related upper extremity disorders and consideration to depressive symptoms in these patients. Further investigation of the psychometric properties of this scale and its predictive validity are required.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMed1980

Human factors studies of the working hours of UK ships' pilots. Part 2: A survey of work-scheduling problems and their social consequences.

This paper reports findings from interview, questionnaire and diary surveys of the working hours and working arrangements of UK ships' pilots relevant for the question of individual well-being, fatigue and social effects of work-scheduling practices. Aspects of pilots' lifestyles, task factors and different work systems are described. Findings are drawn from the pilots' own subjective accounts, opinions and ratings and some pilots' wives also gave their views. It is concluded that certain districts have working hours and working systems which impose a strain on their pilots, particularly those without a supportive domestic life. Compatibility between home and work life is thought to make an important contribution to well-being. Recommendations for change are outlined and a major obstacle against their implementation (sea-faring attitudes) is described. This study formed part of a larger project investigating stress in ships' pilots with particular reference to workload factors.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1992

When is light work heavy? Components of the physical workload of sewing machine operators working at piecework rates.

Epidemiologists have associated the job of sewing machine operators with a high incidence of musculoskeletal and other health problems, despite its classifications as light work according to energy expenditure criteria. An ergonomic analysis was undertaken in a trouser factory in order to describe components of the physical load of this work: force exerted, repetitions, time allocation and postures. Work activity of ten operators was observed and timed in situ, and forces were measured with a dynamometer. The time required to sew one seam is very short, 10-15 s per trouser leg. This short cycle is repeated more than 1500 times during the work day, involving quasi-continuous movements of the same parts of the body. The fact that movements are repeated so many times means that small details of the task assume a great importance. During the work day, a substantial force is exerted, only part of which can be measured with current technology. By these measurements, operators lift an average 406.1 kg of trousers per day and exert an average total force of 2858.4 kg with the upper limbs and 24 267.9 kg with the lower limbs. The work posture is static: seated with upper back curved and head bent over the sewing machine. Movements of the upper limbs involve abduction and adduction of the shoulders while exerting a force. For the same task, there is considerable variation in the dimensions of workstations. Interviews were conducted to determine the types of musculoskeletal complaints. The components of work activity could be treated to these complaints and to existing epidemiological data on musculoskeletal problems among sewing machine operators. This type of detailed examination can be applied by health and safety personnel to identify task components which could be changed to minimize the probability of musculoskeletal problems.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1996

PATH: a work sampling-based approach to ergonomic job analysis for construction and other non-repetitive work.

A high prevalence and incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been reported in construction work. Unlike industrial production-line activity, construction work, as well as work in many other occupations (e.g. agriculture, mining), is non-repetitive in nature; job tasks are non-cyclic, or consist of long or irregular cycles. PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling), a work sampling-based approach, was developed to characterize the ergonomic hazards of construction and other non-repetitive work. The posture codes in the PATH method are based on the Ovako Work Posture Analysing System (OWAS), with other codes included for describing worker activity, tool use, loads handled and grasp type. For heavy highway construction, observations are stratified by construction stage and operation, using a taxonomy developed specifically for this purpose. Observers can code the physical characteristics of the job reliably after about 30 h of training. A pilot study of six construction laborers during four road construction operations suggests that laborers spend large proportions of time in nonneutral trunk postures and spend approximately 20% of their time performing manual material handling tasks. These results demonstrate how the PATH method can be used to identify specific construction operations and tasks that are ergonomically hazardous.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Do work technique and musculoskeletal symptoms differ between men and women performing the same type of work tasks?

Musculoskeletal disorders are more common among women than among men. When comparing the difference between men and women in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, methodological problems arise as men and women seldom perform the same type of activities, neither at work nor at home. The main objective of this cross-sectional case study was to compare work technique and self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms between men and women performing the same type of work tasks within a metal industry. Other factors, such as leisure activities, were also taken into consideration. Three data collection methods were used; questionnaire, interviews and systematic observations. The results from the observations revealed that women worked more frequently and during longer times with their hands above shoulder height than men. Working with hands above shoulder height is considered a risk factor for neck and shoulder disorders according to previous studies. Workplace design factors were probably a reason for differences in working technique between men and women. A higher proportion of women than men reported shoulder symptoms. Women spent more time on household activities than men, which indicates a higher total workload in paid and unpaid work.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Adjuvant occupational therapy for work-related major depression works: randomized trial including economic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Major depression has far-reaching consequences for work functioning and absenteeism. In most cases depression is treated by medication and clinical management. The addition of occupational therapy (OT) might improve outcome. We determined the cost-effectiveness of the addition of OT to treatment as usual (TAU). METHOD: Sixty-two adults with major depression and a mean absenteeism of 242 days were randomized to TAU (out-patient psychiatric treatment) or TAU+OT [6 months, including (i) diagnostic phase with occupational history and work reintegration plan, and (ii) therapeutic phase with individual sessions and group sessions]. Main outcome domains were depression, work resumption, work stress and costs. Assessments were at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 42 months. RESULTS: The addition of OT to TAU: (i) did not improve depression outcome, (ii) resulted in a reduction in work-loss days during the first 18 months, (iii) did not increase work stress, and (iv) had a 75.5% probability of being more cost-effective than TAU alone. CONCLUSION: Addition of OT to good clinical practice does not improve depression outcome, improves productivity without increasing work stress and is superior to TAU in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Absenteeism↗

PubMed2000

The nature and outcomes of work: a replication and extension of interdisciplinary work-design research.

Research into the changing nature of work requires comprehensive models of work design. One such model is the interdisciplinary framework (M. A. Campion, 1988), which integrates 4 work-design approaches (motivational, mechanistic, biological, perceptual-motor) and links each approach to specific outcomes. Unfortunately, studies of this framework have used methods that disregard measurement error, overlook dimensions within each work-design approach, and treat each approach and outcome separately. This study reanalyzes data from M. A. Campion (1988), using structural equation models that incorporate measurement error, specify multiple dimensions for each work-design approach, and examine the work-design approaches and outcomes jointly. Results show that previous studies underestimate relationships between work-design approaches and outcomes and that dimensions within each approach exhibit relationships with outcomes that differ in magnitude and direction.

Data Collection↗

PubMed1996

'I love my work, but ... ': the 'best' and the 'worst' in nurse educators' working life in Finland.

The aim of this study was to investigate nurse educators' perceptions of the quality of their working life. Questionnaires were sent to 706 Finnish nurse educators and their spouses or other adult living with them. The results concerning the structured part of the questionnaire have been described in detail in an earlier paper (Harri 1995). This paper describes the data collected by means of semi-structured questions from 477 (68%) educators and 409 (58%) spouses) and open-ended questions (309 nurse educators and 167 spouses), analysed using content analysis. The seven categories that were identified as the best features of work were, in descending order of prevalence: students, freedom, challenges, teaching, miscellaneous, colleagues, and physical environment. Among the worst features of work, workload ranked first, followed by inadequacy of personal resources, administrative issues, changes, interpersonal relationships, miscellaneous, and physical environment. In the open-ended comments the nurse educators used 400 expressions to describe positive features of their working life, while they used 597 expressions to describe negative features. The spouses made 90 positive comments about the working life of their teacher spouse, and 425 negative comments. The importance of this kind of study was remarked on quite frequently both by nurse educators (22%) and their spouses (12%). The study provides important clues to understanding the present reality of nurse educators' working life. It is hoped that the findings of the study will help focus attention on ways of developing the quality of nurse educators' working life.

Faculty, Nursing↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Differences in the association between psychosocial work conditions and physical work load in female- and male-dominated occupations. MUSIC-Norrtälje Study Group.

This study investigated whether there is a relationship between high physical work load and adverse psychosocial work factors, and whether this relationship is different for women and men. Separate analyses for female registered nurses and assistant nurses were made because these are common occupations involving high physical and psychological demands. This study was part of the MUSIC-Norrtälje study, a population study with the overall aim of identifying risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. The respondents, 1423 gainfully employed men and women, were randomly selected from the study population. The exposure assessments referred to a typical workday during the previous 12 months. Physical exposure was investigated by interview, psychosocial work factors by interview and questionnaire. For the women, but not the men, mainly routine work and a job strain situation, according to the model of Karasek and Theorell, increased the probability of having a high physical work load, assessed as a time-weighted average of energy expenditure in multiples of the resting metabolic rate. Results indicated that in female-dominated occupations, high physical work load might also imply adverse psychosocial conditions. A higher frequency of high physical work load and job strain was observed among assistant nurses compared with registered nurses. Covariance between physical and psychosocial demands makes it difficult to determine the relative influence of each in health problems. Results of the present study imply that this is a larger problem in studies of women than men.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Indicators for return to work after stroke and the importance of work for subjective well-being and life satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES: This study focuses on the continuation of gainful employment after experiencing stroke, addressing factors indicative of readiness for return to work, subjective well-being and life satisfaction. METHODS: The target group comprised 120 patients, studied by means of medical records and postal questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 41% had returned to work, although there were changes concerning employers, assignments and working hours. Individuals who had returned to work reported a significantly higher level in subjective well-being and life satisfaction. Being able to walk meant the greatest chance of returning to work (odds ratio = 3.98) followed by white-collar worker (odds ratio = 2.99) and having preserved cognitive capacity (odds ratio = 2.64). CONCLUSION: Returning to work after stroke is a major factor for high subjective well-being and life satisfaction. Three factors indicative of readiness for return to work were identified, providing implications for more efficient vocational rehabilitation programmes.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

The effects of unit self-management on hospital nurses' work process, work satisfaction, and retention.

A number of innovative practice models have been introduced in an effort to resolve the hospital nursing shortage and improve the working conditions and retention of registered nurses. This study examines the effects of a unit-level self-management model (including salaried compensation and gainsharing) in a number of clinical areas at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. In comparisons of nurses on self-managed and traditional nursing units, outcomes examined were nurses' perceptions of their work process, nurses' work satisfaction levels, and nurses' retention. The self-management model is found to increase work satisfaction through effects on two work process variables: coordination of care and effective team performance. The model is also associated with higher retention. Nurses on self-managed units work longer hours but earn increased pay; the effects of hours and pay on work satisfaction and retention are discussed.

Baltimore↗

PubMed1983

Work of friction and net work during compaction.

Series of tablets were compressed in a reciprocating tablet machine with a gradually increasing die wall friction. The force needed on the upper punch to maintain the tablet dimensions constant increased with the die wall friction while the lower punch force decreased. The change in punch forces due to differences in die wall friction had no effect on the tablet strength. The net work of compaction should be constant under these circumstances. The net work calculated by subtracting the work of friction and the expansion work from the gross work input was constant when the frictional work was calculated according to one of the two equations proposed in the literature (Järvinen & Juslin 1974) while the other appears to give an overestimation of the work of friction.

Tablets↗

PubMed2003

Quality of life and work in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis of working age.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between work and quality of life (QOL) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) aged 16-59. METHODS: 1056 patients with RA and 658 with AS were included in the study. Data were obtained by postal questionnaire, which included several generic and disease related QOL instruments. Separate dimensions and physical and mental summary scores from the SF-36 were compared. Stepwise multiple regression was performed to study the relationship between work and physical and mental health related QOL, including disease related factors, coping, and fatigue. RESULTS: Physical health related QOL was reported to be worse, and mental health related QOL better, in RA than in AS in people of working age. No differences between RA and AS were found in somatic pain, physical role functioning, social functioning, emotional role functioning, vitality, or general health perception; nor were there any significant differences in fatigue and behavioural coping styles. Work was positively associated with physical health related QOL in both groups and, after disease characteristics, was the most important determinant. No association was found with mental health related QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Although physical health related QOL was worse in patients with RA, the impact on several dimensions of health related QOL in patients with RA and AS of working age under rheumatological care was comparable. Patients with RA and AS experienced similar limitations in physical role functioning, including work. Work is an important independent external determinant of physical health related QOL, but not of mental health related QOL.

Adaptation, Psychological↗