Work-A Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation最新文献

BackgroundTraditional vehicle-repairing carts in India present ergonomic challenges and occupational health and safety issues. Operators experience discomfort and strain due to difficulties in pushing the cart over long distances and in organising tools and setting up workstations.ObjectivesTo redesign the makeshift vehicle repairing cart by incorporating ergonomic principles and relevant anthropometric data of target users, aiming to reduce physical fatigue and improve usability.MethodsErgonomic evaluations were conducted to identify areas of discomfort, focussing on body parts affected. The operators expressed postural discomfort in different parts of the body like the lower back, neck, shoulder, forearm, wrist, ankle, and foot.ResultsResearchers made recommendations for the proper layout of the tools, provision for manipulating the vehicle in a better manner with ergonomically designed handles, and provision of a modular workstation detachable from the main unit. Accordingly, three concept prototypes were suggested.ConclusionThe manufacturer adopted all three concepts in principle for the new design to improve ergonomics and design of cart for user comfort.

BackgroundLawnmower operators are exposed to high noise and hand-arm vibration (HAV) during their work, which originates mainly from the engine and rotating parts. Higher exposure causes intangible issues for the well-being of the operators, results in immediate and long-term effects on the health, comfort, and safety of the operators.ObjectiveThe study involved measuring noise and HAV from a powered cylindrical lawnmower, developing retrofittable interventions, and evaluating noise and HAV levels with the interventions, and compared their effectiveness using a health risk assessment.MethodsThe study was done at three speeds and two modes of operation. The measured noise and HAV amplitudes exceeded the permissible limits of international standards. Higher amplitudes were observed at resonant frequencies of the ear and hand. To mitigate the exposure and increase the safe working hours of the operators, two interventions were developed and retrofitted to the existing lawnmower. The noise and HAV were measured with interventions and compared against pre-intervention phase. Operator's physiological, psychophysical, and postural parameters were also assessed in the lawnmower operation.ResultsThe developed interventions reduced the noise level from approximately 95 dB(A) to 85 dB(A), satisfying it within internationally permissible limits. HAV has been reduced from 23 ms^-2 to below 10 ms^-2, thereby increasing the safe exposure time by approximately 2.3 times with interventions. However, the operator's physiological, psychophysical, and postural parameters remained unchanged as operational requirements remained the same.ConclusionNoise and HAV reduction through interventions provided a safer working environment for the lawnmower operators.

BackgroundStrained financial resources and increasing demands for high-quality services in an ageing population are two challenges facing local government managers. While digitali-zing public service processes can meet these challenges, Occupational Health and Safety Manage-ment (OHSM) is often overlooked.ObjectiveThis study explores how Swedish local government managers handle digitalization processes in relation to OHSM, identifying the potential drivers and barriers that influence their integration.MethodsThe study is based on 25 semi-structured interviews with managers, HR profes-sionals, strategists, and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) in two Swedish muni-cipa-lities. An inductive approach, inspired by the Gioia methodology, was used. The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model was utilized to analyze where potential drivers for and barriers to integrate digitalization into OHSM emerge.ResultsSchool managers demonstrated a systematic approach to integrating digitalization with OHSM, collaborating with stakeholders and managing procurement despite financial con-straints. In contrast, social and home care managers reflected technological determinism, overlooking risk assess--ments and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) evaluations, thus under--estimating OHS risks and limiting the involvement of employees and HSRs.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that managerial approach and organizational context are crucial for integrating OHS into digitalization processes. By highlighting the value of the PDCA model as a guiding framework, it advances the under-standing of OHSM as a dynamic, context-sensitive process with practical relevance for management in technology-driven environ-ments.

BackgroundMultifactorial health complaints associated with indoor work environments can impact on employees' work ability and arouse controversies in the workplace. Traditionally, solutions have centered on building-related factors, however supporting work ability requires a multi-perspective approach.ObjectiveThis study explored relevant perspectives for implementing a multi-perspective work ability support model. This model represents a complex intervention within the intricate context of indoor environment-related health complaints in the workplace.MethodsWe used recordings and notes from the workshops of a project aiming to implement the work ability support model in three organizations and used reflexive thematic analysis. We developed overarching themes from the data, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as an interpretative lens to structure the findings into implementation perspectives.ResultsWe developed four overarching themes encompassing all CFIR domains and most constructs: (1) the acknowledgment and validation of employees' emotions and experiences as a solution, (2) reliable information and detailed facts as the key to managing work ability support, (3) existing tools as a means to normalization and collaboration, and (4) supervisors as central actors in a challenging task.ConclusionsImplementing a work ability support model regarding complex phenomena affecting work ability, such as indoor environment-related health complaints, requires identifying and addressing the potential tensions and controversies underlying the model and requires consideration of the context. Viewing communication as a process of developing shared understanding and co-constructing knowledge throughout the implementation process and all its dimensions can be beneficial for the implementation.

BackgroundSince the occurrence of unsafe behaviors is mostly influenced by personality traits and the impact of occupational stress on individuals varies. Therefore, examining the personality dimensions and occupational stress of workers can be used as predictive tools for safety behaviors.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the link between personality traits and safety behaviors in mine workers, considering occupational stress as a mediating factor.MethodsThis descriptive correlational study was conducted on 600 workers employed in the mining industries of eastern Iran. Data were collected by the safety behavior questionnaire, NEO-FFI personality traits, and Osipow occupational stress inventory. This study employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) techniques using SmartPLS 3 to analyze data.ResultsThe results indicated that the personality traits of openness to experience (β = 0.095, p = 0.025) and conscientiousness (β = 0.110, p = 0.008) have positive and significant effects on safety compliance. The direct effects of extraversion (β = 0.136, p = 0.002) and openness (β = 0.149, p < 0.001) were also positive and significant on safety participation, while neuroticism showed a negative and significant effect on safety participation (β = -0.099, p = 0.035). The results also confirmed a mediating role of occupational stress in the relationship between individual traits and safety behaviors of the workers.ConclusionsMining managers should pay more attention to the personality traits of workers, and improving work conditions to reduce occupational stress can lead to increased safety behaviors among workers.

BackgroundOccupational health and safety (OHS) is a vital dimension of labor policy, yet its presence in political discourse, particularly in party manifestos, remains underexplored. In democratic systems, election manifestos reflect the political will and priorities of parties, including their commitment to workers' welfare and workplace safety.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate how political parties in Turkey addressed OHS in their 2023 general election manifestos. It seeks to evaluate the specificity, relevance, and feasibility of OHS-related promises and their alignment with international labor standards.MethodsA qualitative content analysis was conducted on the official 2023 general election manifestos of major Turkish political parties. The analysis focused on the presence, depth, and practical orientation of OHS-related discourse, examining textual data through thematic coding aligned with international policy frameworks.ResultsThe findings reveal a spectrum of approaches to OHS, ranging from general symbolic statements to concrete policy proposals. Some parties emphasized regulatory reforms, institutional capacity building, and expert-driven policy, while others provided limited or ambiguous references to worker safety. Discrepancies in terminology, focus areas, and implementation strategies were notable.ConclusionsThe study concludes that OHS remains inconsistently addressed across political platforms. Ensuring institutional stability, appointing qualified experts, and adopting evidence-based, internationally compatible strategies are essential for advancing OHS policy in Turkey. A more standardized and rights-based discourse is required for effective policy continuity and worker protection.

BackgroundAssembly is crucial in manufacturing processes, particularly with the increasing trend of customer assembly enabled by e-commerce platforms. Comprehending the importance of explicit assembly instructions is essential for improving efficiency in manual assembly activities.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the effect of various assembly instruction formats, particularly evaluating the role of color and text, on established performance metrics in manual assembly activities.MethodsMultiple assembly instruction formats, encompassing both colorful and non-colored images with and without textual guidance, were created and utilized in manual assembly activities. A rigorous experimental strategy was implemented, including 40 participants to evaluate assembly performance measures.ResultsThe study results revealed that the addition of color and text instruction has a slight effect on the performance of the assembly, but this effect isn't significant at this level of assembly complexity.ConclusionImplementing specific assembly instruction formats can enhance performance and reduce costs, highlighting the significance of customized, explicit instructions for improved work efficiency.

BackgroundWhole-body vibration (WBV) poses significant health risks, including musculoskeletal disorders and discomfort, especially for individuals exposed to prolonged vibrations, such as drivers and industrial operators. This study evaluates the effects of vibration transmissibility on varying human masses, seat materials, backrest angles, and acceleration levels, aiming to inform the design of ergonomic seating systems that enhance safety and comfort in vibration-prone environments.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of vibrations on human subjects with varying masses representative of the 50^th and 95^th percentile Indian male population in a seated posture. Also, evaluate the influence of different seat cushion materials and the effect of backrest angles on transmitting vibrations through the human body at different acceleration levels.MethodsA comprehensive 4-layered CAD model of a human subject, incorporating skin, muscles, bones, and organs, was developed. Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis was employed to evaluate the transmissibility of vibrations for each condition.ResultsThe study revealed how variations in backrest angles, seat cushion materials, and acceleration levels affect the transmission of vibrations through the human body. The FEM analysis, coupled with the detailed human model, provided insights into the potential consequences for ergonomics and overall well-being. A slightly reclined backrest angle (10°-15°) can reduce the vertical vibration transmissibility by shifting the body's center of mass and distributing vibration forces more evenly. Also, polyurethane shall provide good comfort and reduce the effect of vibration on human subjects.ConclusionsThe findings offer valuable information for designing ergonomic seating solutions and emphasize the importance of protecting human safety and comfort in environments prone to vibrations. This research contributes to developing safer and more comfortable seating arrangements, enhancing individual health and comfort.

BackgroundSince the firefighting profession requires exposure to high levels of stress and traumatic events, the psychological resilience levels of individuals working in this field are an important factor that directly affects their quality of work life.ObjectiveThis research aims to examine the effects of firefighters' psychological resilience levels on their quality of work life.MethodThis study was conducted with a descriptive and correlational design. The sample of the research consisted of 229 firefighters working in the Gaziantep metropolitan municipality department. Research data was obtained through a personal information form, the Connor-Davidson Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale.ResultsFirefighters' CD-RISC total score is 79.60 ± 15.50, Compassion Satisfaction (CS) total is 39.76 ± 9.09, Burnout levels are 11.73 ± 7.255, and Compassion Fatigue (CF) score average is 14.04 ± 10.29. There is a significant positive relationship between CD-RISC Total and CS (p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation exists between CD-RISC Total score and Burnout (p < 0.001). As a result, it was determined that the model was significant F (1227) = 34.885, P = 0.000, and explained 13% of the variance in the dependent variable (R² = 0.133).ConclusionAs a result of the research; the psychological endurance and compassion satisfaction of firefighters are high. Their compassion fatigue and burnout levels are low. As the psychological endurance of firefighters increases, compassion satisfaction also increases. As the psychological endurance of firefighters increases, their burnout levels decrease. As compassion satisfaction increases, compassion fatigue decreases. In addition, as compassion fatigue increases, their burnout increases.

BackgroundDuring COVID-19, healthcare professionals had to adapt their service delivery models to prevent virus transmissions using telehealth as a new service delivery model. Although many health professionals support telehealth, there is a void in the literature that focus on the use of telehealth in occupational therapy.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the experiences of occupational therapists in the public and private sectors regarding the use of telehealth in OT practice in South Africa.MethodTen participants (occupational therapists who use telehealth as part of their interventions) participated in the study. The majority of the participants were 35 years of age, they were females and had 3.5 months of telehealth experience. The researchers made use of semi-structured interviews and used the process of thematic analysis to give rise to four themes.ResultsFour themes surfaced which represent the experiences and perspectives of the occupational therapists utilising telehealth including the barriers and facilitators: The themes that became evident throughout the thematic analysis comprised (1) Enablers to the use of telehealth; (2) Barriers to telehealth in occupational therapy practice; (3) The use of education and research in strengthening telehealth as a strategy; (4) Strategies to enhance the use of telehealth in occupational therapy practice.ConclusionThe participants addressed the misconception that occupational therapists should not utilise telehealth due to the type of therapy provided, by elaborating on the influence of therapist adaptability and creativity on the integration of telehealth into their practice. Although telehealth minimises geographical barriers and costs associated with travelling, most participants had difficulty conducting assessments and navigating online platforms effectively from a therapist and client perspective.