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

BackgroundIn the healthcare sector, the most common injuries include needle sticks and injuries from sharp objects. Consistent with nurses and other healthcare personnel, nursing students are similarly vulnerable to these occupational hazards during their clinical training.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess nursing students' attitudes toward the safe use of sharp medical instruments and to identify the factors influencing these attitudes.MethodsThis analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with a population of 680 student nurses, of whom 415 participated as the study sample at a university in western Türkiye. Descriptive characteristics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, and descriptive statistics.ResultsMost student nurses expressed concerns regarding sharps injuries. 23.6% reported experiencing sharps-related injuries, and only 50% reported the incident. The mean attitude score towards the safe use of sharps was 114.57 ± 10.96. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between gender, Grade Point Average (GPA), and attitudes toward sharps safety. Female students and students with a "good/excellent" GPA had higher sharps-safety attitude scores compared to male students and those with an "average" GPA.ConclusionsThe findings revealed that student nurses generally demonstrated safe sharps-handling practices. Female students and those with higher GPAs exhibited significantly safer sharps usage. These results highlight the need for structured training programs to enhance student nurses' knowledge and awareness of sharps injuries before clinical placements and throughout practice. Additionally, institutional guidelines on sharps-injury prevention should be updated in line with current evidence, and adherence to these protocols should be monitored by mentor nurses or clinical instructors.

BackgroundIn the post-COVID-19 context, hybrid work (HW) expanded rapidly, often without systematic organizational design or alignment to task demands, generating conceptual ambiguities and limited guidance for configuring HW as an organizational system.ObjectiveTo update the conceptualization of HW and identify elements for designing hybrid work organization (HWO) from a task-based perspective.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted from June to August 2025 following PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed English-language articles (2020-2025) were retrieved from Scopus, and grey literature (2022-2025) was incorporated through complementary searches and snowballing. Research quality was appraised using MMAT and AACODS tools. Of 363 records screened, 110 full texts were assessed, and 25 met inclusion criteria.ResultsHW emerges as a sociotechnical phenomenon embedded in the digital transformation of work. A multidimensional lens - spatial, temporal, digital/virtual, and social - applied to task categories (individual, collaborative, coordination) identified key designable elements for HWO. Findings indicate that HW extends beyond fixed remote-on-site ratios, emphasizing intentional alternation, task-fit configurations, and dynamic adjustments as work evolves.ConclusionsHWO is context-specific and adaptive, shaped by task requirements rather than predefined schedules or locations. No single model prevails; instead, tailored configurations reflect the variability of real work. Advancing HW as a sociotechnical system requires rethinking organizational culture and management logic, shifting from presence and control-oriented paradigms toward flexible, task-driven, and performance-focused approaches. Progress depends on treating organizational design as a participatory process that aligns arrangements with demands.

BackgroundThe design of valves in continuous process industries, such as on Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) platforms, often shows a significant gap between regulatory standards and the practical needs of operators and maintainers. While integrating ergonomics in the early project stages can improve efficiency and safety, a disconnect persists between a design's formal compliance and its usability.ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze the ergonomic challenges and systemic barriers that limit the integration of operational knowledge in the valve design process on FPSO platforms.MethodsA qualitative, descriptive case study was conducted on two FPSO platforms operating on the Brazilian coast between September 2022 and March 2024. Data were collected from multiple sources, including technical document analysis, interviews, participatory observation, and valve design review sessions. Activity ergonomics guided the research to integrate user knowledge into design specifications.ResultsThe research identified that the rigid application of valve categorization criteria and a lack of adaptation to local anthropometric data lead to a design that does not fully meet user needs. Case studies show that compliance with standards fails to guarantee usability, resulting in design decisions that prioritize one component at the expense of another's accessibility.ConclusionThe effective integration of ergonomics and operator knowledge in early stages is essential for safer and more efficient design, but participation alone is insufficient. This study concludes that project processes and tools must be enhanced to systematically transfer operational knowledge to engineering, aligning normative requirements with actual work demands.

Background: Basic Military Training (BMT) in the Canadian Armed Forces includes high physical demands. Given low levels of fitness in the Canadian population, the Basic Training Fitness Test (BTFT) was introduced to assess early readiness, and a Pre Basic Military Training (Pre-BMT) program was developed to support preparation. Objective: This study aimed to identify predictors of BTFT success and examine the influence of Pre BMT engagement. Methods: From January to November 2024, 3933 candidates (687 female) completed assessments during week one of BMT including the BTFT, body composition analysis, and a Pre-BMT engagement survey. Logistic regression with elastic net regularization models predicted BTFT success for the full cohort and by sex. Results: Overall BTFT success was 91.8%, with males outperforming females (96.2% vs. 70.9%). The full cohort model (AUC = 0.87) retained sex, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, age, height, candidate type, recruitment duration, and Pre-BMT engagement. Lower body fat, greater muscle mass, younger age, and officer cadet status were associated with higher odds of success; female sex predicted lower odds. The male model (AUC = 0.82) also retained height, while the female model (AUC = 0.78) included previous pregnancy, but excluded candidate type and Pre-BMT engagement. Engagement level was not a significant predictor in any model. Conclusions: Body composition emerged as the strongest determinant of BTFT success, underscoring the value of targeted pre-conditioning to increase muscle mass and reduce adiposity. Tailored training strategies that account for sex may enhance readiness. Given low Pre-BMT participation, its potential role in candidate preparation warrants further study.

BackgroundPrecise anthropometric data are vital for ergonomic assessment and farm machinery design. Manual methods, although dependable, are labor-intensive and susceptible to error.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and validate a computer vision (CV) based non-contact system for anthropometric measurements, focusing on stature, vertical reach, trochanteric height, and chest circumference.MethodsAn Intel RealSense D435i stereo camera with OpenCV, mediapipe captured images from three angles (front, diagonal, side) at 2.5-3.5 m. Thirty-two participants (16 male, 16 female) were measured, with manual anthropometry as reference. Accuracy was assessed using mean absolute difference (MAD) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), while reliability was examined via intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC, p < 0.05).ResultsThe 3.0 m front-facing view yielded the most accurate measurements. CV-based anthropometry slightly underestimated stature for males (1596 vs. 1646 mm) and females (1456 vs. 1521 mm; MAD 53-65 mm; MAPE 3-4%), with excellent reliability (ICC > 0.90, α > 0.85). Vertical reach showed the largest bias (83-90 mm; MAPE 4-5%), yet reliability remained high (ICC 0.88-0.91). Trochanteric height had minimal discrepancies (29-36 mm; MAPE ≤ 4%) with good consistency (ICC 0.85-0.90). Chest circumference showed small bias (±10 mm; MAPE 3-4%) but lower reliability (ICC 0.75-0.80), likely due to respiration. Overall, CV measurements were reliable, non-invasive, and scalable.ConclusionsThe CV-based system offers a precise, scalable, and non-contact alternative to manual anthropometry, enabling reliable data collection for ergonomic evaluation and improved man-machine compatibility in agriculture.

BackgroundThis paper presents the validation of the supermom myth in a new normal situation, where the challenges of the post-pandemic era are so intense that they disrupt women's work-life balance (WOLB).ObjectiveThe paper investigates the school teachers' work-life balance in the new normal situations when challenges are enormous due to situational factors such as frequently changing teaching modes (hybrid & online); excessive household chores, the necessity of taking preventive measures, increased children care, and many more endless challenges.MethodsThe study used the in-depth interview-based method for nineteen female teachers working in elementary, middle, and high schools. The researchers interviewed the teachers using phone calls and online meetings held from 1-28 February 2022. The data were analyzed using a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology approach.ResultsThe study identified the mother teachers' challenges, struggles, acceptances, and adjustments that they have to make at home and the workplace to comply with the new normal situations and fulfill society's expectation of being a superwoman. The study found that teachers found it difficult to prove themselves as supermom during challenging times when the high society and workplace expectations make the work-life balance more complicated.ConclusionsThe paper suggested that organizations should adopt a flexible and comfortable working approach for their employes. The study suggests that female teachers can maintain their mental well-being with family members and coworkers. Further, society should not always perceive women as superwomen; they should be accommodated so they can manage work-life balance. The paper contributes to societal reforms in flexible, professional policy that supports working women; increases the morale and efficiency of women employes. This study offered insights related to the female teachers' work-life balance when the cultural and social stereotypes expect them to be supermoms in intensified situations, such as the new normal. The study presents the impact of these changes on women's personal, professional, and mental well-being.

BackgroundThis study comprehensively evaluated occupational health, safety, and welfare conditions in small and medium enterprises.ObjectiveThe research used an integrated framework combining physical, mechanical, and psychological risk evaluation. Given the limited research infrastructure in informal industrial sectors, the investigation aimed to establish baseline occupational health data for policy intervention development.MethodsThis cross-sectional exploratory study employed a mixed methods approach designed specifically for resource-constrained informal sector research. Data were collected from 10 randomly selected SMEs and 1 large-scale industry for comparative analysis. A culturally adapted questionnaire was developed and validated after reviewing existing international tools that proved inadequate for the Indian SME context, including 50 workers selected through stratified sampling.ResultsWorkers faced severe multi-dimensional occupational hazards with alarming injury rates: cut injuries (26%, n = 13), hearing impairment from noise exposure (26%, n = 13), respiratory disorders from metal dust (20%, n = 10), skin allergies from metal handling (14%, n = 7), and thermal burns (12%, n = 6). 86% of workers (n = 43) showed complete unawareness of psychological health impacts, while 57% (n = 29) worked excessive 12-h shifts, violating regulatory standards. Critical safety gaps included 52% of workers operating without any personal protective equipment and zero pre-employment health screenings across all surveyed industries.ConclusionsThis study reveals critical systemic failures in occupational safety within SME steel industries, with workers experiencing simultaneous physical, mechanical, and psychological hazards. The integrated assessment approach uncovered previously underreported psychological health neglect alongside documented physical risks. The findings establish baseline data for this understudied sector and demonstrate significant associations between safety practices and health outcomes.

BackgroundCoworking spaces in shopping malls represent an emerging trend in the reimagining of commercial real estate for modern work needs. While coworking environments have been widely studied in traditional office settings, limited research explores their integration into retail infrastructure and its implications for tenant retention and member performance.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the interrelationships among coworking space preference, work culture, productivity, professional networking, community engagement, and tenant retention, focusing on whether shopping malls can effectively function as future-ready coworking ecosystems.MethodsA structured questionnaire was administered to 352 professionals working from coworking spaces located within malls. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling and represented sectors such as technology, creative services, finance, and consulting. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for analysis. All participants gave informed consent and were made aware of the study's aim and objectives before participation.ResultsThe most significant finding is that a strong preference for coworking spaces in malls leads to increased tenant retention by fostering a productive work culture and facilitating professional networking and community engagement. The results further confirm that coworking space preference positively affects productivity and enhances member experiences, making malls viable long-term workspaces.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that integrating coworking spaces into shopping malls offers a strategic opportunity to revitalize retail infrastructure while meeting evolving workplace needs. These insights can guide mall developers, coworking operators, and policymakers in rethinking commercial spaces to support dynamic, tenant-retaining work ecosystems.

BackgroundWorkplaces can present ergonomic hazards, leading to musculoskeletal problems.ObjectiveThis study focused on ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal disorders experienced by nurses.MethodsThis was a descriptive study. The research was conducted between January and May 2023. The sample consisted of 537 nurses. Data were collected face-to-face using a personal information form, the Questionnaire Survey of Ergonomic Risks Among Nursing Workers-TR (ErgoEnf-TR), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ).ResultsParticipants had a mean ErgoEnf-TR "biomechanical factors," "environmental factors/workplace," and "organizational and psychosocial factors" subscale score of 71.89 ± 22.48, 56.74 ± 28.33, and 67.10 ± 25.48, respectively. Participants working night and day/night shifts had a significantly higher mean ErgoEnf-TR score than those working day shifts. Participants who could not take breaks had a significantly higher mean ErgoEnf-TR score than those who could. Participants who did not adhere to the principles of body mechanics had a significantly higher mean ErgoEnf-TR score than those who did. Participants who did not exercise regularly had a significantly higher mean ErgoEnf-TR score than those who did. The ergonomic risks included musculoskeletal disorders in the lower back, back, neck, and shoulders. Furthermore, ergonomic risk increased by one unit in the presence of biomechanical, environmental, organizational, and psychosocial factors.ConclusionIndividual characteristics and workplace factors put nurses at an increased risk for musculoskeletal problems. Working style, rest status, work stress, compliance with the principles of body mechanics, regular exercise, and pain status affect nurses' ergonomic risk scores.