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

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.

BackgroundThe number of shipyard accidents should be reduced by examining the effects of the various demographic and workplace factors on the severity of the accident.ObjectiveThe study examines shipyard accidents and various occupational-behavioral-environmental factors affecting these accidents to find minor accidents (or near-misses) that turned out to be major and to examine the effects of factors on the possible consequences of the accidents, to compare the predicted results with the actual results, and to investigate possible hidden reasons for the occurrence of accidents.MethodsThe study uses an accident causality model and conducts experiments with a multi-factor approach on accident causality in the shipbuilding industry through logistic regression and machine learning. It performs an association rules analysis to further enhance the causality model.ResultsMachine learning algorithm outputs yielded results that differed significantly from the apparent descriptive distribution of causes of major accidents. Lack of control and audit stands out as the most important accident factor in the occurrence of major accidents. Design errors and lack of training are also two important administrative factors in the occurrence of major accidents. 38.2% of major occupational accidents in shipyards are preventable or can be overcome with minor injury. In 87% of preventable major accidents, the employee had been involved in one or two previous minor incidents.ConclusionAdministrative deficiencies are prominent in major accidents. The main employer's workers and managers are at higher risk in terms of major accident exposure. The effectiveness of safety training should be increased in accordance with the changing working environment and technological conditions.

BackgroundIndustrial tasks often require workers to maintain awkward static postures at non-optimal workstations, leading to physical strain and musculoskeletal issues. Exoskeletons offer potential ergonomic benefits by reducing physical workload. However, the efficacy of passive lower-limb exoskeletons in non-optimal workstation conditions remains unclear.ObjectivesThis study examines the ergonomic efficacy of a passive lower-limb exoskeleton during simulated industrial tasks performed at workstations with varying heights and tilt angles.MethodsSixteen participants performed bolting tasks at workstations configured at two heights (60 cm and 90 cm) and three tilt angles (0°, 45°, and 90°), under exoskeleton and non-exoskeleton conditions. Assessments included muscle activity (erector spinae and rectus femoris), joint angles (lumbar, hips, and knees), segmental REBA scores, perceived exertion, and perceived discomfort. Mixed-effects and generalized linear mixed models evaluated the impact of workstation conditions and exoskeleton use.ResultsThe exoskeleton reduced erector spinae muscle activity by an average of 39% and supported more neutral hip and knee postures (p < 0.001), though it increased rectus femoris activity at the higher workstation (p < 0.001) and segmental REBA scores for the trunk and leg under specific conditions (p < 0.001). Furthermore, although exoskeleton use did not have a significant effect on perceived exertion or discomfort, workstation height significantly influenced both variables (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionsThe passive lower-limb exoskeleton may reduce specific muscle loads and improve posture in non-ideal settings, though its efficacy varies by workstation configuration.

BackgroundPsychosocial risk factors affecting the welfare of workers are present to varying degrees in all workplaces. In the context of universities, these risk factors negatively impact good teaching practices and, therefore, the learning process in classrooms, ultimately affecting student performance. Moreover, these risk factors could generate stress, anxiety, and absenteeism among teachers.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this article is to examine the influence of psychosocial risk factors, including communication at work, work environment conditions, and control over work, on good teaching practices in online courses. This analysis is performed using data from the higher education sector in northwest México.MethodsThe Reference Guide (GRII), created by the Official Mexican Standard (NOM-035), and a questionnaire on good teaching practices were applied to a sample of 253 teachers from the participating population. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted. Finally, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the hypothesized relationships among constructs.ResultsThe most important results of our study are that communication at work had a direct and positive effect on the work environment conditions and control over work. Additionally, these last two factors presented a direct and positive impact on good teaching practices.ConclusionsAfter reviewing the outcomes of the structural model, it was concluded that understanding the relationships demonstrated in this study provides educational institutions with valuable information to implement well-defined strategies for achieving healthier working conditions for teachers, which in turn positively impacts good teaching practices in online courses.

BackgroundHigh hospital staff turnover not only undermines patient trust in healthcare institutions but also increases administrative costs, thereby threatening the stability of the healthcare system. However, systematic research on the factors influencing hospital employee turnover in China remains limited.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify key determinants of staff attrition by analyzing individual and work-related characteristics, providing evidence for targeted human resource interventions.MethodsThis cross-sectional study collected anonymized data from 1186 current and resigned employees at a tertiary hospital in Nantong between 2019 and 2024. Variables included demographic and job-related characteristics. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, and binary logistic regression were employed to examine associations between these factors and turnover risk.ResultsA total of 1186 employee records were included in the analysis, showing a higher turnover rate among males compared to females. Factors related to employee turnover were identified as: Individual characteristics: Age (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.62-0.78), being married (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11-0.82); Work characteristics: Nursing positions (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.05-0.29), monthly salary between 8000-10,000 (OR = 8.66, 95% CI: 3.19-23.50), monthly salary >10,000 (OR = 10.75, 95% CI: 4.75-20.17), and being in an authorized strength (OR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.02-0.31).ConclusionHigh-risk groups included high-earners, young unmarried staff, and those in non- authorized strength. Interventions such as salary structure optimization, targeted welfare policies for unmarried youth is recommended to improve retention. This study provides empirical evidence for regional hospital workforce management.

BackgroundSpanish companies with ≥50 employees must have ≥2% of their workforce with a recognised disability.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe new employees with a recognised disability and compare them to official data and the rest of the workforce.MethodsA transversal study was carried out. 149 new employees with recognised disabilities joined a Spanish bank last year, out of 33,190 employees in Spain. Statistical analysis considered variables such as gender, age, workplace location, disability percentage, type of disability, and the need for workplace ergonomic adaptations. Data comparison of the collected data used Pearson's Chi-square test and logistic regression.Results79% shown mild disabilities, 71% were physical disabilities and 21% were sensory disabilities. 88% didn't require ergonomic workplace adaptations. Significant differences were found compared to the state's working-age disability statistics: females, under 35 years, locations outside Madrid, physical disabilities, and mild disabilities (p < 0.001). Differences compared to the total workforce included females and those under 44 years (p < 0.001), and locations outside Madrid (p < 0.01).ConclusionsOnly 12% of new employees with recognised disabilities needed workplace adaptations. The process to integrate workers with disabilities is complex but it is doable. Jobs with few physical requirements are favourable for employees with recognized disabilities. It is easier in young employees, women, workers from outside Madrid, with mild disabilities and physical disabilities.

BackgroundThere are knowledge gaps regarding safety measures among healthcare professionals (HPs) in Ethiopia. Safety measures are critical for safeguarding HPs and clients.ObjectiveTo assess the pooled knowledge and areas of gaps related to safety measures among HPs in Ethiopia.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis included published Ethiopian studies as of August 2024, sourced from June 1 to August 30, 2024. Databases included PubMed, Web of Science, Epistemonikos, Semantic Scholar, and Google Scholar. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA 17. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled knowledge, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic (I² = 98.68%, p < 0.001). Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, Egger's test (P = 0.3239), and Begg's test (P = 0.2465). We used subgroup analyses to see variation across different variables.ResultsWe included 64 studies involving 23,257 HPs. The pooled knowledge was 67.19% (95% CI: 63%-72.81%). In subgroup analysis, 77.39% were aware of COVID-19 prevention measures, and 76.55% were aware of hospital-acquired infections. Knowledge was lower for HIV prophylaxis (57.12%) and healthcare waste management (56.52%). Key consistent influencing factors included training, guideline availability, work experience, professional role, and education.ConclusionsEthiopian HPs had moderate knowledge of safety measures and relatively low knowledge of HIV prophylaxis and healthcare waste management. We recommended standardized assessment tools, targeted training interventions, and expanded coverage to underrepresented regions.

BackgroundAgriculture serves as the primary livelihood in rural Northeast India where the challenging hilly terrain necessitates manual effort and labor-intensive farming practices which results in fatigue and musculoskeletal problems among the farmers.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the musculoskeletal disorders and their associated risk factors in labor-intensive farm activities in northeast India.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 120 adult farmers (53 females and 67 males) aged 18 and above in Meghalaya and Manipur of northeast India. Demographic data were gathered through a structured schedule interviews and direct observation during 2021-22. The study employed the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire to measure musculoskeletal disorders and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment tool to evaluate posture and exertion in a subset of farmers (18 males, 12 females).ResultsResults indicated that 74% of workers in northeast India experienced musculoskeletal disorders, with the lower back (72.50%) being the most affected body part followed by neck (43.33%) and shoulder (40.83%). Chi-square (χ²) analysis revealed significant associations (p < 0.05) between the occurrence of overall musculoskeletal disorders and factors (education, age, and work experience). Further, multivariate logistic regression indicated that higher education level decreased the likelihood of overall musculoskeletal disorders and lower back issue. Remarkably, 35% of farmers were classified as high-risk (scoring 8-10) and 70% were classified as very high-risk (score ≥11).ConclusionsThe findings emphasize the need for ergonomic interventions and the introduction of mechanized tools to reduce -physical strain, thereby improving health outcomes and productivity among farmers in Northeast India.