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Association between Psychosocial Working Conditions and Perceived Physical Exertion among Eldercare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Multilevel Analysis of Nursing Homes, Wards and Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193610. [PMID: 31561538 PMCID: PMC6801705 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional multilevel study aims at investigating the associations between psychosocial working conditions of different workplace levels and perceived physical exertion among eldercare workers. Data were obtained from the 'Danish Observational Study of Eldercare work and musculoskeletal disorderS' (DOSES) study, including 536 eldercare workers, nested in 126 wards and 20 nursing homes. Psychosocial working conditions were measured by the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). The physical workload was measured with a self-administered scale (0-10) rating perceived physical exertion. Multilevel linear mixed models were used to determine associations of psychosocial conditions between nursing homes, wards, and workers with physical exertion. Most of the variance in the perceived physical exertion was explained by differences between workers (83%), but some variance was explained by wards (11%) and nursing homes (6%). Workers employed in nursing homes with low influence (p = 0.01) and poor leadership (p = 0.02), and in wards with high quantitative demands (p = 0.03), high work pace (p < 0.001), and low justice (p = 0.01) were at increased risk of reporting higher physical exertion. The strongest associations were found for low influence, low quality of leadership, and high work pace at nursing homes and ward levels. In conclusion, improving specific psychosocial working conditions at nursing home and ward levels may be of particular importance to reduce excessive physical workload in eldercare workers.
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Allahbakhshi H, Hinrichs T, Huang H, Weibel R. The Key Factors in Physical Activity Type Detection Using Real-Life Data: A Systematic Review. Front Physiol 2019; 10:75. [PMID: 30809152 PMCID: PMC6379834 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Physical activity (PA) is paramount for human health and well-being. However, there is a lack of information regarding the types of PA and the way they can exert an influence on functional and mental health as well as quality of life. Studies have measured and classified PA type in controlled conditions, but only provided limited insight into the validity of classifiers under real-life conditions. The advantage of utilizing the type dimension and the significance of real-life study designs for PA monitoring brought us to conduct a systematic literature review on PA type detection (PATD) under real-life conditions focused on three main criteria: methods for detecting PA types, using accelerometer data collected by portable devices, and real-life settings. Method: The search of the databases, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and PubMed, identified 1,170 publications. After screening of titles, abstracts and full texts using the above selection criteria, 21 publications were included in this review. Results: This review is organized according to the three key elements constituting the PATD process using real-life datasets, including data collection, preprocessing, and PATD methods. Recommendations regarding these key elements are proposed, particularly regarding two important PA classes, i.e., posture and motion activities. Existing studies generally reported high to near-perfect classification accuracies. However, the data collection protocols and performance reporting schemes used varied significantly between studies, hindering a transparent performance comparison across methods. Conclusion: Generally, considerably less studies focused on PA types, compared to other measures of PA assessment, such as PA intensity, and even less focused on real-life settings. To reliably differentiate the basic postures and motion activities in real life, two 3D accelerometers (thigh and hip) sampling at 20 Hz were found to provide the minimal sensor configuration. Decision trees are the most common classifier used in practical applications with real-life data. Despite the significant progress made over the past year in assessing PA in real-life settings, it remains difficult, if not impossible, to compare the performance of the various proposed methods. Thus, there is an urgent need for labeled, fully documented, and openly available reference datasets including a common evaluation framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Allahbakhshi
- Geographic Information Systems Unit, Department of Geography, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timo Hinrichs
- Division of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Department of Sports, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Haosheng Huang
- Geographic Information Systems Unit, Department of Geography, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Weibel
- Geographic Information Systems Unit, Department of Geography, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
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Pulido JA, Barrero LH, Mathiassen SE, Dennerlein JT. Correctness of Self-Reported Task Durations: A Systematic Review. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 62:1-16. [PMID: 29228093 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Duration of tasks in a job is an essential interest in occupational epidemiology. Such duration is frequently measured using self-reports, which may, however, be associated with both bias and random errors. The present systematic literature review examines the correctness of self-reported durations of tasks, i.e. the extent to which they differ from more valid reference data due to either systematic or random errors, and factors influencing this correctness, with particular emphasis on the assessment of exposures of relevance to musculoskeletal disorders. Methods The search for relevant studies included the databases ISI Web of Science, MEDLINE, EBSCO HOST, Proquest, and Psycnet. Results Thirty-two articles were identified; of which, 23 examined occupational tasks and 9 examined non-occupational tasks. Agreement between self-reports and a more correct reference was reported for, in total, 182 tasks. Average proportional errors were, for most tasks, between -50% (i.e. underestimations) and +100%, with a dominance of overestimations; 22% of all results considered overestimations of 100% or more. For 15% of the 182 reported tasks, the mean difference between the self-reported and the reference duration value was <5%, and 20% of the 182 mean differences were between 5 and 20%. In general, respondents were able to correctly distinguish tasks of a longer duration from shorter tasks, even though the actual durations were not correct. A number of factors associated with the task per se appeared to influence agreement between self-reports and reference data, including type of task, true task duration, task pattern across time (continuous versus discontinuous), and whether the addressed task is composed of subtasks. The musculoskeletal health status of the respondent did not have a clear effect on the ability to correctly report task durations. Studies differed in key design characteristics and detail of information reported, which hampers a formal aggregation of results. Conclusions The correctness of self-reported task durations is, at the best, moderate at the individual level, and this may present a significant problem when using self-reports in task-based assessment of individual job exposures. However, average self-reports at the group level appear reasonably correct and may thus be a viable method in studies addressing, for instance, the relative occurrence of tasks in a production system. Due to the disparity of studies, definite conclusions on the quantitative effect on agreement of different modifiers are not justified, and we encourage future studies specifically devoted to understanding and controlling sources of bias in self-reported task durations. We also encourage studies developing decision support for when to apply or avoid self-reports to measure task durations, depending on study purpose and occupational setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean A Pulido
- Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Facultad de Ingeniería, Colombia
| | - Lope H Barrero
- Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Facultad de Ingeniería, Colombia
| | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Sweden
| | - Jack T Dennerlein
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, USA
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Association of objectively measured arm inclination with shoulder pain: A 6-month follow-up prospective study of construction and health care workers. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188372. [PMID: 29176761 PMCID: PMC5703553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to determine the association of occupational arm inclination with shoulder pain in construction and health care workers. METHODS Arm inclination relative to the vertical was measured with an accelerometer placed on the dominant upper arm for up to four full days at baseline in 62 construction workers and 63 health care workers. The pain intensity in the shoulder and mechanical and psychosocial work factors were measured by self-reports at baseline and prospectively after 6 months. The associations between exposures and shoulder pain were analyzed with multilevel mixed-effects linear regressions. RESULTS For the total study population working with the dominant arm at inclinations > 30° and >120° was associated with lower levels of shoulder pain both cross-sectionally and after 6 months. Associations were attenuated when adjusting for individual and social factors, psychological state, and exposure during leisure time, especially for the high inclination levels. Analyses, only including subjects with no pain at baseline revealed no significant associations. While stratified analysis showed negative associations in the construction worker group, there were no significant association in health care workers. Compared to the number of hypotheses tested, the number of significant findings was low. Adjustment by Bonferroni-correction made almost all findings insignificant. CONCLUSIONS All analyses reflected a negative association between arm inclination and shoulder pain, but few analyses showed these associations to be statistically significant. If there is a relationship between arm inclination and shoulder pain, these findings could indicate that pain-avoidance may modify how workers perform their tasks.
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Jahncke H, Hygge S, Mathiassen SE, Hallman D, Mixter S, Lyskov E. Variation at work: alternations between physically and mentally demanding tasks in blue-collar occupations. ERGONOMICS 2017; 60:1218-1227. [PMID: 28112588 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1282630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this questionnaire study were to describe the occurrence and desired number of alternations between mental and physical tasks in industrial and non-industrial blue-collar work, and determine to which extent selected personal and occupational factors influence these conditions. On average, the 122 participating workers (55 females) reported to have close to four alternations per day between mental and physical tasks, and to desire more alternations than they actually had. They also expressed a general preference for performing a physical task after a mental task and vice versa. In univariate regression models, the desired change in task alternations was significantly associated with gender, age, occupation, years with current work tasks and perceived job control, while occupation was the only significant determinant in a multiple regression model including all factors. Our results suggest that alternations between productive physical and mental tasks could be a viable option in future job rotation. Practitioner Summary: We addressed attitudes among blue-collar workers to alternations between physically and mentally demanding tasks. More alternations were desired than those occurring in the job, and workers preferred performing a physical task after a mental and vice versa. Alternating physical and mental tasks could, thus, be a viable option in job rotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Jahncke
- a Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences , University of Gävle , Gävle , Sweden
| | - Staffan Hygge
- b Department of Building, Energy, and Environmental Engineering , University of Gävle , Gävle , Sweden
| | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- a Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences , University of Gävle , Gävle , Sweden
| | - David Hallman
- a Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences , University of Gävle , Gävle , Sweden
| | - Susanna Mixter
- a Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences , University of Gävle , Gävle , Sweden
| | - Eugene Lyskov
- a Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences , University of Gävle , Gävle , Sweden
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Koch M, Lunde LK, Gjulem T, Knardahl S, Veiersted KB. Validity of Questionnaire and Representativeness of Objective Methods for Measurements of Mechanical Exposures in Construction and Health Care Work. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162881. [PMID: 27649499 PMCID: PMC5029916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To determine the criterion validity of a questionnaire on physical exposures compared to objective measurements at construction and health care sites and to examine exposure variation over several working days. Methods Five hundred ninety-four construction and health care workers answered a baseline questionnaire. The daily activities (standing, moving, sitting, number of steps), postures (inclination of the arm and the trunk), and relative heart rate of 125 participants were recorded continuously over 3–4 working days. At the end of the first measurement day, the participants answered a second questionnaire (workday questionnaire). Results All objective activity measurements had significant correlations to their respective questions. Among health care workers, there were no correlations between postures and relative heart rate and the baseline questionnaire. The questionnaires overestimated the exposure durations. The highest explained variance in the adjusted models with self-reported variables were found for objectively measured sitting (R2 = 0.559) and arm inclination > 60° (R2 = 0.420). Objective measurements over several days showed a higher reliability compared to single day measurements. Conclusions Questionnaires cannot provide an accurate description of mechanical exposures. Objective measurements over several days are recommended in occupations with varying tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Koch
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Lars-Kristian Lunde
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tonje Gjulem
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Knardahl
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kaj Bo Veiersted
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Sy O, Phillips ML. Musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among African hair braiders. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2016; 13:434-441. [PMID: 26771155 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1130226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
African hair braiders are potentially subject to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) because they perform repetitive hand motions for many hours a day together with prolonged standing and/or prolonged sitting. A complete enumeration of African hair braiders was attempted in Oklahoma City (OKC) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). Braiders were identified through the channels they typically use to offer services to clients. Potential risk factors and symptoms of WMSDs were assessed using an oral interview. Participation rates were 95% (18/19) in OKC and 83% (83/101) in DFW. More than 75% of braiders reported discomfort in the fingers, wrist/hand, upper back, and lower back. In multivariate analysis, years worked as a braider but not age was a significant risk factor (p < 0.005) for reported pain in the wrist/hand, time spent sitting during the work day was found to be a significant predictor (p < 0.05) of upper back pain and lower back pain, and time spent sitting and time spent standing during the work day were both significant predictors (p < 0.05) of shoulder pain. Braiders in OKC, where licensing requirements were stricter, were significantly more likely than braiders in DFW to work at home (67% vs. 4%, p < 0.001) and to report pain in the lower leg (p < 0.005) and ankle/foot (p < 0.05). The close-knit nature of the African hair braiding community makes it an appealing candidate for community-based participatory research aimed at further elucidating occupational health concerns and reducing risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oumy Sy
- a Department of Occupational and Environmental Health , College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , Oklahama
| | - Margaret L Phillips
- a Department of Occupational and Environmental Health , College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , Oklahama
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Physical activity levels at work and outside of work among commercial construction workers. J Occup Environ Med 2015; 57:73-8. [PMID: 25563543 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Characterize the number of minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activities at work and outside of work during seven consecutive days, in a sample of 55 commercial construction workers. METHODS Workers wore accelerometers during work and outside-of-work hours for seven consecutive days and completed brief survey at the seventh day of data collection. RESULTS From the directly measured physical activity, the average number per participant of moderate minutes of occupational physical activity and physical activity outside of work obtained in short bouts were 243 minutes (65%) and 130 minutes (35%), respectively. Directly measured minutes of vigorous occupational physical activity were significant and positively correlated with self-reported fatigue. CONCLUSIONS Among commercial construction workers, physical activity from work contributes significantly, approximately two thirds, toward a worker's total amount of weekly minutes of moderate physical activity.
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Stemland I, Ingebrigtsen J, Christiansen CS, Jensen BR, Hanisch C, Skotte J, Holtermann A. Validity of the Acti4 method for detection of physical activity types in free-living settings: comparison with video analysis. ERGONOMICS 2015; 58:953-965. [PMID: 25588819 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2014.998724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the ability of the Acti4 software for identifying physical activity types from accelerometers during free-living with different levels of movement complexity compared with video observations. Nineteen aircraft cabin cleaners with ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer at the thigh and hip performed one semi-standardised and two non-standardised sessions (outside and inside aircraft) with different levels of movement complexity during working hours. The sensitivity for identifying different activity types was 75.4-99.4% for the semi-standardised session, 54.6-98.5% outside the aircraft and 49.9-90.2% inside the aircraft. The specificity was above 90% for all activities, except 'moving' inside the aircraft. These findings indicate that Acti4 provides good estimates of time spent in different activity types during semi-standardised conditions, and for sitting, standing and walking during non-standardised conditions with normal level of movement complexity. The Acti4 software may be a useful tool for researchers and practitioners in the field of ergonomics, occupational and public health. Practitioner Summary: Being inexpensive, small, water-resistant and without wires, the ActiGraph GT3X+ by applying the Acti4 software may be a useful tool for long-term field measurements of physical activity types for researchers and practitioners in the field of ergonomics, occupational and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingunn Stemland
- a National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen , Denmark
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Sex differences in task distribution and task exposures among Danish house painters: an observational study combining questionnaire data with biomechanical measurements. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110899. [PMID: 25365301 PMCID: PMC4218834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Sex differences in occupational biomechanical exposures may be part of the explanation why musculoskeletal complaints and disorders tend to be more common among women than among men. We aimed to determine possible sex differences in task distribution and task-specific postures and movements of the upper extremities among Danish house painters, and to establish sex-specific task exposure matrices. Methods To obtain task distributions, we sent out a questionnaire to all members of the Painters' Union in Denmark (N = 9364), of whom 53% responded. Respondents reported their task distributions in a typical week. To obtain task exposures, postures and movements were measured in 25 male and 25 female house painters for one whole working day per person. We used goniometers on the wrists, and inclinometers on the forehead and the upper arms. Participants filled in a logbook allowing task-specific exposures to be identified. Percentiles and % time with non-neutral postures were used to characterise postures. Velocity, range of motion, repetitiveness, and variation were used as measures of movement. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistics and unpaired double-sided t-tests with post-hoc Bonferroni correction were used to evaluate sex differences. Results Statistically significant (p<0.05) sex differences were revealed in task proportions, but the proportions differed by less than 4%. For task exposures, no statistically significant sex differences were found. Conclusions Only minor sex differences were found in task distribution and task exposures regarding postures and movements among Danish house painters. Sex-specific task exposure matrices were established.
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Olson R, Wipfli B, Wright RR, Garrigues L, Nguyen T, López de Castro B. Reliability and validity of the Home Care STAT (Safety Task Assessment Tool). APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2014; 45:1157-1166. [PMID: 24629346 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Home care workers are a priority population for ergonomic assessment and intervention, but research on caregivers' exposures to hazards is limited. The current project evaluated the reliability and validity of an ergonomic self-assessment tool called Home Care STAT (Safety Task Assessment Tool). Participants (N = 23) completed a background survey followed by 10-14 days of self-monitoring with the STAT. Results showed that the most frequent task was house cleaning, and that participants regularly performed dangerous manual client moving and transferring tasks. Researcher in-home observations of 14 workers (duration ≤ 2 h) demonstrated that workers' self-assessments were moderately reliable. Correlational and multi-level analyses of daily self-assessment data revealed that several task exposures were significantly related to daily fatigue and/or pain. Other associations have implications for Total Worker Health™; for example, daily stress was positively associated with both pain and consumption of high calorie snacks. Findings support the STAT as a reliable and potentially valid tool for measuring home care workers' exposures to physically demanding tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Olson
- Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., L606, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA; Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, CB 669, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA; Portland State University, Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751, USA.
| | - Brad Wipfli
- Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., L606, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA.
| | - Robert R Wright
- Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., L606, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA; Portland State University, Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751, USA.
| | - Layla Garrigues
- Oregon Health & Science University, School of Nursing, 3455 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR 97239-2941, USA.
| | - Thuan Nguyen
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, CB 669, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA.
| | - Borja López de Castro
- University of Valencia, Department of Social Psychology, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
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McGaha J, Miller K, Descatha A, Welch L, Buchholz B, Evanoff B, Dale AM. Exploring physical exposures and identifying high-risk work tasks within the floor layer trade. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2014; 45:857-64. [PMID: 24274895 PMCID: PMC3999260 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Floor layers have high rates of musculoskeletal disorders yet few studies have examined their work exposures. This study used observational methods to describe physical exposures within floor laying tasks. METHODS We analyzed 45 videos from 32 floor layers using Multimedia-Video Task Analysis software to determine the time in task, forces, postures, and repetitive hand movements for installation of four common flooring materials. We used the WISHA checklists to define exposure thresholds. RESULTS Most workers (91%) met the caution threshold for one or more exposures. Workers showed high exposures in multiple body parts with variability in exposures across tasks and for different materials. Prolonged exposures were seen for kneeling, poor neck and low back postures, and intermittent but frequent hand grip forces. CONCLUSIONS Floor layers experience prolonged awkward postures and high force physical exposures in multiple body parts, which probably contribute to their high rates of musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie McGaha
- Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kim Miller
- Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alexis Descatha
- Université de Versailles St-Quentin - Inserm, UMRS 1018, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, Population-Based Epidemiological Cohorts Research Platform, Occupational health Unit, Garches, France
| | - Laurie Welch
- The Center for Construction Research and Training CPWR, 8484 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Bryan Buchholz
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Ave, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Bradley Evanoff
- Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ann Marie Dale
- Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
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Kanis H. Reliability and validity of findings in ergonomics research. THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2013.802058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Ribeiro DC, Sole G, Abbott JH, Milosavljevic S. Validity and reliability of the Spineangel lumbo-pelvic postural monitor. ERGONOMICS 2013; 56:977-991. [PMID: 23550885 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2013.781233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to determine the reliability and the concurrent validity of the Spineangel lumbo-pelvic postural monitoring device. METHODS the dynamic lumbo-pelvic posture of 25 participants was simultaneously monitored by the Spineangel and Fastrak devices. Participants performed six different functional tasks in random order. Within-task, within-session and between-day intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(3,1), ICC(3,5), ICC(2,5), respectively) reliability were calculated for Spineangel measurements. Concurrent validity of the Spineangel was assessed by means of a Bland and Altman plot and by means of Pearson's correlation coefficient and paired t-test. RESULTS within-task, within-session and between-day ICC for the Spineangel were found to be excellent (>0.93). The Spineangel and Fastrak pelvic measurements were found to have a good correlation (R = 0.77). CONCLUSION the Spineangel is a reliable and valid device for monitoring general lumbo-pelvic movements when clipped on the belt or waistband of workers' clothing during various occupational activities. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY The Spineangel can be used for assessing lumbo-pelvic posture during work or daily-life activities. This device was found to provide reliable and valid measurements for lumbo-pelvic movements. Further research is required to determine whether the use of this device is clinically relevant for patients presenting with low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cury Ribeiro
- Centre for Physiotherapy Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Trask C, Mathiassen SE, Wahlström J, Heiden M, Rezagholi M. Data collection costs in industrial environments for three occupational posture exposure assessment methods. BMC Med Res Methodol 2012; 12:89. [PMID: 22738341 PMCID: PMC3439320 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2288-12-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Documentation of posture measurement costs is rare and cost models that do exist are generally naïve. This paper provides a comprehensive cost model for biomechanical exposure assessment in occupational studies, documents the monetary costs of three exposure assessment methods for different stakeholders in data collection, and uses simulations to evaluate the relative importance of cost components. Methods Trunk and shoulder posture variables were assessed for 27 aircraft baggage handlers for 3 full shifts each using three methods typical to ergonomic studies: self-report via questionnaire, observation via video film, and full-shift inclinometer registration. The cost model accounted for expenses related to meetings to plan the study, administration, recruitment, equipment, training of data collectors, travel, and onsite data collection. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using simulated study parameters and cost components to investigate the impact on total study cost. Results Inclinometry was the most expensive method (with a total study cost of € 66,657), followed by observation (€ 55,369) and then self report (€ 36,865). The majority of costs (90%) were borne by researchers. Study design parameters such as sample size, measurement scheduling and spacing, concurrent measurements, location and travel, and equipment acquisition were shown to have wide-ranging impacts on costs. Conclusions This study provided a general cost modeling approach that can facilitate decision making and planning of data collection in future studies, as well as investigation into cost efficiency and cost efficient study design. Empirical cost data from a large field study demonstrated the usefulness of the proposed models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Trask
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences, University of Gävle, SE-80176 Gävle, Sweden.
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Ditchen DM, Ellegast RP, Hartmann B, Rieger MA. Validity of self-reports of knee-straining activities at work: a field study with 6-month follow-up. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2012; 86:233-43. [PMID: 22426541 PMCID: PMC3555247 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-012-0758-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To measure short-term and long-term validity of self-reported duration of kneeling and squatting at work and to examine the possibility of differential misclassification due to knee complaints. Methods Work-related kneeling and squatting were analysed for 190 male subjects (mean age, 35.0 and SD, 11.5) in field by both measurements and questionnaires. Posture capturing was performed with an ambulatory measuring system (CUELA). Immediately after the measurement (t0), each participant was asked to estimate frequency and duration of five specific knee postures taken during the measurement period. After 6 months (t1), the survey was repeated (n = 125). Health status of all subjects was recorded by Nordic questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by using nonparametric tests, correlations, and Bland–Altman plots. Results At both time points, subjects were able to recall the occurrence of knee postures rather well (100.0–57.6 % agreement) but many of them failed in quantifying their knee load. We found poor-to-moderate correlations between measurements and self-reports for all examined postures in both surveys (0.23 < ρ < 0.63). The durations of knee postures were both over- and underestimated but overestimations predominated (t0, 74.7 % and t1, 87.2 % overestimations). High-exposed subjects seemed to misjudge their exposure to a greater extent than low-exposed ones, while knee complaints seemed to have no impact on the assessment behaviour. Conclusions As our study showed, self-reported knee loading may deviate widely from measured exposure. These limitations of self-reporting emphasise the arguments in favour of using objective data whenever possible, for example by complementing self-reported occurrence of knee postures with quantitative measurement data. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00420-012-0758-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk M Ditchen
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, Sankt Augustin, Germany.
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17
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Fethke NB, Gerr F, Anton D, Cavanaugh JE, Quickel MT. Variability in muscle activity and wrist motion measurements among workers performing non-cyclic work. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2012; 9:25-35. [PMID: 22150404 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2012.634361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Appropriate sampling strategies for estimation of exposure to physical risk factors require knowledge of exposure variability over time. Limited information is available about the variability of exposure to physical risk factors for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, especially during non-cyclic work activities. We investigated the magnitude and relative contributions of several sources of variance to the total exposure variance among office, custodial, or maintenance workers (N = 5 per group). In addition, we examined the homogeneity of exposure within each group of workers and exposure contrast between groups of workers. Activation of the flexor carpi radialis and upper trapezius muscle groups was assessed with surface electromyography (EMG) and wrist motion was assessed with electrogoniometry. Exposure information was collected continuously over a complete work shift on two occasions. We observed a substantial contribution of the within-day-within-subject variance component to the total exposure variance for all EMG and electrogoniometer summary measures. We also observed limited exposure contrast between the occupational groups in summary measures of upper trapezius EMG and most electrogoniometry summary measures. The large within-day-within-subject variance suggests the need for prolonged measurement durations (e.g., more than 1 hr) in future epidemiologic investigations of associations between exposure to physical risk factors and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan B Fethke
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
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Ciccarelli M, Straker L, Mathiassen SE, Pollock C. Diversity of tasks and information technologies used by office workers at and away from work. ERGONOMICS 2011; 54:1017-1028. [PMID: 22026945 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2011.609913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computer use is associated with musculoskeletal complaints among office workers. Insufficient exposure diversity between tasks is a proposed etiological factor, but little information exists on diversity of tasks and information and communication technologies (ICT) among office workers. METHOD Direct observation and self-report data were collected on tasks performed and ICT used among 24 office workers, over 12 h in work and non-work environments. Self-reports were repeated on four additional days. RESULTS Observations were for a mean [SD] 642[40] min. Productive tasks comprised 63% of observations, instrumental 17%, self-care 12% and leisure 8%. Non-ICT tasks comprised 44% of observations; New electronic-based ICT 36%; Old paper-based ICT 15%, and Combined ICT tasks 4%. Proportions of tasks and ICT use differed between environments and days. CONCLUSION Information about diversity in tasks and ICT provides the basis for future investigations into exposure variation in ICT-intensive environments and possible musculoskeletal health risks. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Information and communication technologies (ICT) provide office workers access to perform work-related tasks after work hours and in away-from-work locations. Musculoskeletal disorder risk assessment for office workers should account for actual tasks performed over a work day, including away from work exposures. This study provides rich, detailed data on occurrence of tasks performed and ICT used by office workers throughout the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ciccarelli
- School of Occupational Therapy & Social Work, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
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Koehoorn M, Ostry A, Hossain S, Village J. Injury risk associated with physical demands and school environment characteristics among a cohort of custodial workers. ERGONOMICS 2011; 54:767-775. [PMID: 21846314 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2011.592603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Few epidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between work exposures and injury risk among custodians. The relationship between injury risk and occupational physical demands (e.g. pushing/pulling, lifting) and school environment characteristics (e.g. school type, season) was investigated among a cohort of 581 school custodians over a 4-year period. In the final Poisson regression models, the risk of injury was associated with time spent in pushing/pulling tasks in a dose-response manner increasing to a five-fold risk among the highest quartile of exposure (risk ratio = 5.15, 95% CI 1.00, 26.5). Injury risk was also associated with working during the school year compared to the summer, working in a school with grass vs. gravel grounds and working in a school with detached classrooms. Results help to target interventions such as alternative methods for floor cleaning to reduce the pushing/pulling demands of custodial work and to support decisions for alternatives to detached classrooms and grass surfaces. Statement of Relevance: This study examines ergonomic factors (physical demand exposures, school environment characteristics) associated with injury risk among custodial school workers. The findings help schools to target interventions to reduce the physical demands associated with injuries and to design school environments to reduce exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Koehoorn
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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20
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Neitzel RL, Daniell WE, Sheppard L, Davies HW, Seixas NS. Evaluation and comparison of three exposure assessment techniques. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2011; 8:310-23. [PMID: 21491323 PMCID: PMC4570846 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2011.568832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to verify the performance of a recently developed subjective rating (SR) exposure assessment technique and to compare estimates made using this and two other techniques (trade mean, or TM, and task-based, or TB, approaches) to measured exposures. Subjects (n = 68) each completed three full-shift noise measurements over 4 months. Individual measured mean exposures were created by averaging each subject's repeated measurements, and TM, TB, and SR estimates were created using noise levels from worksites external to the current study. The bias, precision, accuracy, and absolute agreement of estimates created using the three techniques were evaluated by comparing estimated exposures with measured exposures. Trade mean estimates showed little bias, while neither the TM nor the SR techniques produced unbiased estimates, and the SR estimates showed the greatest bias of the three techniques. Accuracy was essentially equivalent among the three techniques. All three techniques showed poor agreement with measured exposures and were not highly correlated with each other. Estimates from the SR technique generally performed similarly to the TM and TB techniques. Methods to incorporate information from each technique into exposure estimates should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Neitzel
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98185-4695, USA.
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21
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Trask C, Teschke K, Morrison J, Village J, Johnson P, Koehoorn M. Using observation and self-report to predict mean, 90th percentile, and cumulative low back muscle activity in heavy industry workers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 54:595-606. [PMID: 20413415 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meq011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Occupational injury research depends on the ability to accurately assess workplace exposures for large numbers of workers. This study used mixed modeling to identify observed and self-reported predictors of mean, 90th percentile, and cumulative low back muscle activity to help researchers efficiently assess physical exposures in epidemiological studies. Full-shift low back electromyography (EMG) was measured for 133 worker-days in heavy industry. Additionally, full-shift, 1-min interval work-sampling observations and post-shift interviews assessed exposure to work tasks, trunk postures, and manual materials handling. Data were also collected on demographic and job variables. Regression models using observed variables predicted 31-47% of the variability in the EMG activity measures, while self-reported variables predicted 21-36%. Observation-based models performed better than self-report-based models and may provide an alternative to direct measurement of back injury risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Trask
- CBF, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden.
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Allen KD, Chen JC, Callahan LF, Golightly YM, Helmick CG, Renner JB, Jordan JM. Associations of occupational tasks with knee and hip osteoarthritis: the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. J Rheumatol 2010; 37:842-50. [PMID: 20156951 PMCID: PMC4051278 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.090302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study examined associations of occupational tasks with radiographic and symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) in a community-based sample. METHODS Participants from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project (n = 2729) self-reported the frequency of performing 10 specific occupational tasks at the longest job ever held (never/seldom/sometimes vs often/always) and lifetime exposure to jobs that required spending > 50% of their time doing 5 specific tasks or lifting 22, 44, or 110 pounds 10 times weekly. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations of each occupational task separately with radiographic and symptomatic knee and hip OA, controlling for age, race, gender, body mass index, prior knee or hip injury, and smoking. RESULTS Radiographic hip and knee OA were not significantly associated with any occupational tasks, but several occupational tasks were associated with increased odds of both symptomatic knee and hip OA: lifting > 10 pounds, crawling, and doing heavy work while standing (OR 1.4-2.1). More occupational walking and standing and less sitting were also associated with symptomatic knee OA, and more bending/twisting/reaching was associated with symptomatic hip OA. Exposure to a greater number of physically demanding occupational tasks at the longest job was associated with greater odds of both symptomatic knee and hip OA. CONCLUSION Our results confirm an association of physically demanding occupational tasks with both symptomatic knee and hip OA, including several specific activities that increased the odds of OA in both joint groups. These tasks represent possibilities for identifying and targeting at-risk individuals with preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli D Allen
- Health Services Research and Development Service, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA.
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23
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Van Eerd D, Hogg-Johnson S, Mazumder A, Cole D, Wells R, Moore A. Task exposures in an office environment: a comparison of methods. ERGONOMICS 2009; 52:1248-1258. [PMID: 19787504 DOI: 10.1080/00140130903023683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Task-related factors such as frequency and duration are associated with musculoskeletal disorders in office settings. The primary objective was to compare various task recording methods as measures of exposure in an office workplace. A total of 41 workers from different jobs were recruited from a large urban newspaper (71% female, mean age 41 years SD 9.6). Questionnaire, task diaries, direct observation and video methods were used to record tasks. A common set of task codes was used across methods. Different estimates of task duration, number of tasks and task transitions arose from the different methods. Self-report methods did not consistently result in longer task duration estimates. Methodological issues could explain some of the differences in estimates seen between methods observed. It was concluded that different task recording methods result in different estimates of exposure likely due to different exposure constructs. This work addresses issues of exposure measurement in office environments. It is of relevance to ergonomists/researchers interested in how to best assess the risk of injury among office workers. The paper discusses the trade-offs between precision, accuracy and burden in the collection of computer task-based exposure measures and different underlying constructs captures in each method.
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Teschke K, Trask C, Johnson P, Chow Y, Village J, Koehoorn M. Measuring posture for epidemiology: comparing inclinometry, observations and self-reports. ERGONOMICS 2009; 52:1067-78. [PMID: 19787510 DOI: 10.1080/00140130902912811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to use and evaluate three postural assessment methods for epidemiological studies of back disorders. The methods were: (1) a data-logging inclinometer; (2) observations by trained observers; (3) self-reports by employees. All methods were feasible in 50 heavy industry worksites. Inclinometry provided quantitative measures of flexion-extension (mean 17 degrees, SD 11.2 degrees), lateral flexion (mean 8.5 degrees, SD 2.6 degrees) and trunk movement speed (mean 14.3 degrees per second, SD 4.9 degrees per second). Observations and self-reports provided estimates of time spent in various trunk angles, general postures, materials handling and vehicles. Compared to observations, self-reports under-reported less common tasks, but over-reported task durations. In statistical modelling to determine if observations or self-reports could be used to estimate measured postures, observations accounted for 30 to 61% of the inclinometer measurement variance and self-reports for 33 to 40%. A combination of inclinometry and observations would be an ideal option to provide both depth and breadth of data on postures and other physical exposures for epidemiological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Teschke
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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25
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Barrero LH, Katz JN, Dennerlein JT. Validity of self-reported mechanical demands for occupational epidemiologic research of musculoskeletal disorders. Scand J Work Environ Health 2009; 35:245-60. [PMID: 19562235 PMCID: PMC3257060 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.1335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the relation of the measured validity of self-reported mechanical demands (self-reports) with the quality of validity assessments and the variability of the assessed exposure in the study population. METHODS We searched for original articles, published between 1990 and 2008, reporting the validity of self-reports in three major databases: EBSCOhost, Web of Science and PubMed. Identified assessments were classified by methodological characteristics (eg, type of self-report and reference method) and exposure dimension was measured. We also classified assessments by the degree of comparability between the self-report and the employed reference method, and the variability of the assessed exposure in the study population. Finally, we examined the association of the published validity (r) with this degree of comparability, as well as with the variability of the exposure variable in the study population. RESULTS Of the 490 assessments identified, 75% used observation-based reference measures and 55% tested self-reports of posture duration and movement frequency. Frequently, validity studies did not report demographic information (eg, education, age, and gender distribution). Among assessments reporting correlations as measure of validity, studies with a better match between the self-report and the reference method, and studies conducted in more heterogeneous populations tended to report higher correlations [odds ratio (OR) 2.03, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.89-4.65 and OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.96-2.61, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS The reported data support the hypothesis that validity depends on study-specific factors often not examined. Experimentally manipulating the testing setting could lead to a better understanding of the capabilities and limitations of self-reported information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lope H Barrero
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Olson R, Hahn DI, Buckert A. Predictors of severe trunk postures among short-haul truck drivers during non-driving tasks: an exploratory investigation involving video-assessment and driver behavioural self-monitoring. ERGONOMICS 2009; 52:707-722. [PMID: 19333803 DOI: 10.1080/00140130802460499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Short-haul truck (lorry) drivers are particularly vulnerable to back pain and injury due to exposure to whole body vibration, prolonged sitting and demanding material handling tasks. The current project reports the results of video-based assessments (711 stops) and driver behavioural self-monitoring (BSM) (385 stops) of injury hazards during non-driving work. Participants (n = 3) worked in a trailer fitted with a camera system during baseline and BSM phases. Descriptive analyses showed that challenging customer environments and non-standard ingress/egress were prevalent. Statistical modelling of video-assessment results showed that each instance of manual material handling increased the predicted mean for severe trunk postures by 7%, while customer use of a forklift, moving standard pallets and moving non-standard pallets decreased predicted means by 12%, 20% and 22% respectively. Video and BSM comparisons showed that drivers were accurate at self-monitoring frequent environmental conditions, but less accurate at monitoring trunk postures and rare work events. The current study identified four predictors of severe trunk postures that can be modified to reduce risk of injury among truck drivers and showed that workers can produce reliable self-assessment data with BSM methods for frequent and easily discriminated events environmental.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Olson
- Center for Research on Occupational & Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, L606, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA.
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Village J, Koehoorn M, Hossain S, Ostry A. Quantifying tasks, ergonomic exposures and injury rates among school custodial workers. ERGONOMICS 2009; 52:723-734. [PMID: 19431003 DOI: 10.1080/00140130802524633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A job exposure matrix of ergonomics risk factors was constructed for school custodial workers in one large school district in the province of British Columbia using 100 h of 1-min fixed-interval observations, participatory worker consensus on task durations and existing employment and school characteristic data. Significant differences in ergonomics risk factors were found by tasks and occupations. Cleaning and moving furniture, handling garbage, cleaning washrooms and cleaning floors were associated with the most physical risks and the exposure was often higher during the summer vs. the school year. Injury rates over a 4-year period showed the custodian injury rate was four times higher than the overall injury rate across all occupations in the school district. Injury rates were significantly higher in the school year compared with summer (12.2 vs. 7.0 per 100 full-time equivalents per year, p < 0.05). Custodial workers represent a considerable proportion of the labour force and have high injury rates, yet ergonomic studies are disproportionately few. Previous studies that quantified risk factors in custodial workers tended to focus on a few tasks or specific risk factors. This study, using participatory ergonomics and observational methods, systematically quantifies the broad range of musculoskeletal risk factors across multiple tasks performed by custodial workers in schools, adding considerably to the methodological literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Village
- School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Barrero LH, Katz JN, Perry MJ, Krishnan R, Ware JH, Dennerlein JT. Work pattern causes bias in self-reported activity duration: a randomised study of mechanisms and implications for exposure assessment and epidemiology. Occup Environ Med 2009; 66:38-44. [PMID: 18805887 PMCID: PMC3257319 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2007.037291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-reported activity duration is used to estimate cumulative exposures in epidemiological research. OBJECTIVE The effects of work pattern, self-reported task dullness (a measure of cognitive task demand), and heart rate ratio and perceived physical exertion (measures of physical task demands) on error in task duration estimation were investigated. METHODS 24 participants (23-54 years old, 12 males) were randomly assigned to execute three tasks in either a continuous (three periods of 40 continuous minutes, one for each task) or a discontinuous work pattern (40 min tasks each divided into four periods of 4, 8, 12 and 16 min). Heart rate was measured during tasks. After completing the 2 h work session, subjects reported the perceived duration, dullness and physical exertion for each of the three tasks. Multivariate models were fitted to analyse errors and their absolute value to assess the accuracy in task duration estimation and the mediating role of task demands on the observed results. RESULTS Participants overestimated the time spent shelving boxes (up to 38%) and filing journals (up to 9%), and underestimated the time typing articles (up to -22%). Over- and underestimates and absolute errors were greater in the discontinuous work pattern group. Only the self-reported task dullness mediated the differences in task duration estimation accuracy between work patterns. CONCLUSIONS Task-related factors can affect self-reported activity duration. Exposure assessment strategies requiring workers to allocate work time to different tasks could result in biased measures of association depending on the demands of the tasks during which the exposure of interest occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Barrero
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Olson R, Winchester J. Behavioral Self-Monitoring of Safety and Productivity in the Workplace: A Methodological Primer and Quantitative Literature Review. JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/01608060802006823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wells R, Mathiassen SE, Medbo L, Winkel J. Time--a key issue for musculoskeletal health and manufacturing. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2007; 38:733-44. [PMID: 17379179 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2006.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2005] [Revised: 11/13/2006] [Accepted: 12/11/2006] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Time is a key issue for both ergonomists and engineers when they engage in production system interventions. While not their primary purpose, the actions of engineers have major effects on biomechanical exposure; possibly of much greater magnitude than many ergonomics interventions. This paper summarises the aims, actions and tools of engineers and ergonomists, emphasising time-related outcomes. Activities of the two groups when attempting to manipulate time aspects of work may be contradictory; engineers wishing to improve production and ergonomists aiming at better health as well as contributing to production. Consequently, tools developed by ergonomists for assessing time aspects of work describe rest patterns, movement velocities or daily duration of exposures, while engineering tools emphasise time-efficient production. The paper identifies measures that could be used to communicate time-relevant information between engineers and ergonomists. Further cooperation between these two stakeholders as well as research on the topic are needed to enable ergonomists to have a larger impact on the design of production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Wells
- Kinesiology Department, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.
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Unge J, Ohlsson K, Nordander C, Hansson GA, Skerfving S, Balogh I. Differences in physical workload, psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders between two groups of female hospital cleaners with two diverse organizational models. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2007; 81:209-20. [PMID: 17564722 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-007-0208-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2005] [Accepted: 05/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clarify if differences in the physical workload, the psychosocial factors and in musculoskeletal disorders can be attributed to work organizational factors. METHODS The physical workload (muscular activity of m. trapezius, positions and movements of the head, upper arms and wrists and heart rate) was assessed in 24 female hospital cleaners working in a traditional work organization (TO) and in 22 working in an extended one (i.e. with an enlarged work content and more responsibilities; EO). The psychosocial work environment was assessed as job demand, decision latitude and social support in 135 (TO) and 111 (EO) cleaners, and disorders of the neck and upper extremity by a physical examination. RESULTS The EO group was associated with lower physical workload, in terms of heart rate ratio (23 vs 32; P<0.001), head and upper arm positions and movements (right upper arm, 50th percentile, 35 degrees/s vs 71 degrees/s; P<0.001) and wrist movements (20 degrees/s vs 27 degrees/s; P=0.001), than the TO group. The EO group reported higher decision latitude and lower work demand than the TO one, while we found no difference in social support. The prevalence of complaints and diagnoses in neck/shoulders were lower in the EO group (diagnoses 35% vs 48%; P=0.04). Moreover, the prevalence of subjects with at least ten physical finding in elbows/hands was lower in the EO group (10 vs 29; P<0.001). CONCLUSION Hospital cleaners have a high prevalence of neck and upper limb disorders and a high physical workload. Comparing two groups of cleaners, with differences in the way of organizing the work, lower physical workload, more beneficial psychosocial factors and a better musculoskeletal health was found in the group with an extended organization. Hence, the differences found can be attributed to the organizational factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Unge
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Lund, Lund, Sweden.
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