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Work Demands (work + demand)
Selected AbstractsGender Differences in Perceived Work Demands, Family Demands, and Life Stress among Married Chinese EmployeesMANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION REVIEW, Issue 2 2006Jaepil Choi abstract Although gender-based division of labour and the identity theory of stress suggest that the relationship between work and family demands and life stress may vary as a function of gender, it is largely unknown whether these arguments are also valid in China. To address this gap in the existing literature, the current study investigates the gender differences in perceived work and family demands, and the effects of these perceived demands on the life stress of Chinese male and female employees. The study of 153 married Chinese employees found that Chinese women perceived a higher level of family demands than did Chinese men, whereas there was no significant gender difference in the perception of work demands. In addition, while perceived family demands were similarly related to life stress differently for men and women, perceived work demands were associated more strongly with the life stress of men than that of women. [source] Work demands, job insecurity and sickness absence from work.AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 3 2006How productive is the new, flexible labour force? Background: We investigate one aspect of productivity , sickness absence , and ask whether job insecurity and high work demands are associated with increased sickness absence and, if so, whether mental or physical health mediates this association. We further investigate if having control at work modifies these associations. Methods: We used cross-sectional survey data from 2,248 employees aged 40,44 years living in two cities of south-eastern Australia. Logistic regressions were used to compare the associations between job insecurity and demands among those with short (1,3 days) or long-term (>3 days) sickness absence with those who had no sickness absence in the last four weeks. The mediating effects of mental and physical health were assessed by evaluating changes in the magnitude of the association between these work conditions and sickness absence. Results: High job insecurity (OR=3.28; 95% CI 1.54-6.95) and high work demands (OR=1.62; 95% CI 1.13-2.30) were significantly associated with long-term, but not with short-term, sickness absence. These associations were unaffected by job control. Depression and anxiety explained 61% of the association between high work demands and long-term sickness absence and 30% of the association between job insecurity and long-term sickness absence. Conclusion: Difficult working conditions may reduce productivity by contributing to longer absences from work. Implications: Reforms intended to improve economic performance should address any potential health costs of insecurity or intensification, which could inadvertently decrease productivity, possibly through their impact on mental health. [source] Rural professionals' perceptions of interprofessional continuing education in mental healthHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 4 2010Elizabeth A. Church PhD Abstract We describe the impact of an interprofessional education programme in mental health for professionals in six rural Canadian communities. The 10-session programme, offered primarily via videoconference, focussed on eight domains of mental health practice. One hundred and twenty-five professionals, representing 15 professions, attended at least some sessions, although attendance was variable. Data were collected between September 2006 and December 2007. The programme was evaluated using a mixed methods approach. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction for all topics and all aspects of the presentations: they were most satisfied with the opportunity to interact with other professionals and least satisfied with the videoconference technology. Professionals' confidence (n = 49) with mental health interventions, issues and populations was measured pre- and post-programme. There was a significant increase in confidence for seven of the eight mental health interventions and four of the six mental health issues that had been taught in the programme. Participants reported developing a more reflective mental health practice, becoming more aware of mental health issues, integrating new knowledge and skills into their work and they expressed a desire for further mental health training. They noted that interprofessional referrals, inter-agency linkages and collaborations had increased. Conditions that appeared to underpin the programme's success included: scheduling the programme over an extended time period, a positive relationship between the facilitator and participants, experiential learning format and community co-ordinators as liaisons. Participants' dissatisfaction with the videoconference technology was mitigated by the strong connection between the facilitator and participants. One challenge was designing a curriculum that met the needs of professionals with varied expertise and work demands. The programme seemed to benefit most of those professionals who had a mental health background. This programme has the potential to be of use in rural communities where professionals often do not have access to professional development in mental health. [source] Family and work predictors of parenting role stress among two-earner families of children with disabilitiesINFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2005Marji Erickson Warfield Abstract Family resources (i.e. household income and spouse support), parenting challenges (i.e. number of children, difficulty finding reliable child care, and child characteristics), work rewards (i.e. work interest) and work demands (i.e. hours and work overload) were tested as predictors of parenting role stress among mothers and fathers in two-earner families of five-year old children with disabilities. The two-level hierarchical model was adapted to assess mothers and fathers as nested within married couples. Both common and unique predictors of maternal and paternal parenting role stress were found. Having fewer children in the family predicted less stress for both parents. Household income and an interaction between child behaviour problems and work interest were significant predictors of maternal parenting role stress. In contrast, greater difficulty in finding reliable child care predicted higher levels of parenting role stress for fathers but not mothers. The policy and research implications of these findings are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Gender Differences in Perceived Work Demands, Family Demands, and Life Stress among Married Chinese EmployeesMANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION REVIEW, Issue 2 2006Jaepil Choi abstract Although gender-based division of labour and the identity theory of stress suggest that the relationship between work and family demands and life stress may vary as a function of gender, it is largely unknown whether these arguments are also valid in China. To address this gap in the existing literature, the current study investigates the gender differences in perceived work and family demands, and the effects of these perceived demands on the life stress of Chinese male and female employees. The study of 153 married Chinese employees found that Chinese women perceived a higher level of family demands than did Chinese men, whereas there was no significant gender difference in the perception of work demands. In addition, while perceived family demands were similarly related to life stress differently for men and women, perceived work demands were associated more strongly with the life stress of men than that of women. [source] Year-round high physical activity levels in agropastoralists of Bolivian Andes: Results from repeated measurements of DLW method in peak and slack seasons of agricultural activitiesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Hiroshi Kashiwazaki By the repeated use of the doubly labeled water method (DLW), this study aimed to investigate (1) the extent of changes in energy expenditure and physical activity level (PAL) in response to increased agricultural work demands, and (2) whether the seasonal work demands induce the changes in the fairly equitable division of work and similarity of energy needs between men and women observed in our previous study (Phase 1 study; Kashiwazaki et al., 1995: Am J Clin Nutr 62: 901,910). In a rural small agropastoral community of the Bolivian Andes, we made the follow-up study (Phase 2, 14 adults; a time of high agricultural activity) of the Phase 1 study (12 adults; a time of low agricultural activity). In the Phase 2 study, both men and women showed very high PAL (mean±SD), but there was no significant difference by sex (men; 2.18 ± 0.23 (age; 64 ± 11 years, n = 7), women; 2.26 ± 0.25 (63 ± 10 years, n = 7)). The increase of PAL by 11% (P = 0.023) in the Phase 2 was equally occurred in both men and women. The factorial approach underestimated PAL significantly by ,15% (P < 0.05). High PAL throughout the year ranging on average 2.0 and 2.2 was attributable to everyday tasks for subsistence and domestic works undertaking over 9,11 h (men spent 2.7 h on agricultural work and 4.7 h on animal herding, whereas women spent 7.3 h almost exclusively on animal herding). The seasonal increase in PAL was statistically significant, but it was smaller than those anticipated from published reports. A flexible division of labor played an important role in the equitable energetic increase in both men and women. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Health and safety in waste collection: Towards evidence-based worker health surveillance,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2010P. Paul F. M. Kuijer PhD Abstract Background Waste collectors around the world are at risk for work-related disorders and injuries. The aim of this study was to assess work demands, acute physiologic responses, illnesses, and injuries as a starting point for worker health surveillance (WHS). Methods A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase on work demands, acute bodily responses, health, and injuries. A quality assessment and evidence synthesis was performed. Results From a total of 379 retrieved studies, 50 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Waste collecting varied from informal manual gathering to semi-automated systems. Most studies ("number of studies") on work demands and/or acute bodily responses addressed bioaerosols (14). Studies of health effects addressed respiratory complaints (8), and those on injuries addressed acute musculoskeletal disorders (3). Strong evidence is available that exposure to bioaerosols exceeds recommendations. Moderate evidence is available for an increased risk of respiratory complaints and musculoskeletal injuries, with significant odds ratios reported varying between 1.9,4.1 and 1.5,3.3, respectively. Limited evidence exists for gastrointestinal disorders and hearing loss. Conclusions WHS in waste collection is warranted for early detection of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders, and hearing loss. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1040,1064, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Impact of musculoskeletal and medical conditions on disability retirement,a longitudinal study among construction roofersAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010Laura S. Welch MD Abstract Background To assess the intersection of work demands, chronic medical and musculoskeletal conditions, aging, and disability, we initiated a longitudinal study of construction roofers who were current union members between the ages of 40 and 59. Methods Participants were asked about the presence of medical conditions and musculoskeletal disorders; the Work Limitations Questionnaire, the SF-12, and other validated assessments of social and economic impact of injury were included. Results Factors at baseline that predicted leaving for a health-related reason were older age, lower physical functioning, work limitations, and having missed work. Those who left roofing for a health-related reason were much more likely to have a lower economic score at the 1 year interview. Conclusions Medical and musculoskeletal conditions are strongly associated with work limitation, missed work, and reduced physical functioning; these factors are also associated with premature departure from the workforce. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 552,560, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Evaluation of three ergonomic measures on productivity, physical work demands, and workload in gypsum bricklayersAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010Henk F. van der Molen PhD Abstract Background This study evaluated the effects of a combination of three ergonomic measures designed to reduce the risk of low back complaints among gypsum bricklayers. The measures focused on optimizing working height and reducing carrying distances. Methods A within-subjects (N,=,10) controlled field study was used to compare the effects of working with the ergonomic measures with those of working with conventional working methods at the worksite during the course of a full working day. Productivity, work demands, and workload were assessed. Results No effects were found on productivity, total work time, duration of tasks, duration of carrying, or energetic or biomechanical workload. However, the duration and frequency of working between knee and hip height during a working day increased by 25% and 15%, respectively, due to the ergonomic measures. During the finishing task, the duration and frequency of working below knee level decreased significantly by 4,min and 71 times, respectively. Conclusion The limited impact of the ergonomic measures argues for additional measures to reduce the risk of low back complaints. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 608,614, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of recent longitudinal studiesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2010Bruno R. da Costa PT Abstract Objective This systematic review was designed and conducted in an effort to evaluate the evidence currently available for the many suggested risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Methods To identify pertinent literature we searched four electronic databases (Cinahl, Embase, Medline, and The Cochrane Library). The search strategies combined terms for musculoskeletal disorders, work, and risk factors. Only case,control or cohort studies were included. Results A total of 1,761 non-duplicated articles were identified and screened, and 63 studies were reviewed and integrated in this article. The risk factors identified for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were divided and organized according to the affected body part, type of risk factor (biomechanical, psychosocial, or individual) and level of evidence (strong, reasonable, or insufficient evidence). Conclusions Risk factors with at least reasonable evidence of a causal relationship for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders include: heavy physical work, smoking, high body mass index, high psychosocial work demands, and the presence of co-morbidities. The most commonly reported biomechanical risk factors with at least reasonable evidence for causing WMSD include excessive repetition, awkward postures, and heavy lifting. Additional high methodological quality studies are needed to further understand and provide stronger evidence of the causal relationship between risk factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The information provided in this article may be useful to healthcare providers, researchers, and ergonomists interested on risk identification and design of interventions to reduce the rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:285,323, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Productivity loss in the workforce: associations with health, work demands, and individual characteristicsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2009Seyed Mohammad Alavinia MD Abstract Background Decreased productivity at work is an important consequence of the presence of health problems at work. Methods The study population consisted of 2,252 workers in 24 different companies in The Netherlands in 2005,2006 (response 56%). Self-reported loss of productivity on the previous workday was measured on a 10-point numerical rating scale by the Quantity and Quality method. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations between work demands, health problems, individual characteristics, and lifestyle factors with the occurrence of productivity loss. Results About 45% of the workers reported some degree of productivity loss on the previous workday, with an average loss of 11%. Moderate and severe functional limitations due to health problems (OR,=,1.28 and 1.63, respectively) and lack of control at work (OR,=,1.36) were associated with productivity loss at work with population attributable fractions of 7%, 6%, and 16%, respectively. Conclusion Productivity losses at work frequently occur due to health problems and subsequent impairments, and lack of control over the pace and planning of work. This will substantially contribute to indirect costs of health problems among workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:49,56, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Work demands, job insecurity and sickness absence from work.AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 3 2006How productive is the new, flexible labour force? Background: We investigate one aspect of productivity , sickness absence , and ask whether job insecurity and high work demands are associated with increased sickness absence and, if so, whether mental or physical health mediates this association. We further investigate if having control at work modifies these associations. Methods: We used cross-sectional survey data from 2,248 employees aged 40,44 years living in two cities of south-eastern Australia. Logistic regressions were used to compare the associations between job insecurity and demands among those with short (1,3 days) or long-term (>3 days) sickness absence with those who had no sickness absence in the last four weeks. The mediating effects of mental and physical health were assessed by evaluating changes in the magnitude of the association between these work conditions and sickness absence. Results: High job insecurity (OR=3.28; 95% CI 1.54-6.95) and high work demands (OR=1.62; 95% CI 1.13-2.30) were significantly associated with long-term, but not with short-term, sickness absence. These associations were unaffected by job control. Depression and anxiety explained 61% of the association between high work demands and long-term sickness absence and 30% of the association between job insecurity and long-term sickness absence. Conclusion: Difficult working conditions may reduce productivity by contributing to longer absences from work. Implications: Reforms intended to improve economic performance should address any potential health costs of insecurity or intensification, which could inadvertently decrease productivity, possibly through their impact on mental health. [source] AN ECONOMY ILL-SUITED TO YOUNGER WORKERS: CHILD AND YOUTH WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION IN COLONIAL QUEENSLAND, 1886,1901AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC HISTORY REVIEW, Issue 2 2006Bradley Bowden child labour; demographic economics; history; labour demand; Queensland This article explores the extent and significance of child and youth work in late 19th century Australia. It demonstrates that, while demographic changes meant that almost half the population was aged 19 years or less, this age cohort never comprised more than 18 per cent of the recorded workforce. It is argued that this under-representation reflects the fact that children and youths were ill-suited to the work demands of most colonial occupations. They did not threaten the position of adult males in the key areas of the economy such as construction, heavy engineering, pastoral work, mining and transport. [source] Causes of near misses in critical care of neonates and childrenACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2008O Tourgeman-Bashkin Abstract Aim: The primary goal of this study was to examine the nature and causes of medical errors known as almost adverse events (AAEs) and potential adverse events (PAEs) in intensive care units. Methods: Observations were conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in a large hospital in Israel. The AAEs and PAEs were classified into three main categories: environmental, system and human factors. Data encoding and analysis was based on a Bayesian model previously developed to analyse causes of traffic accidents, and the categories were based on systems and ergonomics approaches. Results: ,Workload' (a system factor) was the main cause of AAEs and ,communication failures' (a human factor) was the second main cause of AAEs. Among the environmental factors, ,failures in medical devices' was the most cited cause of AAEs. Environmental factors accounted for most of PAEs and among them ,form failures' was the most ,AAE'-prone factor. Conclusions: Environmental factors (mainly ,failures in medical device') and system factors (mainly ,workload') accounted for most of AAEs in the intensive care units studied. The systems and the ergonomics approaches to error analysis can be useful in creating a comprehensive error management programme in order to minimize the gap between work demands and individual capabilities. [source] | ||||||||||