| 1. |
- Ek, Åsa, et al.
(författare)
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Perceived workplace safety culture among Swedish electricians
- 2015
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Ingår i: [Host publication title missing].
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Accidents and injuries caused by electricity are work environment risks for electricians. About a 100 cases are reported annually to the Swedish Work Environment Authority. The safety culture at the electricians’ workplaces can affect the successfulness of safety management and the prevention of injuries. This paper presents preliminary questionnaire and interview findings on the perceived workplace safety culture of 523 male electricians who have experienced an electrical injury or accident. The results show a general need for increased safety awareness and motivation for safe work performance on different organisational levels. They also show a need for increased visibility of the management at the workplaces, increased commitment to safety, improved communication with the staff, and the need for increased reporting of incidents and experience feedback in order to achieve well-functioning learning for safety. The preliminary findings offer us a better understanding of the driving forces and barriers to efficient safety management and to safety culture improvements in this industry sector.
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| 2. |
- Nilsagård, Ylva, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
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Symtom efter strömgenomgång
- 2017
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Ingår i: Elolyckor i arbetet. - Göteborg, Sweden : Göteborgs universitet. - 9789185971596 ; , s. 21-26
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Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- 523 elektriker som hade varit med om minst en elolycka med strömgenomgång besvarade en fördjupad enkät med fokus på frågor om symtom från perifera och centrala nervsystemet och muskulatur. Nio av tio som varit med om högspänningsolycka hade sökt akut sjukvård. Endast två av tio hade sökt vård efter lågspänningsolycka. Besvär framför allt i form av smärta och nedsatt känsel efter strömgenomgång var relativt vanligt, men för de allra flesta blev inte dessa besvär bestående. Symtom från nervsystem och hjärna var betydligt vanligare hos de som hade varit utsatta för högspänningsolyckor eller fastnat vid strömkällan på grund av muskelkramp.
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| 3. |
- Rådman, Lisa, 1983-
(författare)
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Effects of electrical accidents : occupational and health perspectives
- 2022
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Professionals working in the electrical industry are at risk of accidental injuries caused by electricity. Electrical accidents can cause persistent neurological symptoms, previously mainly described in patients whose injuries were initially extensive. The overall aim of this thesis was to study the prevalence of persisting, self-reported symptoms after electrical accidents and to explore their relationship to results obtained using clinical methods that are commonly used to study nerve function and hand-arm function. Another aim was to increase knowledge about the work situation and the safety culture of Swedish electricians and to describe the frequency with which electricians seek health care after electrical accidents. Study I was a retrospective survey of 523 Swedish male electricians. In study II, the electricians who reported persistent symptoms were further invited to undergo clinical examinations that included quantitative sensory testing (QST), assessment of fine motor skills and tactile gnosis. The most common self-reported symptoms were pain, reduced sensation and reduced muscle function. For a few, these symptoms persisted at the time of survey. Roughly half of the group exhibited abnormal warm and cold perception thresholds and tactile gnosis test values. Study III included 24 participants with persisting self-reported sensory symptoms, 1-5 years after an accident. Observations of nerve function; QST, laserevoked potentials (LEP) and nerve conductions studies, were performed. At least one neurosensory impairment was present- in at least one of the tests in 67% of the participants. The participants in study III were also evaluated in study IV, in which a control group of 24 healthy persons was added. Hand function was affected in many participants assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire as was tactil gnosis and manual dexterity, for the participants in the case group. Only a quarter of the participants in study I sought health care after their accidents, and the safety culture questionnaire revealed deficiencies, particularly in the reporting culture. The conclusions of this thesis are that self-reported neurosensory symptoms can persist for years after an electrical accident and that these symptoms can be evaluated using standard neurophysiological and functional tests that reflect changes in nerve function. Accordingly, hand function, examined using both objective and subjective measures, may be affected after work-related electrical accidents. This thesis highlights some aspects of safety culture and the work situations of professionals within the electrical industry. These areas need to be improved so that reporting routines provide opportunities to learn from and prevent accidents.
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| 4. |
- Rådman, Lisa, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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Electrical injury in relation to voltage, "no-let-go" phenomenon, symptoms and perceived safety culture : a survey of Swedish male electricians
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 89:2, s. 261-270
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Professional electricians are highly subjected to electrical injuries. Previous studies describing symptoms after electrical injury have not included people with less severe initial injuries. The purpose of the present study was to describe symptoms at different time points after electrical injury, the impact of "no-let-go" phenomenon and different electrical potential [high voltage (HV) vs. low voltage (LV)], and the safety culture at the workplace.A retrospective survey was conducted with 523 Swedish electricians. Two questionnaires were issued: the first to identify electricians who had experienced electrical injury and the second to gain information about symptoms and safety culture. Self-reported symptoms were described at different time points following injury. Symptoms for HV and LV accidents were compared. Occurrence or nonoccurrence of "no-let-go" phenomenon was analysed using two-tailed Chi-2. Safety culture was assessed with a validated questionnaire.Nearly all reported having symptoms directly after the injury, mainly paraesthesia and pain. For the first weeks after injury, pain and muscle weakness dominated. The most frequently occurring symptoms at follow-up were pain, muscle weakness and loss of sensation. HV injuries and "no-let go" phenomenon were associated with more sustained symptoms. Deficiencies in the reporting routines were present, as well as shortage of preventive measures.The results indicate that symptoms are reported also long time after an electrical injury and that special attention should be paid to HV injuries and "no-let go" accidents. The workplace routines to reduce the number of work-related electrical injuries for Swedish electricians can be improved.
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| 5. |
- Rådman, Lisa, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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Hand function after an electrical accident : a case-control study
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 1076-2752 .- 1536-5948. ; 65:3, s. 242-248
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Electrical accidents cause both acute and long-term injuries. The care of acute injuries is somewhat standardized, but currently recommendations or assessment tools are not available for assessing the long-term effects of an accident on hand function.METHODS: A case-control study of 24 healthy controls and 24 cases, 1-5 years after an electrical accident and with self-reported neurosensory symptoms, was performed using three hand-function tests: the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the Purdue Pegboard test and the Shape and Identification (STI) test.RESULTS: Compared to the control group, patients received statistically significantly lower scores for the DASH outcome measure and the Purdue Pegboard and for one finger on the STI test.CONCLUSION: Hand function is affected after an electrical accident in individuals with self-reported neurosensory symptoms.
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| 6. |
- Rådman, Lisa, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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Modified Rivermead Mobility Index : a reliable measure in people within 14 days post-stroke
- 2015
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Ingår i: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0959-3985 .- 1532-5040. ; 31:2, s. 126-129
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The reliability of the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI) has not previously been investigated in the very early post-stroke phase. The aim of the study was to evaluate inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and internal consistency in patients, 1-14 d post-stroke.Method: A cohort study with repeated measures within 24 h, on 37 patients, 1-14 d post-stroke was conducted. Inter-rater (two raters) and intra-rater (one rater) reliability was analyzed using weighted kappa (kappa) statistics and internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation (ICC), 3.k.Results: Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability was excellent (ICC coefficient 0.97 and 0.99) for MRMI summary score. Intra-rater exact agreement for separate items was between 77% and 97%; kappa between 0.81 and 0.96. Inter-rater exact agreement for separate items was between 68% and 92%; kappa 0.59-0.87. The internal consistency was high (alpha 0.96; ICC 3.k 0.99). Conclusion: The MRMI is a reliable measure of physical mobility in the early post-stroke phase.
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| 7. |
- Rådman, Lisa, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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Neurosensory findings among electricians with self-reported remaining symptoms after an electrical injury : A case series
- 2016
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Ingår i: Burns. - Oxford, United Kingdom : Elsevier. - 0305-4179 .- 1879-1409. ; 42:8, s. 1712-1720
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: Symptoms described in previous studies indicate that electrical injury can cause longstanding injuries to the neurosensory nerves. The aim of the present case series was to objectively assess the profile of neurosensory dysfunction in electricians in relation to high voltage or low voltage electrical injury and the "no-let-go phenomenon".Methods: Twenty-three Swedish male electricians exposed to electrical injury were studied by using a battery of clinical instruments, including quantitative sensory testing (QST). The clinical test followed a predetermined order of assessments: thermal perceptions thresholds, vibration perception thresholds, tactile gnosis (the Shape and Texture Identification test), manual dexterity (Purdue Pegboard Test), and grip strength. In addition, pain was studied by means of a questionnaire, and a colour chart was used for estimation of white fingers.Results: The main findings in the present case series were reduced thermal perceptions thresholds, where half of the group showed abnormal values for warm thermal perception and/or cold thermal perception. Also, the tactile gnosis and manual dexterity were reduced. High voltage injury was associated with more reduced sensibility compared to those with low voltage.Conclusion: Neurosensory injury can be objectively assessed after an electrical injury by using QST with thermal perception thresholds. The findings are consistent with injuries to small nerve fibres. In the clinical setting thermal perception threshold is therefore recommended, in addition to tests of tactile gnosis and manual dexterity (Purdue Pegboard).
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| 8. |
- Rådman, Lisa, 1983-
(författare)
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Self-reported symptoms and neurosensory function after electrical accidents : a survey among Swedish male electricians
- 2016
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Professionals working in electrical fields are at risk for accidental exposure to electricity on a daily basis. Electrical accidents can cause long-term sequelae manifesting as neurological symptoms, including in the peripheral nervous system.The overall aim of this licentiate thesis was to describe the occurrence of selfreported and neurosensory symptoms after electrical accidents. Specifically, this thesis aimed to I) describe self-reported symptoms at different points in time; II) assess neurosensory function in relation to previous electrical accidents; III) evaluate the impact of high vs. low voltage as well as that of the no-let-go phenomenon; and IV) gain knowledge about the safety culture among Swedish electricians.A retrospective survey including 523 Swedish male electricians was conducted. Electricians reporting persistent symptoms were invited to a clinical examination that included quantitative sensory testing (QST); 23 electricians participated. The most commonly self-reported symptoms associated with electrical accidents were pain, reduced sensation and reduced muscle function. For a small percentage, these symptoms were persistent. Reduced neurosensory function with regard to thermal perception was determined using QST and functional testing and was particularly evident in the thermal perception tests; roughly half of the group exhibited abnormally reduced clinical warmth and cold perception thresholds and tactile gnosis test values, the latter of which were all below normal except for those of two electricians. The findings also indicate that electricians accidentally exposed to high voltage (HV) frequently report more symptoms than do electricians exposed to low voltage (LV). There were deficiencies in the preventative efforts and reporting routines pertinent to potential electrical accidents. In summary, the main results of this licentiate thesis show that sensory symptoms can be persistent, especially after an HV accident, and that these selfreported symptoms can be manifested as injuries on the small nerve fibres. The results of the present study can provide methods to be used for follow-up testing in clinical practise. Furthermore, there is a need to improve the workplace safety culture for electricians in order to improve the numbers of follow-ups.
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| 9. |
- Thomée, Sara, 1965, et al.
(författare)
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Cognition and mental wellbeing after electrical accidents: a survey and a clinical study among Swedish male electricians
- 2020
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Ingår i: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 93:6, s. 683-96
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- © 2020, The Author(s). Purpose: The purpose was to examine long-term consequences of exposure to electrical current passing through the body. We investigated (1) whether electricians after having experienced an electrical accident report more cognitive problems and lower mental wellbeing and (2) have objectively verifiable reduced cognitive function; and (3) which circumstances at the time of the accident affect long-term subjective cognitive function and mental wellbeing? Methods: A survey of male electricians who had experienced electrical accidents (n = 510) and a clinical study in a subsample (n = 23) who reported residual health problems was carried out. Both groups were examined regarding subjective cognitive function (Euroquest-9) and mental wellbeing (Symptom Checklist-90 subscales). The clinical study included neuropsychological tests of memory, attention, spatial function, and premorbid intellectual capacity. A matched control group was retrieved from reference data. Results: The survey participants reported more cognitive problems and lower mental wellbeing than referents. Of the examined circumstances, having experienced mortal fear at the time of the accident and health complaints, especially mental symptoms, for > 1week after the accident were the most significant risk factors for later subjective cognitive problems and lower mental wellbeing. The only statistically significant difference in neuropsychological tests was better performance in part of the memory tests by the clinical study group compared to the control group. Conclusions: The participants reported more cognitive problems and lower mental wellbeing than referents, but no long-term objective cognitive dysfunction was detected. Emotional response at the time of the accident and health complaints in the aftermath of the accident may constitute important indications for medical and psychological follow-ups.
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| 10. |
- Wold, Andrew, et al.
(författare)
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Clinical Evaluation of Nerve Function in Electrical Accident Survivors with Persisting Neurosensory Symptoms
- 2022
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Ingår i: Brain Sciences. - : MDPI. - 2076-3425. ; 12:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Work related electrical accidents are prevalent and can cause persisting symptoms. We used clinical neurophysiological techniques to assess neurosensory function following electrical accidents and correlated test results with the patients' symptoms.METHODS: We studied 24 patients who reported persisting neurosensory symptoms following a workplace electrical accident. We assessed nerve function using quantitative sensory testing (QST), thermal roller testing, laser evoked potential (LEP), and electroneurography. The patients' results were compared with previously established normative data.RESULTS: Altogether, 67% of the patients showed at least one neurosensory impairment with a large heterogeneity in test results across patients. At a group level, we observed significant deviations in in QST, LEP, and sensory and motor neurography. Overall, we found a weak correlation between test results and self-reported symptoms.CONCLUSIONS: In a majority of patients with neurosensory symptoms after a workplace electrical accident, neurosensory testing confirmed the existence of an underlying impairment of the nervous system.
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