| 1. |
- Aasa, Ulrika
(författare)
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Ambulance Work : Relationships between occupational demands, individual characteristics and health-related outcomes
- 2005
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Although musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other health complaints are an occupational problem for ambulance personnel, there is a lack of knowledge regarding work-related factors associated with MSDs and other health complaints. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the relationships between occupational demands, individual characteristics and health-related outcomes among ambulance personnel. A random sample of 234 female and 953 male ambulance personnel participated in a national questionnaire survey on work-related factors, and musculoskeletal and other health complaints. Physical demands was associated with activity limitation due to neck-shoulder and low-back complaints among the female personnel. Among the male personnel, physical demands was associated with low-back complaints and activity limitation due to low-back complaints. Psychological demands was significantly associated with neck-shoulder complaints, sleeping problems, headache and stomach symptoms among both female and male ambulance personnel. Worry about work conditions was associated with musculoskeletal disorders and sleeping problems, headache and stomach symptoms. A local sample of 26 ambulance personnel was followed during a 24-hour work shift and for the next two work-free days. Subjective stress- and energy levels, and cortisol levels were measured at regular intervals, and heart rate was registered continuously by electrocardiogram (ECG). Autonomic reactivity to standardized tests before (pre-work) and at the end of the work shift (post-work) was also investigated. For the whole group, baseline values of heart rate were higher pre-work than post-work, but autonomic reactivity did not differ. Increased reactivity to the mental test, modest deviation in heart rate variability (HRV) pattern during the late night hours at work and higher morning cortisol values during work than during leisure time were observed in personnel with many health complaints, but not among their co-workers without or with few complaints. Ambulance personnel with many health complaints also reported higher psychological demands and tended to be more worried about work conditions. Heart rate (HR), lactate level (LL) and perceived exertion (RPE) were investigated in 17 female and 48 male ambulance personnel during a simulated standardized work task “carry a loaded stretcher”. The ambulance personnel had to carry the loaded stretcher (920 N) up and down three flights of stairs twice. The high physiological strain (HR, LL, RPE) for the male, and near or at maximal strain for the female ambulance personnel, implied the importance to identify what kind of physical capacity is most important for ambulance personnel. Therefore, the explained variance of developed fatigue by tests of cardiorespiratory capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and coordination was investigated. The results showed that VO2max and isometric back endurance were important predictors for development of fatigue when carrying a loaded stretcher. The influence of body size on the relationships between maximal strength and functional performance was investigated in a methodological study. The results confirm that the assessment of physical performance could be confounded by the body weight. Therefore, the models for explaining development of fatigue when carrying the loaded stretcher were adjusted for height and weight. Including height in the models significantly increased the explained variance of accumulated lactate among female, but not among male personnel. Lactate levels were higher among short compared to tall female personnel. Weight had no effect on any of the models. In conclusion, the national survey showed that self-reported physical demands was a risk factor of having MSDs, and that self-reported psychological demands and worry about work were important risk factors of having MSDs and other health complaints. Stress monitoring of ambulance personnel during work and leisure time showed that physiological and subjective stress markers did not show any differences between the 24-hour ambulance work shift and leisure time afterwards. However, ambulance personnel with many health complaints had certain physiological changes during the work shift in comparison with the next two work-free days. The physiological and subjective responses during carrying a loaded stretcher, especially among the female ambulance personnel, showed that female and male ambulance personnel could be exposed to internal exposures at different levels when performing the same work task. A better understanding of the relationships between occupational demands and health-related outcomes require further studies on age- and gender matched groups in long-term perspective studies.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Eklöf, Mats, 1953, et al.
(författare)
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Feedback of workplace data to individual workers, workgroups or supervisors as a way to stimulate working environment activity: a cluster randomized controlled study.
- 2004
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Ingår i: International archives of occupational and environmental health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 77:7, s. 505-14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To test whether feedback and discussion of ergonomic and psychosocial working-environment data during one short session with individual, groups or supervisors of white-collar computer workers had an effect on activity to modify workplace design, working technique and psychosocial aspects of work. METHODS: A total of 36 workgroups from nine organizations representing different trades was randomized (stratified for organization) to three feedback conditions or control with no feedback. Data were collected 1 month before and 6 months after feedback sessions. The effects studied were: (1) change in the proportion of workgroup members who reported any modification regarding workplace design or working technique; (2) change in the proportion of workgroup members who reported any modification regarding psychosocial aspects; (3) average number of modification types regarding workplace design or working technique per individual in a workgroup; (4) average number of modification types regarding psychosocial aspects per individual in a workgroup. RESULTS: All feedback conditions differed positively from controls regarding change in the proportion of workgroup members who reported any modification in workplace design or working technique. No such effect was found for psychosocial aspects. For change in average number of psychosocial modification types per individual in a workgroup an effect was observed for feedback to supervisors. No intervention effect was observed for the average number of modifications in workplace design or working technique per individual in a workgroup. CONCLUSION: Feedback and discussion of ergonomic and psychosocial working-environment data during one short session with individual, groups or supervisors of white-collar computer workers may have a positive effect on how many people in a workgroup modify (or have modifications done regarding) workplace design and working technique. Feedback to supervisors may have an effect on the average number of psychosocial modification types per individual in a workgroup. Feedback to group supervisors appeared to be the most cost-effective variant.
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| 4. |
- Hagberg, Mats, 1951, et al.
(författare)
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Incidence of self-reported reduced productivity owing to musculoskeletal symptoms: association with workplace and individual factors among computer users.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 50:11, s. 1820-34
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the present study was to assess the incidence and identify possible risk factors for self-reported reduced productivity owing to musculoskeletal symptoms among computer users. DESIGN: a cohort study with a baseline questionnaire and monthly follow ups during 10 months. METHODS: the study base consisted of 1,283 computer users, 636 men and 896 women. Ergonomists observed workstation characteristics before entering the cohort. Cases were defined as subjects reporting reduced productivity or reporting being on sick leave owing to musculoskeletal symptoms. RESULTS: women had approximately two times the incidence of self-reported reduced productivity owing to symptoms in the neck, shoulder and in the forearm/hand than men. There was no difference in gender for the incidence of self-reported reduced productivity owing to back symptoms. Working overtime and job demands were risk factors for self-reported reduced productivity owing to neck and back symptoms. Physical exercise fewer than 8 times the last month was a risk factor for self-reported reduced productivity owing to neck, shoulder and forearm/hand symptoms. Computer mouse use for more than 0.5 h/day was a risk factor for self-reported reduced productivity owing to shoulder and forearm/hand symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: risk factors for self-reported reduced productivity owing to musculoskeletal symptoms included life style factors, such as overweight and low physical exercise, occupational factors, such as overtime, job demands and computer mouse operating time.
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| 5. |
- Hagberg, Mats, 1951, et al.
(författare)
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Self-reported reduced productivity due to musculoskeletal symptoms: associations with workplace and individual factors among white-collar computer users.
- 2002
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Ingår i: Journal of occupational rehabilitation. - 1053-0487. ; 12:3, s. 151-62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim was to assess whether self-reported reduced productivity occurred in computer users due to musculoskeletal symptoms and the association to workplace, symptom, and individual factors. The study group consisted of 1283 computer users from different occupations, of whom 498 were men and 785 were women. Reduced productivity was self-assessed by two questions addressing if and how much productivity was reduced the previous month due to musculoskeletal symptoms. There were 63 women (8.0%) and 42 men (8.4%) of the total study group who reported reduced productivity due to musculoskeletal symptoms. The mean magnitude of the reduction was 15% for women and 13% for men. This outcome was weakly associated with computer mouse position and task and symptom persistence for both men and women. For women, work demands, computer problems, and being divorced/separated were also associated with reduced productivity. Although limited by problems of subjectivity of self-report and the possibility of significant underreporting, these results suggest that a variety of interventions may serve to decrease the impact of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.
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| 6. |
- Hallman, David, 1979-
(författare)
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Autonomic nervous system regulation in chronic neck-shoulder pain : Relations to physical activity and perceived stress
- 2013
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Neck-shoulder pain (NSP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder with unclear causes, and effective prevention and treatment require a further understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Aberrant autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation is a hypothesized causal element in the development and maintenance of chronic muscle pain.The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate possible differences in ANS regulation between chronic NSP and healthy control (CON) groups using both laboratory assessment and ambulatory monitoring in daily life.Four papers are included in this thesis, based on data from three groups with chronic NSP. Autonomic responses to laboratory stressors were assessed using heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, trapezius muscle activity and blood flow measurements (Study І) in NSP and CON. Long-term ambulatory monitoring of HRV, physical activity and perceived symptoms were assessed in Studies ІІ and IV to investigate group differences in real-life conditions. Finally, the effects of a ten-week intervention (using individually adjusted HRV biofeedback) to reinstating ANS balance in subjects with chronic NSP were evaluated using self-reported symptoms and health ratings, as well as autonomic regulation testing (i.e., evaluating HRV at rest and in response to stress) (Study ІІІ).The main findings from the four studies demonstrated aberrant ANS regulation in the NSP group compared to CON, which was predominantly characterized by diminished parasympathetic cardiac activity during rest and sleep, and altered sympathetic reactivity to laboratory stressors (Studies І, ІІ and IV). Different patterns in physical activity were observed between the NSP and CON groups, with reduced physical activity during leisure time in the NSP group (Studies ІІ and IV). Physical activity was found to be positively associated with HRV. Positive effects of HRV-biofeedback were found on perceived health, including social function, vitality and bodily pain, and improved HRV (Study ІІІ).In conclusion, imbalanced ANS regulation was demonstrated among persons with chronic NSP at both the systemic and local levels. Diminished parasympathetic activity in NSP was modulated by lower levels of physical activity in leisure time. Interventions targeting ANS functions might benefit persons with chronic NSP.
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| 7. |
- Karlqvist, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Self-reported working conditions of VDU operators and associations with musculoskeletal symptoms : a cross-sectional study focussing on gender differences
- 2002
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 30:4-5, s. 277-294
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the present study was to describe working conditions and the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among male and female VDU operators, and to assess associations between work-related physical and psychosocial exposures and neck and upper limb symptoms by gender. The study population comprised a variety of occupations from both private and public sectors. Data on physical and psychosocial exposures were collected by questionnaires, as were data on musculoskeletal symptoms. Univariate associations between exposures and symptoms affecting the neck and upper limbs were estimated by calculating the prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals. We also assessed the potential excess odds ratio attributable to interaction between gender and, one by one, exposure variable. Women (n=785) used the computer on average 3.9 h/day and men (n=498) 3.6. Variation of different work tasks was lower among females than among males. Nineteen per cent of the women and 12% of the men did >3 h of continued computer work without breaks (>10 min) at least twice a week. Twice as many women as men experienced high job strain (high demands and low decision latitude). A higher proportion of women than men reported symptoms 3 days the preceding month from the upper body, irrespective of body region. For many of the studied exposures the prevalence of symptoms in one or several body regions was increased with increasing exposure, indicating exposure-response relationships. Duration of computer work was associated with symptoms among both men and women. Only among men, duration of work with a non-keyboard computer input device was associated with symptoms. Only among women, job strain was associated with symptoms. Time pressure was associated with higher prevalence of symptoms among women. Among men, time pressure was associated with lower prevalence of symptoms. Thus, the associations differed between the genders. Women experienced higher prevalence of symptoms than men in all body regions and they were more often exposed to physical and psychosocial conditions that in previous studies have been considered harmful, than men.
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| 8. |
- Kjellberg, Anders, 1942-, et al.
(författare)
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Stress, energy and psychosocial conditions in different types of call centres
- 2010
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Ingår i: Work. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 36:1, s. 9-25
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To identify risk indicators for high stress and low mental energy as well as to describe psychosocial working conditions at different types of call centres. Participants: 1183 operators from 28 call centres in Sweden, both external and internal, with different levels of task complexity, ownership and geographical location. Method: A cross sectional questionnaire study. Results: The stress level was moderately high and the energy level fairly high. Stress levels tended to be lower and psychosocial conditions better with increasing level of task complexity. Fourteen per cent of the operators were in a state of high stress/low energy ("worn out") and 47% in high stress/high energy ("committed under pressure"). Operators in a state of low stress/high energy ("committed without pressure") were most likely to report a better health status. High stress and lack of energy was mainly associated with time pressure, low decision latitude, and lack of social and supervisor support. Conclusions: Time pressure in combination with lack of support and influence should be seen as a potential high risk situation for the development of a "worn-out" state among call centre operators. Management should make use of this knowledge in order to promote a long lasting efficient and healthy call centre work.
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| 9. |
- Lindegård, Agneta, et al.
(författare)
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Perceived exertion, comfort and working technique in professional computer users and associations with the incidence of neck and upper extremity symptoms.
- 2012
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Ingår i: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - London : BioMed Central. - 1471-2474. ; 13, s. 38-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether perceived exertion, perceived comfort and working technique is associated with the incidence of neck and upper extremity symptoms among professional computer users. METHODS: At baseline a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 853 participants from 46 different work sites (382 men and 471 women) who, at baseline, had been free from neck and upper extremity symptoms during the preceding month. Work-related exposures, individual factors, and symptoms from the neck and upper extremities were assessed. Observations of working technique were performed by ergonomists using an ergonomic checklist. Incidence data were collected by means of 10 monthly questionnaires, asking for information on the occurrence of neck, shoulder and arm/hand symptoms. Perceived exertion was rated on a modified Borg RPE scale ranging from 0 (very, very light) to 14 (very, very strenuous). Perceived comfort was rated on a 9-point scale ranging from -4 (very, very poor) to +4 (very, very good) in relation to the chair, computer screen, keyboard, and computer mouse. RESULTS: The median follow up time was 10.3 months. The incidence of symptoms from the neck, shoulders and arm/hands were 50, 24 and 34 cases per 100 person years, respectively.Higher perceived exertion in the neck, shoulder or arm/hands was associated with an increased risk of developing symptoms in the corresponding body region. Moreover, a dose-response relationship between the level of exertion and the risk of developing symptoms was recorded for all three regions. There was an association between low comfort and an increased risk for neck symptoms, but not for shoulder and arm/hand symptoms, although a trend towards such an association (not statistically significant) could be seen. Working technique was, in this study, not associated with the risk of developing symptoms in any of the investigated body regions. CONCLUSION: There was a strong association between high perceived exertion and the development of neck, shoulder, and arm/hand symptoms. Moreover, there was an association between poor perceived comfort and neck pain. Surveillance of computer users may include perceived exertion and comfort to target individuals at risk for neck and upper extremity symptoms.
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| 10. |
- Lindegård Andersson, Agneta, 1955, et al.
(författare)
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Concordance between VDU-users' ratings of comfort and perceived exertion with experts' observations of workplace layout and working postures.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Applied ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 36:3, s. 319-25
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the present study was to evaluate the concordance (agreement) between VDU-users' ratings of comfort and ergonomists' observations of workplace layout, and the concordance between VDU-users' ratings of perceived exertion and ergonomists' observations of working postures during VDU-work. The study population consisted of 853 symptom free subjects. Data on perceived comfort in different dimensions and data regarding perceived exertion in different body locations were collected by means of a questionnaire. Data concerning workplace layout and working postures were collected with an observation protocol, by an ergonomist. Concordance between ratings of comfort and observations of workplace layout was reasonably good for the chair and the keyboard (0.60, 0.58) and good regarding the screen and the input device (0.72, 0.61). Concordance between ratings of perceived exertion and observations of working postures indicated good agreement (0.63-0.77) for all measured body locations (neck, shoulder, wrist and trunk). In conclusion ratings of comfort and perceived exertion could be used as cost-efficient and user-friendly methods for practitioners to identify high exposure to poor workplace layout and poor working postures.
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| 11. |
- Lindegård Andersson, Agneta, 1955, et al.
(författare)
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The impact of working technique on physical loads - an exposure profile among newspaper editors.
- 2003
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Ingår i: Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 46:6, s. 598-615
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate the possible associations between working technique, sex, symptoms and level of physical load in VDU-work. A study group of 32 employees in the editing department of a daily newspaper answered a questionnaire, about physical working conditions and symptoms from the neck and the upper extremities. Muscular load, wrist positions and computer mouse forces were measured. Working technique was assessed from an observation protocol for computer work. In addition ratings of perceived exertion and overall comfort were collected. The results showed that subjects classified as having a good working technique worked with less muscular load in the forearm (extensor carpi ulnaris p=0.03) and in the trapezius muscle on the mouse operating side (p=0.02) compared to subjects classified as having a poor working technique. Moreover there were no differences in gap frequency (number of episodes when muscle activity is below 2.5% of a reference contraction) or muscular rest (total duration of gaps) between the two working technique groups. Women in this study used more force (mean force p=0.006, peak force p=0.02) expressed as % MVC than the men when operating the computer mouse. No major differences were shown in muscular load, wrist postures, perceived exertion or perceived comfort between men and women or between cases and symptom free subjects. In conclusion a good working technique was associated with reduced muscular load in the forearm muscles and in the trapezius muscle on the mouse operating side. Moreover women used more force (mean force and peak force) than men when operating the click button (left button) of the computer mouse.
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| 12. |
- Norman, Kerstin, 1959-
(författare)
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Call centre work : characteristics, physical, and psychosocial exposure, and health related outcomes
- 2005
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Call centres (CCs) are one of the most rapidly growing forms of workplaces in Sweden. The overall aim of this thesis was to describe work characteristics, physical and psychosocial exposures, and health related outcomes, for CC operators in selected CC in Sweden. The purpose was also to study the test-retest reliability and internal consistency of questions, and the inter-rater reliability of observations and measurements in studies of CCs.This thesis is based on two projects, where study I was a cohort study and studies II-V were a cross-sectional survey. Fifty-seven CC operators were compared with a reference group of 1459 professional computer users from other occupations, study I, and 1183 operators (848 women and 335 men) (response rate 77%) from 28 CCs were studied in studies II-V . Questionnaires covering organisation and work characteristics, physical and psychosocial exposures, individual characteristics and symptoms during the previous month was used, studies I-V. Structured observations in accordance with an ergonomic checklist were used to assess workstation design during the subject’s ordinary work, study I and II.Operators at external CCs spent longer time on customer calls and had less varied tasks. Additional remuneration, call logging and monitoring was more common at external CCs.There were deficiencies in workspace, keyboard- and input device placement. External CCs showed somewhat more problems in the work environment compared with the internal CCs. The CC group spent longer continuous time in front of the computer than other professional computer users.Emotional and cognitive demands and time pressure were reported considered high. Emotional demands and limited decision latitude were dominating features in CC work.A higher proportion of the CC group reported musculoskeletal symptoms compared to other professional computer users. Three out of four operators reported symptoms in the Neck/shoulder or Arm/hand region, with no major differences between internal and external CCs. Comfort of the work environment showed the strongest association with symptoms in the Neck/shoulder or Arm/hand, in both types of CCs. Other exposures associated with symptoms in the Neck/shoulder or Arm/hand in either type of CC were: low complexity of work, long total time of customer calls per day, continuous computer work without a break, high psychological demands, low decision latitude, lack of social support from colleagues and lack of support from a supervisor. The thesis confirms previously suggested associations between unfavourable work characteristics and management, as well as poor physical and psychosocial environment, and musculoskeletal symptoms in computer-interactive tasks. Among operators at internal CCs, symptoms were particularly related to the nature of calls during work, whereas at external CCs critical exposures were the time spent seated with continuous computer work.About half of the questions were classified as having fair to good or higher testretest reliability and can be recommended in further analyses. Other questions should be used with care. A majority of the variables on the ergonomic checklist are classified as having fair to good or higher inter-rater reliability.
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| 13. |
- Norman, Kerstin, et al.
(författare)
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Musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to work exposures at call centre companies in Sweden
- 2008
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Ingår i: Work. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 30:2, s. 201-214
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: Call centres (CCs) are one of the most rapidly growing types of workplaces in Sweden. The purpose of the study was to assess associations between exposures at CC work and symptoms in the Neck/shoulders and Arm/hand. Comparisons were made between internal and external CCs. An internal CC is a department or separate unit within a larger company with another main core business, while an external CC is a free-standing company. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a selected sample of CCs was conducted. A questionnaire, covering characteristics of work and management, physical and psychosocial exposures and symptoms during the last month, was answered by 1183 operators from 28 CCs. Results: Three out of four operators reported pain or aches in one or more of the requested body regions, with no major difference between internal and external CC operators. Comfort of the work environment, showed the strongest association with symptoms in the Neck/shoulder and Arm/hand, in both types of CCs. Other exposures associated with symptoms in the Neck/shoulder or Arm/hand in either type of CC were: low complexity of work, long total time of customer calls per day, continuous computer work without a break, high psychological demands, low decision latitude, lack of social support from colleagues and supervisor. Conclusions: The study is unique in that there are no previous studies focusing on a large variety of exposures specific to CC work, based on a large number of workers from different types of CCs. The study confirms previously suggested associations between unfavourable work characteristics and management, a poor physical and psychosocial environment, and musculoskeletal symptoms in computer-telephone interactive tasks. The nature of calls during work were related to symptoms of persons working in internal CCs, whereas the time spent seated and continuous computer work were related to symptoms of those in external CCs.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Norman, Kerstin, et al.
(författare)
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Reliability of a questionnaire and an ergonomic checklist for assessing working conditions and health at call centres
- 2006
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Ingår i: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1080-3548 .- 2376-9130. ; 12:1, s. 53-68
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background. The purpose was to study the test-retest reliability and internal consistency of questions in a questionnaire concerning working conditions and health and the inter-rater reliability of observations and measurements according to an ergonomic checklist.Method. Fifty-seven operators participated in a retest questionnaire and 58 operators participated in an inter-observer test.Results. The questions had fair to good or higher reliability in 142 of the total of 312. Twenty-seven of the total of 44 variables in the ergonomic checklist were classified as having fair to good or higher reliability.Conclusions. About half of the questions had fair to good or higher reliability and can be recommended for further analyses. The majority of variables in the ergonomic checklist were classified as having fair to good or higher reliability. Low reliability does not necessarily indicate that the reliability of the test, per se, is low but may signify that the conditions measured vary over time or that the answers are aggregated in one part of the scale.
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| 16. |
- Norman, Kerstin, et al.
(författare)
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Working conditions and health among female and male employees at a call center in Sweden.
- 2004
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Ingår i: American journal of industrial medicine. - : Wiley. - 0271-3586 .- 1097-0274. ; 46:1, s. 55-62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The call center industry is one of the most expansive labor market sectors in Sweden today. The purpose of this study was to investigate the working conditions and symptoms among employees at a call center in Sweden. METHODS: This study represents the cross-sectional baseline survey, which was part of a prospective cohort study. Fifty-seven call center workers were compared with a reference group of 1,459 professional computer users from other occupations. A questionnaire covered physical and psychosocial working conditions and symptoms during the last month. Structured observations in accordance with an ergonomic checklist were used to assess workstation design during the subject's ordinary work. RESULTS: The call center group had worked for a shorter time in their present tasks and spent longer continuous time in front of the computer than the reference group. There were deficiencies in workspace, keyboard- and input device placement. The subjects reported poor support from their immediate supervisor, low control and limited opportunities to influence their work. A higher proportion of the call center group reported musculoskeletal symptoms. CONCLUSION: The call center operators were exposed to working conditions that in other studies have indicated an increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The study also shows that young computer operators in the call center group with a short working career had a higher prevalence of neck- and upper extremity symptoms than older computer workers in other labor market sectors.
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| 17. |
- Norman, Kerstin, et al.
(författare)
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Working conditions in a selected sample of call centre companies in Sweden
- 2008
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Ingår i: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1080-3548 .- 2376-9130. ; 14:2, s. 177-194
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background. Call centres (CCs) are among the most rapidly growing forms of workplaces in Sweden. The purpose of the study was to describe and compare working conditions between operators at internal and external CC companies and work tasks of different complexity. Method. A questionnaire was answered by 1183 operators, 848 women and 335 men, from 28 different CCs. The questionnaire covered background factors, employment, working hours and remuneration, call logging and monitoring, duties, computer work and workplace design during the previous month. Results. Operators at external companies and operators with low-complexity work tasks were younger, more often employed by the hour and worked on a varying roster. They spent longer time on customer calls and had less varied tasks. Additional remuneration, call logging and monitoring were more common at external companies and among operators with low-complexity work tasks. Conclusion. The working conditions varied between internal and external CCs. There was also a variation in working conditions between work tasks of different complexity. There were aspects of supervision style and organization of work at CCs, especially at external ones and those with low-complexity tasks that could introduce stress and lack of well being among the staff.
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| 18. |
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Occupational Physiology
- 2012
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Samlingsverk (redaktörskap) (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In a clear and accessible presentation, Occupational Physiology focuses on important issues in the modern working life. Exploring major public health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders and stress, this book explains connections between work, well-being, and health based on up-to-date research in the field. It provides useful methods for risk assessments and guidelines on arranging a good working life from the perspective of the working individual, the company, and society as a whole.The book focuses on common, stressful situations in different professions in work life. Reviewing bodily demands and reactions in eight selected common but contrasting job types, the book explains relevant physiology in a novel way. Rather than being structured according to organs in the body, the book accepts the complex physiology of typical jobs and uses this as an entry. In addition to physiological facts, the book discusses risk factors for disorders and gives ideas on how to organize and design work and tasks so as to optimize health, work ability, and productivity.Although many books cover physiology, they are based on a traditional anatomical structure (e.g., addressing the physiology of the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal system, and so forth) and require readers to synthesize this knowledge into real-life complex applications. Occupational Physiology is, instead, structured around a number of typical jobs and explains their physiology, as complex as they may be. This approach, while still presenting the physiology needed to understand occupational life, demonstrates how to use this information in situations encountered in practice.
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| 19. |
- Palm, Peter, 1975-, et al.
(författare)
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Computer use, neck and upper-extremity symptoms, eyestrain and headache among female and male upper secondary school students
- 2007
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; , s. 33-41
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives Computer use, neck and upper-extremity symptoms, headache, and eyestrain were studied in upper secondary school students. Methods A questionnaire was completed by 1575 female and 1251 male students. Associations between computer use and health problems were analyzed by calculating the prevalence ratios for the health variables, considering computer use for >14-56 or >56 hours/week as compared with <= 14 hours/week (reference). Health problems were defined as aches or pain or other trouble at least three days in the preceding month. Results Computer use (median) was reported to be 31 hours/week by the male students and 19 hours/week by the females. Most computer use (about 90%) took place outside school (eg, for entertainment). Headache was reported by 51% and 24%, and neck or shoulder symptoms by 31% and 15%, of the females and mates, respectively. More than 50% of the females with health complaints indicated that their problems had disturbed their sleep, and they used painkillers to handle them. Between 10% and 43% experienced their health complaints as being related to computer use. For those using computers >56 hours/week, the prevalence ratios were significantly increased for neck or shoulder symptoms among both the females and the males, and for eyestrain and forearm symptoms among the females. Exposure-response relationships were indicated for the aforementioned associations. Approximately two-thirds of the students reported that they had not received any information in school about appropriate workplace layout and techniques for computer work. Conclusions Despite their young age, the students were not protected from computer-related health complaints. Therefore, providing adolescents with information about proper computer ergonomics may help prevent such health problems.
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| 20. |
- Pernold, G., et al.
(författare)
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Neck/shoulder disorders in a general population. Natural course and influence of physical exercise : A 5-year follow-up
- 2005
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Ingår i: Spine. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0362-2436 .- 1528-1159. ; 30:13, s. E363-E368
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Study Design. A 5-year follow-up study was conducted of men and women seeking care for new incidents of neck/shoulder disorders (NSD). Objectives. To study the natural course of pain and disability caused by NSD during a 5-year follow-up and to investigate the possible influence of regular physical exercise on recovery. Summary of Background Data. NSD are a major health problem, but their natural course is not very well studied. Several studies have investigated the role of physical exercise on NSD, with inconsistent results. Methods. At baseline, a total of 439 subjects seeking care for NSD completed a questionnaire, and were interviewed about personal, medical, and occupational history, as well as physical exercise during leisure time. Over 5 years, 4 follow-up assessments were made by postal questionnaire. At all measuring points, pain intensity ratings and disability scores were compared between men and women, and between 3 exercise categories. Results. The highest improvements in pain and disability, both in men and in women, were seen after 3 months. After that, only minor improvements were seen. In some cases, there was deterioration. However, after 5 years, both men and women had significant improvements, men more than women. Only the women were analyzed concerning physical exercise and were pooled into 3 categories according to intensity of exercise. There were no differences in changes in pain intensity and disability scores from baseline between the groups. Conclusions. A gender difference was seen in the change of pain and disability, with men having higher improvement than women over 5 years. Self-reported physical exercise of any intensity was not associated with higher recovery in women.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Toomingas, Allan, et al.
(författare)
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Arbete, arbetsliv, arbetslivsfysiologi
- 2008
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Ingår i: Arbetslivsfysiologi. - Lund : Studentlitteratur. - 9789144046266 ; , s. 17-38
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Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
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| 23. |
- Toomingas, Allan, et al.
(författare)
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Incidence and risk factors for symptoms from the eyes among professional computer users
- 2012
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Ingår i: Work. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 41:Supplement 1, s. 3560-3562
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Personal computers are used by a majority of the working population in their professions. Little is known about risk-factors for incident symptoms from the eyes among professional computer users. The aim was to study the incidence and risk-factors for symptoms from the eyes among professional computer users. This study is a part of a comprehensive prospective follow-up study of factors associated with the incidence of symptoms among professional computer users. 1531 computer users of different professions at 46 companies were invited, whereof 1283 answered a baseline questionnaire (498 men; 785 women) and 1246 at least one of 10 monthly follow-up questionnaires. The computer work-station and equipment were generally of a good standard. The majority used CRT displays. During the follow-up period 329 subjects reported eye symptoms. The overall incidence rate in the whole study group was 0.38 per person-year, 0.23 in the subgroup of subjects who were symptom free at baseline and 1.06 among subjects who reported eye symptoms at baseline. In the bivariate analyses significant associations were found with all explanatory variables, except BMI. The reduced multivariate model showed significant associations with extended computer work, visual discomfort (dose-response), eye symptoms at baseline (higher risk), sex (women=higher risk) and nicotine use. The incidence of eye problems among professional computer users is high and related to both individual and work-related factors.
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| 24. |
- Toomingas, Allan, et al.
(författare)
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Risk factors, incidence and persistence of symptoms from the eyes among professional computer users
- 2014
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Ingår i: Work. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 47:3, s. 291-301
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Symptoms from the eyes are common among computer users. Knowledge is scarce about these problems, however.Objectives: The aim was to study risk-factors, incidence and persistence of eye-symptoms among professionally active computer users.Methods: This was a questionnaire based prospective study where 1283 males and females from different professions and companies answered a baseline questionnaire about individual factors and working conditions, e.g. duration of daily computer work, comfort of screen work, psychosocial factors. Subjects were at baseline and 10 follow-ups asked about the number of days with eye-symptoms during the preceding month.Results: The incidence-rate of symptoms persisting minimum three days was 0.38/person-year. A multivariate Hazard-ratio model showed significant associations with extended continuous computer work, tasks with high demands on eye-hand coordination, low level of control, visual discomfort, female sex and nicotine use. Eye-symptoms at baseline was a strong risk factor for new symptoms.Conclusion: The incidence of eye-symptoms among professional computer users is high and related to both individual and work-related factors. The organization of computer work should secure frequent breaks from near-work at the computer screen. The severity of vision-related problems could in field studies be quantified by asking for the persistence of symptoms.
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| 25. |
- Toomingas, Allan, et al.
(författare)
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Symptoms and clinical findings from the musculoskeletal system among operators at a call centre in Sweden--a 10-month follow-up study.
- 2003
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Ingår i: International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics : JOSE. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1080-3548 .- 2376-9130. ; 9:4, s. 405-418
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The musculoskeletal health among 57 operators at 1 call centre in Sweden was studied with 10 monthly follow-ups, parallel to a reference group of 1,226 professional computer users in other occupations. Operators at this call centre were more symptom-loaded than the other professional computer users in spite of their younger age and shorter exposure to computer work. Symptoms were long-lasting or recurrent. Muscle tenderness and nerve affections in the neck-shoulder region were the most common specific findings and diagnoses at medical examination of incident symptom cases. More extensive studies should be done on the working conditions and health status among call centre workers.
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