bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An effective workplace stress management intervention: Chicken	Soup for the Soul at Work™ Employee Groups
Authors: Horan Anne Puidk 
Published: December 2024

Stress is a costly and significant source of health problems and mental distress -- with work cited as a primary stressor. This pilot study supports the effectiveness of a new workplace stress intervention: Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work™Employee Groups. In this program, employee-participants met during nine weekly meetings to read inspirational workplace stories, comment, and share their own stories. A leader, chosen from and by the group, guided meetings. Utilizing a wait-list control group design, participants were randomly assigned to an experimental or wait-list group. Participants completed pretests and posttests (Coping Resources Inventory, Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised, Job Descriptive Index, Pressure Management Indicator, survey). Statistical interaction effect for subtests was evaluated using a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Participants exhibited improved total coping resources, cognitive/rational coping, state of mind, confidence and home/work balance. Participant comments and their continued participation in a similar company-sponsored program bolster these empirical results.
The reliability of determining effort level of lifting and	carrying in a functional capacity evaluation
Authors: Reneman M.F. , Jaegers S.M.H.J. , Westmaas M. , Göeken L.N.H. 
Published: December 2024

{\it Objectives:} To establish inter- and intra-rater reliability of observations in a functional capacity evaluation. {\it Background:} Functional capacity evaluations are used to assess a person's functional capacity as it relates to work. Lifting and carrying are important aspects of a functional capacity evaluation. An evaluator determines the patient's levels of effort through standardized observations. Questions remain with regards to the reliability of these observations. {\it Methods:} Four healthy subjects were videotaped while performing two lifts and four carries with progressive loads. The videotape was scrambled randomly and viewed twice by 3 physical therapists and 2 occupational therapists. The evaluators determined the amount of effort it required (light, medium, heavy, and maximum). The inter- and intra-rater reliability of the observations was expressed by means of percentage agreement. {\it Results:} Inter-rater reliability ranged 87--96%, intra-rater reliability ranged 93--97%. {\it Conclusion:} The results indicate that by means of standardized observations, therapists can reliably determine effort level during lifting and carrying in healthy subjects, and thus affirm the findings of other studies of similar design.
Workplace assessments and functional capacity evaluations: Current	practices of therapists in Australia
Authors: Innes Ev , Straker Leon 
Published: December 2024

The literature has focused predominantly on functional capacity evaluations and related clinic-based assessments, however, there is little that examines workplace-based assessment approaches. In Australia, rehabilitation of injured workers occurs in the workplace wherever possible, and it is expected that workplace-based services will increase elsewhere in the future. There is a lack of knowledge, however, of therapists' current practices regarding workplace- and clinic-based work-related assessments. {\it Objectives:} The purpose of this study was to understand the current practice of therapists in Australia who are directly involved in conducting work-related assessments. {\it Study design:} A naturalistic inquiry approach was utilised for this study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 occupational therapists and physiotherapists representing a spread of geographical locations, organisations, and experience. {\it Findings:} Participants described three major types of work-related assessments -- workplace assessments, functional capacity evaluations (job) and functional capacity evaluations (no job). The types, purposes, and characteristics of work-related assessments were described and influences and constraints identified. Participants described using processes, data sources, methods of data collection and analysis consistent with qualitative methods, although some quantitative methods were also employed. {\it Conclusion:} The findings suggest that the further a work-related assessment moves away from the actual work environment and requirements of a specific job, the greater its level of standardisation and generalisability. Conversely, when work-related assessments occur in the actual work environment, qualitative processes are used, and results are specific and non-generalisable.
Early employment careers of people with disabilities in the	National Child Development Study
Authors: Pilling Doria S. 
Published: December 2024

{\it Objectives:} To compare the early employment careers of people with disabilities and their non-disabled contemporaries. {\it Study design:} The employment of 436 people with disabilities was investigated between the ages of 23 and 33. The sample were part of a continuing longitidinal study, the National Child Development Study (NCDS), of some 17,000 people born during one week in 1958 and living in England, Wales and Scotland. Cross-tabulations were carried out comparing the employment of people with disabilities and that of their non-disabled counterparts using SPSS for Windows. {\it Results:} Despite the majority of the sample not having difficulties with everyday activities people with disabilities were disadvantaged in terms of educational and vocational qualifications, employment rates and earnings. Those with physical disabilities fared better than the other disability groups in terms of employment and earnings, among this group men with `below average' educational and vocational qualifications differing most from their non-disabled counterparts and women with `above average' qualifications differing least. {\it Conclusions:} Findings indicate the importance of educational and vocational qualifications for those with disabilities, for more emphasis on job retention, for measures against wage discrimination, and for job placement assistance for some groups of those with a disability.
Mismatch of school desks and chairs by ethnicity and grade level	in middle school
Authors: Cotton Lance M. , O'Connell Dennis G. , Palmer Phillip P. , Rutland Marsha D. 
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective:} The purpose of this study was to compare anthropometric measurements of children/adolescent (6th grade -- 8th grade) and use these measurements to determine fit by ethnicity and grade level across three common classroom desks and chairs. {\it Study design:} Eighty-eight Caucasian-American (CA), 65 Mexican-American (MA), and 58 African-American (AA) 6th, 7th, and 8th graders participated in the study (n = 211 students). Students were seated (shoeless) on a horizontal seating surface with an adjustable footrest to obtain 90° angles at the hips, knees, and ankles. Standing height and five seated measurements were obtained using a stadiometer. Desk measurements were obtained from the most common desks used for each grade level. Six measurements (seat height, seat depth, seat slope, desk height, desk clearance, desk slope) were obtained with a tape measure and angle finder. Mismatch was operationalized apriori to determine fit of student dimensions and desks. {\it Results:} Multivariate analysis (SPSS 10.1) revealed significant differences in anthropometric dimensions at each grade level for ethnicity and gender (p < 0.05). Only one 6th grade MA male fit both seat height and depth criteria. One-way ANOVA's and Scheffe post hoc tests revealed significant differences between fit by ethnicity for chair 1 and chair 2. No students experienced knee/desk clearance problems. Only one student was able to find a desk surface that did not exceed their maximum functional elbow height. {\it Conclusions:} AA's had longer lower extremity lengths versus their ethnic counterparts at all grade levels. Subjects did not fit chairs and desks regardless of age or ethnicity. Ethnicity played a significant role in seat height fit for two of the three chairs. These disparities may create a generation with an increased incidence of musculoskeletal problems carrying over to adulthood and the adult workplace.
Employment and disability in the United Kingdom: An outline of	recent legislative and policy changes
Authors: Curtis John 
Published: December 2024

In 1996, a paper (Floyd, 1996), on the Vocational Rehabilitation Services in the United Kingdom, reviewed the way in which the services had evolved during the past 50 years, since the end of the second world war. The author described the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 and the development of rehabilitation and placement services and sheltered workshops over the years. He also gave readers a glimpse of possible future changes, and, in particular, speculated that the UK might follow the United States in the professional training and development of employment and vocational rehabilitation personnel. This paper describes first the main services currently provided by Government and then outlines the quite significant legislative changes and one major policy development that have taken place in the past five years. This includes an overview of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 which came into force in late 1996, a brief look at some of the early outcomes, and describes the latest proposals for amendment. A description of the major policy development (New Deal for Disabled People) is also given but it is too soon to report on its effectiveness. Whether the changes will lead to any lasting improvement in labour market participation by disabled people, remains an unanswered question; certainly, up to the present, from a statistical point of view, it seems that the position remains much the same (Curtis J, forthcoming). The paper concludes with discussion of the latest key issues and returns to the question raised in 1996 about the training of employment and rehabilitation personnel.
Falls from trucks: A descriptive study based on a workers	compensation database
Authors: Jones Derek , Switzer-McIntyre Sharon 
Published: December 2024

Background: Falls from heights, including falls from nonmoving trucks, are a known cause of serious workplace injuries [1,2,4,6,7,14,15]. Subsequent to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) of Ontario implementing an industry sector management approach for service delivery the principle author noted a number of serious injuries as a consequence of falls from trucks or truck trailers. A literature search revealed limited articles, specifically relating to injuries sustained in falls from trucks or truck trailers. It was therefore decided to further investigate the scope of the problem. Methods: A search of the Province of Ontario, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) database for the year 1997 was conducted to identify all claims, within the Transportation Sector, where a reported accident had been classified as a fall from a non-moving vehicle. The data extracted from identified claims constitutes the basis of this study. There were 1026 claims initially identified. Each identified claim was reviewed to determine if the study entry criteria; (1) a fall occurred and (2) the fall originated from a truck, its trailer or the cargo, were met. Of the identified claims 352 met the study inclusion criteria. A retrospective file review was conducted on each claim entered into the study and the study variables recorded on a predefined data sheet. Results: The most frequent sites of falls were the back of the truck or trailer, the truck step and the cargo being transported. More than one injury was sustained by 23.6% of the study population. The major injuries identified included; 214 strains/sprains, 117 contusions and 101 fractures. One year post accident 89.4% of the study population had returned to work, of these 84.9% were on full duties and the remaining 4.5% were on modified duties. The total costs associated with the 352 injured workers included in this study amounted to $5,313,901.27. Interpretation: Falls from trucks often result in significant injuries with considerable periods of disability and related costs. As falls from three specific locations i.e. the back of trucks/trailer, the cargo and the truck step made up 83% of the total falls efforts at prevention might best be directed to further investigate causal factors involved in the falls from these high frequency areas. A prospective study, including a detailed interview, with workers suffering a fall from a truck would assist in understanding factors that contribute to falls from trucks or truck trailers.
Employment and chronic non-cancer pain: Insights into work	retention and loss
Authors: Howden Stella , Jones Derek , Martin Denis , Nicol Maggie 
Published: December 2024

Objectives. To explore the work experiences of three individuals who have chronic non-cancer pain and to identify factors which may affect their ability to remain in employment. Methods. Three cases were selected from a data set of six, to illustrate distinct employment history scenarios. All participants had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Data was gathered using semi-structured, in-depth interviews that were audiotaped and later transcribed for qualitative, content analysis. Themes identified were those which related to employment experiences and appeared to be important factors influencing the retention of work. Findings. Four main themes were identified: the nature of physical barriers to employment, autonomy at work, social networks, and the importance and motivation to remain in employment. Conclusion. These findings support existing research in relation to chronic pain and employment in general and expands upon the nature and importance of social support at work. It is suggested that the qualitative methodology illustrated here, which explores the perspectives of those still in employment (as well as those who have stopped working) may be a useful approach to investigating this important area of research.
Workplace assessments and functional capacity evaluations: Current	beliefs of therapists in Australia
Authors: Innes Ev , Straker Leon 
Published: December 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand the current beliefs of therapists in Australia, and the strategies they use to address the issues of credibility, reliability, consistency, trustworthiness, validity, generalisability and quality in conducting work-related assessments. Study design: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 occupational therapists and physiotherapists from around Australia. Findings: Participants expressed the belief that the therapist was the assessment instrument and was central to the credibility of an assessment. Conflict was reported when participants modified standardised assessments in an attempt to focus on context relevant activities and tasks. Participants were aware of the issues of reliability and validity but believed it was not practical to establish these aspects formally in most work-related assessments. The strategies used to achieve credibility, reliability, consistency, trustworthiness, validity, generalisability and quality were similar to those recommended for use in qualitative research. Conclusions: The strategies identified in this study can provide the basis for therapists to examine how they conduct work-related assessments and consider whether they currently use these strategies or have the opportunity to implement others.
Constructing the program impact theory for an evidence-based work	rehabilitation program for workers with low back pain
Authors: Durand Marie-José , Vachon Brigitte , Loisel Patrick , Berthelette Diane 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Several low back pain work rehabilitation programs have been developed and evaluated for their outcomes. Unfortunately, the program impact theory for these programs is not described, and consequently, the exact mechanisms of action by which these programs intend to increase the probability of return to work remain unknown. This lack of knowledge jeopardizes the implementation of effective programs by health professionals and managers. The objective of this paper is to present the results of an exploratory study aimed at building the program impact theory for the PREVICAP work rehabilitation program. Methods: The program impact theory was develop by conducting: unpublished documents and scientific literature analyses, individual and group discussions with multiple stakeholders and observation of program reality by reviewing the files of workers who completed the program. Results: The PREVICAP program's impact theory was elaborated based on an ecological approach to work rehabilitation. Program goals and objectives were defined for the three dimensions of the model: the worker, the work environment and the interaction between the worker and his work environment. Two program action mechanisms were defined and describe how the program was intended to achieve its expected outcomes. Conclusions: This study made explicit the PREVICAP program impact theory and can help rehabilitation practitioners to address work disability according to an ecological model.
Cost-effectiveness of a prework screening program for the	University of Illinois at Chicago Physical Plant
Authors: Littleton Michael 
Published: December 2024

A post-offer screening program jointly developed by the Occupational and Physical Therapy Departments (University of Illinois at Chicago) was first implemented in March 1998. A total of 712 screens were completed from 3-01-98 through 2-28-01. A quasi-experimental design was utilized to analyze changes in Workers' Compensation costs between the three-year period prior to, and the three-year period following program inception. Additionally, injury rates and mean cost per injury were compared between injuries sustained between 3-98 and 3-01 which were incurred by workers who had passed screening and those that had not been screened. Finally, the tabulated cost per screen and reduction in Workers' Compensation costs allowed derivation of a dollar spent/ dollar saved ratio. Dramatic declines in number of injuries, total costs and mean cost per case occurred in the three-year period following program inception. Mean cost per case also dramatically declined comparing injured workers who had passed screening versus those who had never been screened. Cost savings were over $18 per dollar spent on the program. While a number of mitigating variables may have accounted for some of the profound effects noted, decrease in average cost per case (indicating possible reduction in severity of injury) was consistent with existing literature.
Well-being and self-assessed health among different groups of	female personnel in geriatric care
Authors: Gunnarsdottir Holmfridur K. , Tomasson Kristinn , Rafnsdottir Gudbjorg Linda 
Published: December 2024

Educational qualifications are reliable predictors of women's self-assessed health. Aims: To study possible inequalities in health among women with different educational backgrounds working in geriatric care and to find groups that might need special public health measures. Methods: In this cross-sectional questionnaire reaching throughout Iceland, the participants were employees in 62 geriatric nursing homes and geriatric hospital wards with 10 or more employees. A total of 1,886 questionnaires were distributed. The 84-item questionnaire included questions on demographic and work-related factors, health and life style. Age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated for work-related psychosocial, physical and health factors, and confidence intervals were set at 95% (95% CI). Registered nurses were taken as a reference category. Results: The response rate was 80%. Registered nurses accounted for 16%, practical nurses 21%, unskilled attendants 44%, cleaning personnel 8% and others 12%. The practical nurses, unskilled attendants and cleaning personnel assessed work as more physically difficult, and more monotonous both physically and mentally, than did the registered nurses, who enjoyed more physical and mental well-being than the others. However, the registered nurses visited doctors as often as the other groups did. Conclusions: Personnel groups in geriatric care have different physical and psychosocial workloads. The results provide opportunities to guide public health measures for people employed in geriatric care and possibly in other settings, such as hospitals and health care institutions.
Mortality among female industrial workers in Iceland
Authors: Gunnarsdottir Holmfridur K. , Tomasson Kristinn 
Published: December 2024

Aims: The aim was to describe the mortality pattern among unskilled female industrial workers with the hypothesis that they were disadvantaged compared to other women and that smoking-related causes of death were in excess among them. Methods: The study group comprised 13,349 women who had contributed at any time to a pension fund for unskilled industrial workers in Reykjavik during the time period 1970–1995. The follow-up was from 1975 to 1995. The death rate of the study group was compared to that of women in the general population during the time period 1981–1995. The study group was studied with regard to selected causes of death, by age at first entrance into the pension fund, different lag-time, and by employment-time. Results: Results showed an excess of external causes but a deficit of most other causes of death, among those smoking related diseases. The high mortality by external causes was consistent in all the analyses. Standardised mortality ratio (SMR) for external causes in the total group was 1.79 (95% CI 1.45–2.19), for lung cancer 1.04 (95% CI 0.80–1.34) and for ischemic heart disease 0.77 (95% CI 0.65–0.91). Mortality was highest among those who started to pay in the pension fund at younger ages. Conclusions: The notable excess of external causes in the group needs further exploration. The results did not confirm the hypothesis that smoking-related causes of death were in excess in the group. Methodological problems related to studies on women workers are discussed.
A patient lifting intervention for preventing the work-related	injuries of nurses
Authors: Guthrie Patricia Finch , Westphal Linda , Dahlman Bruce , Berg Mark , Behnam Kathy , Ferrell Deborah 
Published: December 2024

The average age of nurses is projected to be 50 years in 2010 [17]. Because nurses are older, a work injury prevention program should change how nurses lift patients. The purpose of this evidence-based practice improvement project was to examine a new lifting intervention. Method: An evidence-based process was used to implement an effective lifting intervention, including a back school, a lift team, and mechanical lifting equipment, on the orthopedic and neurology units in a Minnesota hospital. A two-week pilot determined if enough work would be generated to justify hiring a permanent lift team. Then the entire lifting intervention was studied on the two units. Results: The injuries for the two units decreased from 21 to 9 injuries, while the salary and work replacement costs were $48,220 and $2,560 in 2001 and 2002, respectively. The lift team averaged 80 lifts per day and 95% of the nursing staff attended the back school. Conclusion: The lift team and new mechanical lifting equipment were successfully disseminated resulting in significant reductions in costs. Suggested improvements include additional supervision and lift team scheduling changes, regular staff meetings, and ongoing education.