Rwth Stuckey

Risk factors for worker injury and death from occupational light vehicles crashes in New South Wales (Australia)

BACKGROUND/AIM To identify risk and protective factors for crash casualty outcomes in occupational light vehicles (OLV), a previously under-recognized work context for injuries and fatalities. METHODS A register-based study was conducted using linked vehicle crash and registration data (n = 13,491) for the Australian state of New South Wales. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to assess the relationship between casualty outcomes and variables drawn from four domains of potential determinants of severity: user, vehicle, road, and work organization factors. RESULTS Nineteen percent of OLV crashes had OLV-user casualties (n = 2,506) and 1% fatalities (n = 34). Adjusted casualty risk factors included tired driver (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5-2.7), no seat belt use (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3), and excessive speed (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.6). Adjusted fatality risk factors were no seat belt (OR 12.9, 95% CI 4.9-34.3) and high-speed zone crash (OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.1-12.3). CONCLUSIONS OLV users are at risk from both recognized road risks and hazards specific to OLV use. Findings suggest that risk reduction could be improved by the use of safer vehicles, fatigue management, and journey planning.

Prosthetists' and Orthotists' experience of their work and workspace - characterising the physical and organisational environment: Focus group findings.

Background: Little research has been undertaken into occupational health and safety in the Prosthetics and Orthotics profession. Objectives: To identify physical, psychosocial and environmental workplace experiences of Prosthetists and Orthotists in organisational settings. Study design: Qualitative methodology, cross-sectional design, using thematically analysed data collected from focus groups. Methods: Focus groups explored workplace and work experiences across varied Prosthetic and Orthotic settings. Data were thematically analysed to identify physical, psychosocial and environmental workplace experiences. Results: Three major themes, Demands of Work Practice, Impacts on the Individual and Job Design, were identified as problematic. A latent theme Perceptions of Others of P&O highlighted a lack of understanding of the Prosthetics and Orthotics job role outside the profession. Conclusion: This first study of occupational health and safety in the Prosthetics and Orthotics profession identifies a number of important physical and psychosocial issues, including characteristics that have been previously identified as risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Findings from the study indicate that some Australian organisations lack understanding of the Prosthetics and Orthotics job role, which results in inappropriate expectations of Prosthetics and Orthotics professionals. Preventing injuries and retaining experienced Prosthetists and Orthotists in the workplace is vital for the profession, and as a result, issues raised in this study require further exploration and then development of appropriate management strategies. Clinical relevance This is the first study characterising the experiences of work and risk of injuries in Prosthetists and Orthotists. Preventing injuries and retaining experienced Prosthetists and Orthotists in the workplace is vital for the international profession. Issues raised in this study require further exploration and then development of appropriate management strategies.

The meaning of work after spinal cord injury: a scoping review

Study designScoping review.ObjectivesTo explore the meaning of work after spinal cord injury (SCI) in existing literature.MethodsArksey and O’Malley’s widely used methodological framework for scoping reviews was used to guide this review. Studies involving adults with SCI, conducted using qualitative methods, and published in peer reviewed literature were identified based on key terms and searches in three databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO). Further search steps included checking citations in identified articles and citation tracking for other relevant articles and reviews. Reported qualitative data were then thematically analysed to generate themes.ResultsTwelve studies were included. Three themes were identified across these studies that describe the meanings of work after spinal cord injury: re-developing a sense of self, re-establishing place in the community and regaining economic self-sufficiency.ConclusionsThe varied meanings of work after SCI identified in this review may be used in rehabilitation programs to explore ideas about work, the types of work they wish to pursue, and the ways in which work may be meaningful for people with SCI, so as to identify individually and contextually relevant work. Taking account of meaning in ICF based models of work participation could enhance patient-centred approaches in SCI rehabilitation.

Producing an evidence‐based treatment information website in partnership with people affected by multiple sclerosis

In earlier work, we identified that people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) can have difficulty finding online treatment information that is up to date, trustworthy, understandable, and applicable to personal circumstances, but does not provoke confusion or negative emotional consequences. The objective was to develop online consumer summaries of MS treatment evidence (derived from Cochrane Reviews) that respond to identified treatment information needs of people affected by MS.

Work-related musculoskeletal injuries in prosthetists and orthotists in Australia

OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in prosthetists/orthotists working in Australia. Secondary to this, the relationship between work-related hazards and work-related musculoskeletal disorders will be examined. METHODS In 2012, a self-report survey was conducted with the prosthetist/orthotist workforce in Australia (N = 139, 56% response rate). Data on workplace physical and psychosocial hazards, job satisfaction, work-life balance and musculoskeletal discomfort were collected. Predictors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was 80%. Gender (β = 1.31, p = 0.030), total weekly hours (β = 0.9, p < 0.010) and physical (β = 1.91, p < 0.010) and psychosocial (β = 1.28, p < 0.010) hazards were all associated with reporting of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Females reported higher levels of work-related musculoskeletal disorder discomfort than males in all body areas. CONCLUSIONS Work-related musculoskeletal disorders prevalence is high in prosthetists/orthotists. This suggests that focus on workplace injury prevention is required. Targeted prevention requires systematic identification and then control of all relevant workplace hazards.

Gender, Cultural Influences, and Coping with Musculoskeletal Pain at Work: The Experience of Malaysian Female Office Workers.

Purpose Workers with musculoskeletal pain (MSP) often continue to work despite their condition. Understanding the factors that enable them to remain at work provides insights into the development of appropriate workplace accommodations. This qualitative study aims to explore the strategies utilised by female Malaysian office workers with MSP to maintain productive employment. Methods A qualitative approach using thematic analysis was used. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 female Malaysian office workers with MSP. Initial codes were identified and refined through iterative discussion to further develop the emerging codes and modify the coding framework. A further stage of coding was undertaken to eliminate redundant codes and establish analytic connections between distinct themes. Results Two major themes were identified: managing the demands of work and maintaining employment with persistent musculoskeletal pain. Participants reported developing strategies to assist them to remain at work, but most focused on individually initiated adaptations or peer support, rather than systemic changes to work systems or practices. A combination of the patriarchal and hierarchical cultural occupational context emerged as a critical factor in the finding of individual or peer based adaptations rather than organizational accommodations. Conclusions It is recommended that supervisors be educated in the benefits of maintaining and retaining employees with MSP, and encouraged to challenge cultural norms and develop appropriate flexible workplace accommodations through consultation and negotiation with these workers.

Physical and environmental hazards in the prosthetics and orthotics workshop: a pilot study

Prosthetists and Orthotists (P&O) are exposed to physical hazards within the workshop environment. Concern regarding these exposures has been expressed by P&Os; however, little research has been undertaken. Exposures to noise and volatile organic compounds in amounts larger than statutorily allowed can have adverse short and long term consequences on people’s health. To identify and quantify hazardous noise and chemical exposures in a typical P&O workplace. Noise and volatile organic compound testing was undertaken in 2011 and 2013. Modifications to the workshop occurred between these testing times and the impact of these changes examined. The levels of volatile organic compounds was very low in all areas in 2011 and 2013. Noise levels were high and staff require the use of PPE to prevent exposure beyond levels prescribed in the Australian Standards. Conclusions. Occupational environmental exposures in P&O are of concern to the profession. A pilot study of one facility demonstrated that Occupational Noise exposures are high and may result in hearing loss and other adverse health outcomes. Occupational chemical exposures through volatile organic compound exposures are relatively low. Further, systematic investigation is required to develop evidence-based control strategies.

Ergonomic Considerations for Vehicle Driver-Cabin Configurations: Optimizing the Fit Between Drivers with a Disability and Motor Vehicles

Drivers with physical impairments may face challenges associated with vehicle access and egress as well as body positioning to optimize sitting comfort and access to vehicle controls and displays. These requirements are necessary for reliable and safe completion of various operations associated with the task of driving. Key ergonomic considerations which impact upon vehicle driver-cabin configurations are discussed and general practice guidelines are outlined.