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Psychology of work organization - 534 entries found

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  • Psychology of work organization

2003

CIS 03-1492 Brun J.P., Biron C., Martel J., Ivers H.
Evaluation of mental health at the workplace: Analysis of human resource management practices
Evaluation de la santé mentale au travail: une analyse des pratiques de gestion des ressources humaines [in French]
As part of a systematic and strategic approach to the prevention of problems caused by occupational stress, the objective of this study was to measure the extent of mental health problems at the workplace and to highlight organizational factors perceived by employees as being detrimental to their mental health. It was also aimed at evaluating prevention and human resource management efforts with respect to organizational risk factors. 3142 workers of four organizations (higher learning institution, metalworking enterprise, hospital, tree nursery) responded to a questionnaire, and the data collected were subjected to statistical analyses. 56 participants were also interviewed. Findings are worrying. Indeed, 43.4% of the respondents declared to be suffering from high levels of psychological distress, with the highest rates among hospital staff. Societal consequences are discussed, and a number of proposals are made for improving working conditions through a more humane approach to work organization.
Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec), H3A 3C2, Canada, Aug. 2003. ix, 88p. Illus. 135 ref. Price: CAD 7.49.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/htmfr/pdf_txt/R-342.pdf [in French]

CIS 03-1486 Piirainen H., Räsänen K., Kivimäki M.
Organizational climate, perceived work-related symptoms and sickness absence: A population-based survey
The aim of this study was to determine how the perceived organizational climate of a workplace is related with work-related symptoms and sickness absence and how these factors vary according to socio-demographic and work-related characteristics. Data were collected in computer-assisted telephone interviews of a random sample of 4209 currently employed people drawn from the Finnish population register. A tense and prejudiced climate was associated with a higher risk of work-related symptoms than a relaxed and supportive climate (odds ratio [OR] 3.0). The corresponding ORs were 4.3 for psychological symptoms, 1.6 for musculoskeletal symptoms, and 1.6 for more than the average number of sick-leave days. Thus, organizational climate appears related not only to organizational practices and leadership but also to occupational health. Organizational climate could be used as a research tool in attempts to reduce work-related ill health and sickness absenteeism.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2003, Vol.45, No.2, p.175-184. Illus. 40 ref.

CIS 03-1484 Kalimo R., Pahkin K., Mutanen P., Toppinen-Tanner S.
Staying well or burning out at work: Work characteristics and personal resources as long-tem predictors
The aim of this longitudinal study was to recognize the work characteristics and personal resources that are associated with burnout symptoms in the long term. The empirical analyses are based on questionnaire responses of a sample of 174 workers of a forestry enterprise at two 10-year intervals. Participants were classified according to the degree of their burnout symptoms. Four job-related factors, five factors relating to organizational culture, 10 work environment hazards and three individual variables were used as predictors. All the significant changes in work and personal resources during 10 years had shifted to the positive direction among workers with no burnout symptoms, and to the negative direction among those with serious burnout. Both the cross-sectional and the longitudinal predictors showed that factors related to the social processes at work seem to be crucial to burnout. Of the individual resources, a strong sense of coherence appears to be of particular importance.
Work and Stress, Apr.-June 2003, Vol.17, No.2, p.109-122. Illus. 40 ref.

CIS 03-1481 Niedhammer I., Chea M.
Psychosocial factors at work and self reported health: Comparative results of cross sectional and prospective analyses of the French GAZEL cohort
To explore the relationship between psychosocial factors at work and self-reported health, cross-sectional and prospective analyses were carried out on data from a large occupational cohort of men and women employed at a large French gas and electricity utility. Psychosocial factors at work were evaluated using the Karasek questionnaire, designed to measure psychological demands, decision latitude, social support and physical demands. Self-reported health was used as health outcome. Variables analysed included chronic diseases, and socio-demographic, occupational and behavioural factors. Cross-sectional analysis revealed significant associations between psychological demands, decision latitude, social support and physical demands, as well as self-reported health for both men and women. Prospective analysis showed that high psychological demands for both sexes, low decision authority for men, and low social support and high physical demands for women, were related to poor self-reported health. These results were independent of potential confounding variables.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2003, Vol.60, No.7, p.509-515. 47 ref.

CIS 03-1480 Wager N., Fieldman G., Hussey T.
The effect on ambulatory blood pressure of working under favourably and unfavourably perceived supervisors
To investigate the role played by employees' perceptions of their supervisors' interactional styles in causing workplace stress, a field study was carried out among female healthcare workers. Allocation to the experimental and control groups was based on participants' responses to a questionnaire on their supervisors' interactional style. The 13 subjects reported working under two very divergently perceived supervisors on different days while the 15 controls worked either under one supervisor, or two similarly-perceived supervisors. Blood pressure was recorded every 30min over a 12-hour period during three days. The control group showed a 3mm Hg difference in systolic pressure (SBP) and a non-significant difference in diastolic pressure (DBP) between the two supervisor conditions. The experimental group showed significantly higher SBP (15mm Hg) and DBP (7mm Hg) when working under a less favoured compared to a favoured supervisor. In conclusion, an unfavourably perceived supervisor is a potent workplace stressor, which might have a significant impact on supervisees' cardiovascular functioning.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2003, Vol.60, No.7, p.468-474. Illus. 61 ref.

CIS 03-966 Moreau M., Valente F., Mak R., Pelfrene E., De Smet P., De Backer G., Kornitzer M.
Occupational stress and incidence of sick leave in three sectors of activity of the Belgian workforce: The Belstress Study
The Karasek-Johnson "Demands-Control-Social support" model is one of the most widely used job stress models. This study was carried out to test the power of the model to predict sickness absenteeism. A cohort of 15,557 men and 4906 women were followed during one year. The relation between psychological job demands, job control social support and sickness absenteeism was tested by logistic regression models. Low job control was associated with both short and long spells of sickness absence. An association was also found between high strained jobs with low social support and long spells of sickness absence with odds ratios of 1.22 in men and 1.35 in women. The study provides evidence that job stress is an independent risk factor of sick leave whatever the sex, occupational class and sector of activity. Moreover, it was possible to identify job control and social support at work as being the characteristics that play a major role in the relation between job stress and sickness absenteeism within the Karasek-Johnson model.
Archives belges de médecine sociale, hygiène, médecine du travail et médecine légale - Belgisch Archief van Sociale Geneeskunde, Hygiëne, Arbeidsgeneeskunde en Gerechtelijke Geneeskunde, 2003, Vol.61, No.1-2, p.101-125. 43 ref.

CIS 03-965 Leynen F., Moreau M., Pelfrene E., Clays E., De Backer G., Konrnitzer M.
Job stress and the prevalence of diabetes: Results from the Belstress Study
As part of a broader search for pathways linking job stress to cardiovascular disease, this study assessed the relationship between job stress and diabetes, one of the main coronary risk factors. The study population consisted of a large Belgian cohort of 16,335 men and 5084 women, aged 35-59 years, working in a wide range of occupations. The participants completed a job content questionnaire and underwent a clinical examination. The prevalence of type II diabetes was 2.6% and 2.1% among men and women, respectively. Results also indicated the existence of an inverse relationship between job control and diabetes, and a positive association between job strain and diabetes in women. These results support the idea that there is an association between job stress, defined as either a combination of high psychological job demands and low job control or a lack of job control alone, and the prevalence of diabetes.
Archives belges de médecine sociale, hygiène, médecine du travail et médecine légale - Belgisch Archief van Sociale Geneeskunde, Hygiëne, Arbeidsgeneeskunde en Gerechtelijke Geneeskunde, 2003, Vol.61, No.1-2, p.75-90. 33 ref.

CIS 03-971 López-Mena L.
Motivation as a means of achieving safety based on behaviour
Motivación para la seguridad basada en la conducta [in Spanish]
Methods currently used for modifying dangerous behaviour at the workplace are based on a psychological approach (motivation) and are structured in the form of intervention programmes. This article presents the method as well as the results obtained from this type of intervention. Prior to the conception and later the implementation of these programmes aimed at motivating workers to adopt safe behaviour which require the active involvement of workers, managers and safety representatives, a behaviour analysis should be carried out and critical behavioural patterns should be noted. Job observations are a key element of these programmes, allowing to check whether workers adopt safe behaviour. The effectiveness of these interventions can be measured in terms of the reduction in accident frequency and absenteeism days.
Noticias de seguridad, July-Aug. 2003, Vol.65, No.7/8, p.4-15. Illus. 9 ref.

2002

CIS 11-0599 Mortimer J.T., Harley C., Staff J.
The quality of work and youth mental health
Part-time work may place adolescents at risk because it confronts them with stressors for which they are unprepared and limits participation in more developmentally beneficial activities. However, if working signifies progress in moving toward adulthood, it could promote psychological well-being. Although the controversy surrounding teenage work is focused on employment status and intensity, research on adults indicates that it is the quality of work experience that matters for psychological functioning. This research examines key features of work experience and adolescents' depressive affect and well-being, including both selection and socialization processes. Based on data from the St. Paul Youth Development Study, the analysis indicates that the quality of high school work experience does have significant contemporaneous consequences for the mental states of young people but has little effect on their long-term mental health.
Work and Occupations, May 2002, Vol.29, No.2, p.166-197. 49 ref.

CIS 07-246 Stress at work - A guide for safety reps
This booklet is aimed at the safety representatives of a large public service trade union in the United Kingdom. It contains guidance for preventing stress among workers. Contents: definition of stress; causes of stress; cost of stress to employers; legal aspects; cases of workers having received compensation for occupational stress or bullying at the place of work; stress prevention policy; hazard evaluation; support for stressed workers; post-traumatic stress disorder; rights of safety representatives. An appendix includes a sample questionnaire for a workplace stress survey.
UNISON, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ, United Kingdom, Oct. 2002. 25p. 5 ref.
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/12879.pdf [in English]

CIS 06-1056 Working with stress
This videotape, aimed at human resources specialists, psychologists, managers and occupational health professionals, describes workplace risk factors that can create or exacerbate worker stress and suggests practical measures for reducing job-related stress through changes in work organization.
Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998, USA, Nov. 2002. Videotape (VHS format): 17 min.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/video/stressdvd1002.html [in English]

CIS 06-239 Gillen M., Baltz D., Gassel M., Kirsch L., Vaccaro D.
Perceived safety climate, job demands, and coworker support among union and nonunion injured construction workers
This study evaluated perceptions of workplace safety climate, psychological job demands, decision latitude and coworker support among 255 injured construction workers and examined the relationship of these variables to the severity of the injury. Injury severity was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and worker perceptions of workplace variables were determined by the Safety Climate Measure for Construction Sites and the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). The overall model explained 23% of the variance in injury severity, with significant contributions provided by union status, the safety climate score and psychological job demands. A positive significant correlation was also found between injury severity and the Safety Climate Scores and between the Safety Climate Scores and union status.
Journal of Safety Research, 2002, Vol.33, No.1, p.33-51. 60 ref.

CIS 04-500 How to tackle psychosocial issues and reduce work-related stress
Hvorledes håndteres psykosociale spørgsmål, og hvorledes reduceres arbejdsbetinget stress [in Danish]
Über den Umgang mit psychosozialen Problemen und die Reduzierung von arbeitsbedingtem Stress [in German]
Trópoi antimetṓpisēs tōn psuhokoinōnikṓn themátōn kai meíōsēs tou ághous pou ofeíletai stēn ergasía [in Greek]
Cómo abordar los problemas psicosociales y reducir el estrés laboral [in Spanish]
Kuidas lahendada psühhosotsiaalseid küsimusi ja vähendada tööstressi [in Estonian]
Att hantera psykosociala frågor och minska arbetsrelaterad stress [in Swedish]
Problèmes psychosociaux et stress au travail [in French]
Combattere la pressione psicosociale e ridurre lo stress legato al lavoro [in Italian]
Aanpak van psychosociale problemen en vermindering van stress op het werk [in Dutch]
Como enfrentaros riscos psicossociais e reduzir o Stresse no Trabalho [in Portuguese]
Ako zvládnut' psychosociálne problémy a znížit pracovný stres [in Slovak]
Miten psykososiaalisia kysymyksiä olisi käsiteltävä ja työperäistä stressiä vähennettävä? [in Finnish]
This fact sheet summarizes a report covering a number of programmes, practices and experiences across the Member States of the EU aimed at addressing psychosocial issues and preventing work-related stress. Topics covered: aims of the report; legislation and national regulations; improvements of the psychosocial work environment; reduction of stress; prevention of violence; prevention of bullying; success factors of good practice in stress prevention.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 2 ref.
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/sv/FACTSHEETSN32-SV.PDF [in Swedish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/en/FACTSHEETSN32-EN.PDF [in English]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/es/FACTSHEETSN32-ES.PDF [in Spanish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/fr/FACTSHEETSN32-FR.PDF [in French]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/da/FACTSHEETSN32-DA.PDF [in Danish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/de/FACTSHEETSN32-DE.PDF [in German]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/et/facts32_et.pdf [in Estonian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/el/FACTSHEETSN32-GR.PDF [in Greek]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/it/FACTSHEETSN32-IT.PDF [in Italian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/nl/FACTSHEETSN32-NL.PDF [in Dutch]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/pt/FACTSHEETSN32-PT.PDF [in Portuguese]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/sk/Fact32_SK.pdf [in Slovak]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/32/fi/FACTSHEETSN32-FI.PDF [in Finnish]

CIS 04-499 Practical advice for workers on tackling work-related stress and its causes
Praktisk vejledning til arbejdstagere om håndtering af stress og årsagerne hertil [in Danish]
Bewältigung von arbeitsbedingtem Stress und seinen Ursachen: einige praktische Tipps für Arbeitnehmer [in German]
Praktikés sumboulés pros tous ergazómenous gia tēn antimetṓpisē tou ergasiakoú ághous kai tōn aitíōn tou [in Greek]
Consejos prácticos para los trabajadores sobre cómo abordar el estrés relacionado con el trabajo y sus causas [in Spanish]
Praktiska råd till anställda om hur arbetsrelaterad stress kan bekämpas och om dess orsaker [in Swedish]
Conseils pratiques aux travailleurs pour maîtriser le stress lié au travail et ses causes [in French]
Consigli pratici destinati ai lavoratori su come affrontare lo stress legato all'attività lavorativa e le sue cause [in Italian]
Praktische oplossingen voor werknemers ter bestrijding van stress op het werk en de onderliggende oorzaken [in Dutch]
Conselhos práticos para os trabalhadores lidarem com o stresse no trabalho e as suas causas [in Portuguese]
Praktični nasveti za delavce o odpravljanju stresa v zvezi z delom in njegovih vzrokov [in Slovenian]
Käytännön neuvoja työstressistä ja sen seurauksista kärsiville [in Finnish]
This fact sheet gives information and suggestions for workers on tackling work-related stress and its causes. Topics covered: definition of work-related stress; causes of stress at work; responsibilities of employers in reducing work-related stress; check-list of problems at the workplace which can induce work-related stress; how to tackle work-related stress; what to do after a stress-related illness; how to help other people suffering from work-related stress.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 2 ref.
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/sv/FACTSHEETSN31-SV.PDF [in Swedish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/en/FACTSHEETSN31-EN.PDF [in English]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/es/FACTSHEETSN31-ES.PDF [in Spanish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/fr/FACTSHEETSN31-FR.PDF [in French]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/da/FACTSHEETSN31-DA.PDF [in Danish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/de/FACTSHEETSN31-DE.PDF [in German]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/el/FACTSHEETSN31-EL.PDF [in Greek]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/it/FACTSHEETSN31-IT.PDF [in Italian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/nl/FACTSHEETSN31-NL.PDF [in Dutch]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/pt/FACTSHEETSN31-PT.PDF [in Portuguese]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/sl/FACTS31_SL.pdf [in Slovenian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/31/fi/FACTSHEETSN31-FI.PDF [in Finnish]

CIS 04-295 How to manage occupational safety and health and succeed
Jak zarządzać bezpieczen£twem i higieną pracy i osiągnąć sukces [in Polish]
This publication explains why it is worthwhile to improve safety and health management, how to manage occupational safety and health and how to test the functioning of safety and health management systems.
Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2002. 17p. Illus.

CIS 04-240 Kivimäki M., Leino-Arjas P., Luukkonen R., Riihimäki H., Vahtera J., Kirjonen J.
Work stress and risk of cardiovascular mortality: Prospective cohort study of industrial employees
This prospective cohort study was undertaken to examine the association between work stress and the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Participants included 812 employees (545 men, 267 women) selected among the workers of a metal products company in Finland who were free from cardiovascular diseases at baseline in 1973. In the course of the study, information was collected on the incidence of cardiovascular disease, behavioural and biological risks, and the stressful nature of work. Mean length of follow up was 25.6 years. After adjustment for age and sex, employees with high job strain (a combination of high demands at work and low job control) had a 2.2-fold cardiovascular mortality risk compared with their colleagues with low job strain. The corresponding risk ratio for employees with effort-reward imbalance (low salary, lack of social approval, and few career opportunities relative to efforts required at work) was 2.4. High job strain was associated with increased serum total cholesterol at the five-year follow up. Effort-reward imbalance predicted increased body mass index at the ten-year follow up.
British Medical Journal, 19 Oct. 2002, No.7369, p.857-860. 19 ref.

CIS 03-985 Troup C., Dewe P.
Exploring the nature of control and its role in the appraisal of workplace stress
Situational control should not be reduced to a simple assessment of whether or not an individual has control over a given situation. Instead it is believed that it is important to identify the factors that an individual strives to have control of, as well as the perceived degree of control over those factors. This study viewed control as a multifaceted construct (task control, predictability, self-control and general control). 134 employees from four public sector organizations completed and returned a questionnaire on stress. Responses indicated that having control over work tasks was less important than either predictability or self-control. Respondents reported higher levels of self-control than other aspects of control. However, respondents reported lower levels of actual control than what they perceived important for them to have. This research confirms the importance of a having a sense of self-control, particularly when it comes to the use of different coping strategies.
Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 2002, Vol.16, No.4, p.335-355. 55 ref.

CIS 03-967 Byrns G., Agnew J., Curbow B.
Attributions, stress, and work-related low back pain
To assess the association between worker attributions of the causes of occupational low back pain (LBP) and the incidence of LBP, a cross-sectional study was carried out involving 278 women garment workers. Data were gathered by a self-administered questionnaire and through direct observation. Workers who attributed LBP to internal factors were more likely to be knowledgeable of back safety (odds ratio OR=3.7). Workers reporting high demand were more likely to report LBP (OR=2.3). Workers attributing LBP to job tasks were also more likely to report LBP (OR=3.2), and those reporting high supervisor support were less likely to report LBP (OR=0.23). Workers with annual incomes above USD 15,000 were more likely to report LBP in the test of both the Demand-Control-Support and Attribution models (OR=2.8), although superior correlation was found with the Attribution model.
Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Nov. 2002, Vol.17, No.11, p.752-764. Illus. 41 ref.

CIS 03-977 Hermans S., Hermans V., Claes L., Pepermans R.
How Belgian enterprises are responding to the issue of bullying
L'approche du harcèlement dans le monde des entreprises belges [in French]
This article presents the results of a survey on how Belgian enterprises are addressing the issue of bullying and the extent to which they are already implementing the provisions of a proposed law due to be effective in mid-2002. A questionnaire was sent to 375 enterprises, among which 233 (59.5%) responded. The following aspects were examined: prevalence of complaints; existence of a policy; measures taken in favour of the victim; disciplinary and other measures taken against the perpetrators; extent to which the measures required under the proposed law have already been introduced.
Travail et bien-être, Sep.-Oct. 2002, Vol.5, No.4, p.12-16. Illus.

CIS 02-1971 Pagnoux J.M., Abdelmoumene R., Fremont C., Arif J.
Integrating vision-impaired workers in normal working environments
Intégration des déficients visuels en milieu ordinaire de travail [in French]
This article was written by vision-impaired employees who are integrated in normal working environments. They give their personal accounts of their experiences and hopes, as well as their expectations from occupational physicians. Contents: medical definition of impaired vision; vision impairment at birth and later in life; other persons' opinions of visually-impaired workers; visually-impaired workers within the enterprise; interactions of multiple factors caused by experiencing the impairment within the enterprise; what the impaired workers expect from occupational physicians.
Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2002, Vol.42, No.4, p.513-516.

CIS 02-1984 Koopman C., Pelletier K.R., Murray J.F., Sharda C.E., Berger M.L., Turpin R.S., Hackleman P., Gibson P., Holmes D.M., Bendel T.
Stanford presenteeism scale: Health status and employee productivity
Decreased productivity is a consequence of absenteeism, but can also exist when employees are physically present at their jobs, a concept known as presenteeism. This article describes the development and testing of a presenteeism scale for evaluating the impact of health problems on individual performance and productivity. A first 32-item scale (SPS-32) including various cognitive, emotional and behavioural aspects of accomplishing work was developed, and evaluated by 175 health care employees. Using these results, six key items based on the two major dimensions of presenteeism, work focus and psychological focus, were identified, enabling the development of a simplified scale, SPS-6. This scale has excellent psychometric characteristics, but requires further validation on actual presenteeism and health status data.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2002, Vol.44, No.1, p.14-20. 28 ref.

CIS 02-1996 Harris O.J., Hartman S.J.
Organizational behaviour
This manual uses case examples, self-tests, tables and figures to illustrate the principles of human workplace behaviour. Topics addressed include: ethical aspects; diversity and inequalities at the workplace; effects of globalization; planned and structured aspects of organizational culture; informal aspects of organizational structure; groups and teams; physical surroundings of the workplace; individual perception; psychological needs at the workplace; leadership in the organization; motivation; reinforcement of motivation; communicating concepts and information; planned and unplanned changes and organizational development; managing conflict; stress factors; impact of technology at the workplace.
Best Business Books, The Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580, USA, 2002. xvii, 478p. Illus. 359 ref. Index. Price: USD 119.95 (hard); USD 49.95 (soft); GBP 82.80 and 34.50.

CIS 02-1940 Clarke S.P., Sloane D.M., Aiken L.H.
Effects of hospital staffing and organizational climate on needlestick injuries to nurses
This study determined the effects of staffing and organization on the likelihood of needlestick injuries in hospital nurses. Staffing levels and survey data about working climate and risk factors for needlestick injuries were collected in 40 units in 20 hospitals. It was found that units with low staffing and poor organizational climates were generally twice as likely as well-staffed and better-organized units to report risk factors, needlestick injuries and near misses. Remedying problems with understaffing, inadequate administrative support and poor working climate could reduce needlestick injuries.
American Journal of Public Health, July 2002, Vol.92, No.7. p.1115-1119. 18 ref.

CIS 02-1493 Head J., Martikainen P., Kumari M., Kuper H., Marmot M.
Health and Safety Executive
Work environment, alcohol consumption and ill-health - The Whitehall II study
The influences of the psychosocial work environment, change in work and alcohol consumption and dependence on health were studied in a cohort of 10,308 British civil servants. High job demands, low decision latitude and effort reward imbalance were related to increased incidence of coronary heart disease. Effort reward imbalance was related to increased incidence of diabetes in men. Adverse changes in work characteristics, particularly social support at work, predicted worsening of mental health for men and women. The effects of change in work characteristics on physical health and coronary heart disease were modest. Alcohol consumption was related to risk of accident absenteeism with an increased risk already evident at moderate levels of alcohol consumption.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. viii, 64p. Illus. 194 ref. Price: GBP 15.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/crr_htm/2002/crr02422.htm [in English]

2001

CIS 07-996 Study on stress: The cause of stress for teachers, its effects, and suggested approaches to reduce it
This study on stress among teachers was carried out jointly with the WHO and ETUCE (European Trade Union Committee for Education). It took the form of a survey among teachers' unions in sixteen European countries. Contents: objectives of the survey; work-related stress in Europe; nature and sources of stress experienced by teachers and education staff; case studies of current methods of combating stress; recommendations for future action.
Education International, 5 boulevard du Roi Albert II, 1210 Brussels, Belgium, 2001. 23p. 33 ref.
http://www.ei-ie.org/healthandsafety/file/(2001)%20EI%20Europe-ETUCE-WHO%20Study%20on%20Stress%20en.pdf [in English]

CIS 07-249 Pot F.D., Lourijen E., de Kleijn E., Dhondt S.
Stress prevention...Two complementary approaches of TNO Work and Employment (Netherlands)
Prévention du stress... Deux approches complémentaires de TNO Work and Employment (Pays-Bas) [in French]
This report consists of a translation of papers on stress research projects carried out at the Dutch TNO Institute. The first paper shows that stress is the most important occupational disease in Europe, resulting in high costs both for enterprises and for the society at large. It is argued that in order to reduce the level of absenteeism due to stress, prevention at source should be favoured over stress management. The second paper proposes an organizational approach to coping with strong work demands and time pressures. It involves making an inventory of the current situation, identifying problem areas, proposing measures, and implementing and evaluating the measures. An example of a survey questionnaire in included.
Agence Nationale pour l'Amélioration des Conditions de Travail, 4, quai des Etroits, 69321 Lyon Cedex 05, France, Nov. 2001. 20p. Illus.
http://www.anact.fr/pls/portal/docs/1/7514.PDF [in French]

CIS 04-743 Borges L.H.
Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego
Sociability, psychological suffering and repetitive strain injury among bank tellers
Sociabilidade, sofrimento psíquico e lesões por esforços repetitivos entre caixas bancários [in Portuguese]
This thesis explores the relationship between work organization for repetitive tasks, social relations at work, psychological suffering and repetitive strain injuries among bank tellers. Starting from the hypothesis that the type of work organization for repetitive tasks causes certain types of social relationships to develop which in turn give rise to psychological suffering and strain injuries, it was shown that strong associations exist between psychological suffering, repetitive strain injury and strenuous working conditions. Sociability is mainly characterized by the type of hierarchical organization.
Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, 2001. 180p. 67 ref. Price: BRL 15.00.

CIS 03-1496 Lee K.Y.
Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute
Work-related stress and organizational culture
Jakup kwhan ryeon stress wa jojik mun wha [in Korean]
This report presents research carried out to study the relationship between occupational stress and organizational culture, for the purpose of developing organizational culture strategies aimed at reducing stress. 1,136 workers in 217 workplaces engaged in various types of work were interviewed individually. The results highlight the different factors characterizing organizational culture and their influence on occupational stress.
Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, 34-4 Gu-san dong, Bupyung gu, Inchon 403-711, Republic of Korea, Nov. 2001. 92p. Illus. 51 ref.

CIS 03-1483 Nakata A., Haratani T., Takahashi M., Kawakami N., Arito H., Fujioka Y., Shimizu H., Kobayashi F., Araki S.
Job stress, social support at work and insomnia in Japanese shift workers
To study the relationship between psychological job stress and insomnia in shift workers, a self-administered questionnaire concerning job stress, sleep, depressive symptoms and lifestyle factors was submitted to a sample of 530 rotating shift workers in an electric equipment manufacturing company. Perceived job stress was assessed using the Japanese version of the Job Content Questionnaire. Overall prevalence of insomnia was 37.8%. Logistic regression analyses showed that lower social support at work was significantly associated with a greater risk of insomnia than the higher social support (odds ratio (OR) 2.5). Higher job strain with lower social support at work increased the risk, compared to lower strain with higher support at work (OR 1.5). The findings suggest the low social support at work is independently associated with insomnia in shift workers.
Journal of Human Ergology, Dec. 2001, Vol.30, No.1-2, p.203-209. 27 ref.

CIS 02-1469 Fredriksson K., Bildt C., Hägg G., Kilbom Å.
The impact on musculoskeletal disorders of changing physical and psychological work environment conditions in the automobile industry
A reorganization of work was performed in the car-body-sealing department at an automobile assembly plant in Sweden. The aim of the present investigation was to study the influence of these changes in working conditions on musculoskeletal disorders. Strenuous postures and movements were assessed by questionnaires, direct measurement recordings and by computer-assisted observations. Psychosocial conditions were assessed by questionnaires and group discussions. The musculoskeletal disorders of the workers were studied by reports from the occupational health care centre and by self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms. A decrease in the time spent in strenuous positions was found, but the work cycle time decreased considerably and the workers felt "robotized". There was a marked decrease in the perception of opportunities to influence the work, as well as the stimulation at work. The amount of musculoskeletal disorders increased, possibly due to an increase in perceived physical exertion and a decrease in occupational pride.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, July 2001, Vol.28, No.1, p.31-45. Illus. 70 ref.

CIS 02-949 Malchaire J.B., Roquelaure Y., Cock N.A., Piette A.G.
Wrist musculoskeletal disorders - Direct and indirect influence of psychological and organizational factors
Troubles musculosquelettiques des poignets - Influence directe ou indirecte des facteurs psychologiques et organisationnels [in French]
In order to highlight the possible role of psychological, organizational and stress factors on wrist musculoskeletal (MS) complaints, 133 women operators assigned to repetitive tasks were subjected to a general questionnaire on their medical history, to a questionnaire on the efforts, positions and repetitiveness of their work and finally to a series of questionnaires on psychological, organizational and stress factors. Results show high levels of prevalence of wrist MS complaints (47%) for jobs considered to be of high risk. Multivariate analysis reveals a positive relationship with smoking and certain types of effort, and a negative relationship with leisure activities and the length of work breaks. Positive or negative perception of psychological and organizational factors shows an important association (OR = 3.57). The study clearly demonstrates the multi-factorial aspect of MS complaints and highlights the need for a holistic approach to working conditions that includes psychosocial aspects.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 2001, No.185, p.23-33. 52 ref.

2000

CIS 07-245
Labour Research Department
Tackling workplace stress - A guide for safety reps
This guide for safety representatives describes the extent of stress in the workplace using official statistics and surveys by unions and professional organisations. It includes practical guidance on tackling stress in the workplace. Contents: introduction; scale of the problem (causes, symptoms and consequences of stress); legal framework; responsibilities of employers, role of trade unions (risk assessment checklist; carrying out a workplace survey; negotiating a stress prevention policy).
LRD Publications Ltd., 78 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8HF, United Kingdom, Oct. 2000. 40p. Illus. 6 ref. Price: GBP 3.50. GBP 10.00 for employers and commercial organizations.

CIS 06-1287 Rüegsegger R.
Under stress? We have something that will help you!
Stressé? Voilà qui pourra vous aider! [in French]
Stress? Da haben wir etwas für Sie! [in German]
Stressato? Allora abbiamo qualcosa per Lei! [in Italian]
This booklet identifies the causes and consequences of stress and provides advice for workers on eliminating and coping with stress. Topics addressed: definition, causes and effects of stress; checklist for the self-evaluation of the risk of stress; means of eliminating sources of stress and coping with stress.
Suva, Gesundheitsschutz, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 4th ed., May 2000. 15p. Illus.
http://wwwitsp1.suva.ch/sap/its/mimes/waswo/99/pdf/44065-d.pdf [in German]
http://wwwitsp1.suva.ch/sap/its/mimes/waswo/99/pdf/44065-i.pdf [in Italian]
http://wwwitsp1.suva.ch/sap/its/mimes/waswo/99/pdf/44065-f.pdf [in French]

CIS 06-1241 Antonsson A.B., Alvarez E.
Checklist for well-being at work and the atmosphere at work
Well-being at work and the working atmosphere are important factors in ensuring that workers and enterprises perform efficiently. This checklist is designed to enable workers to conduct evaluations of well-being at work and the work atmosphere.
Prevent, Box 20133, 104 60 Stockholm, Sweden, ca 2000. Internet document (pdf format). 4p.
http://www.prevent.se/doc_pdf/verktyg/pdf/checklist_well-being_at_work.pdf [in English]

CIS 04-494 Research on work-related stress - Summary of an Agency report
Stress au travail - Résumé d'un rapport de l'Agence [in French]
Estrés en el trabajo - Resumen de un informe de la Agencia [in Spanish]
This fact sheet summarizes a report of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work on the consequences of stress at work for the health of employees and their organizations (see CIS 01-295). The causes of work-related stress are identified and a problem-solving approach is proposed to prevent and manage work-related stress. Research priorities in this field are also highlighted. This fact sheet is also available in Danish, Greek, Finnish, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Swedish (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/).
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2000. 2p. Illus. 1 ref.
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/8/en/facts8_en.pdf [in English]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/8/es/facts8_es.pdf [in Spanish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/8/fr/facts8_fr.pdf [in French]

CIS 02-489 Martin R., Leach D.J., Norman P., Silvester J.
The role of attributions in psychological reactions to job relocation
Job relocation refers to the process of simultaneously moving to a new job and place of residence. This can cause considerable stress for the persons relocating and their families. It was predicted that negative psychological reactions would be a function of the number of relocation problems, and the tendency of making pessimistic attributions for relocation problems (that is to attribute negative events to internal, stable and global causes). Furthermore, these factors should interact, such that individuals with many relocation problems who also make pessimistic attributions are expected to experience the worst psychological reactions. The results from a cross-sectional survey of 93 relocating persons supported these predictions. Those with many relocation problems and who made pessimistic attributions reported the worst mental health and relocation-specific stress. Furthermore, the relocators predicted to be most at risk (many problems, low control) reported the worst changes in mental health during the course of the move.
Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 2000, Vol.14, No.4, p.347-361. Illus. 54 ref.

CIS 02-488 Mak A.S., Mueller J.
Job insecurity, coping resources and personality dispositions in occupational strain
The relationships between the work-related stressor of perceived job insecurity and various indicators of occupational strain are presented, taking into account employees' personality dispositions and coping resources. 222 Australian public servants were surveyed during an organizational restructuring that involved downsizing and threats to job certainty. Findings from hierarchical regression analyses indicate consistent significant independent effects of personality dispositions, coping resources and perceived job insecurity on various indicators of strain. There was also support for the moderating roles of negative affectivity and self-care in the relation between perceived job insecurity and physical strain. Implications for the role of dispositional factors, especially negative affectivity, and the utility of various coping resources in accounting for occupational strain in times of threatened job security are discussed.
Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 2000, Vol.14, No.4, p.312-328. 51 ref.

CIS 01-1569 Fromaigeat D., Wennubst G.
Psychological suffering at work - Guide through the labyrinth of bullying
Souffrance psychologique au travail - Guide dans les méandres du harcèlement psychologique [in French]
Bullying at the place of work consists of acts carried out by a person or group of persons, psychologically targetting a specific individual. It is characterized by the repeated nature, frequency and regularity of the hostile acts, while the "mobbing" process is defined by the magnitude of the health effects and prejudice suffered. The purpose of this publication is to describe the consequences of such acts, and to help employers understand their seriousness and thus avoid their occurrence.
Office cantonal de l'inspection et des relations du travail (OCIRT), Case postale 3974, 1211 Genève 3, Switzerland, 2000. 115p. 30 ref.

CIS 01-1562 Tait R., Walker D.
Motivating the workforce: The value of external health and safety awards
The use of external health and safety awards by companies in the United Kingdom is considered, and a review of the types of award schemes currently available is provided. Two previous research projects presented data on the benefits that motivate participation in these awards. However, there are a number of further benefits that can be identified, including improved opportunities in the competitive tendering process, strengthening of community relations and positive feedback for the safety and health professional that could lead to acknowledgement of their contribution to the safety and health performance in the organization.
Journal of Safety Research, Winter 2000, Vol.31, No.4, p.243-251. 20 ref.

1999

CIS 01-1260 Theorell T.
How to deal with stress in organizations? - A health perspective on theory and practice
This review is focused on organizational aspects of stress reduction. Theoretical models are presented. The association with a few health outcomes (cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and functional gastrointestinal illness) is examined. A few examples of the evaluation of health consequences of improved work organization are introduced. Concepts such as psychological demands, decision latitude, social support and effort-reward balance are discussed and related to practical reorganizational efforts.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Dec. 1999, Vol.25, No.6, p.616-624. 41 ref.

CIS 00-1498 Waris K.
Mental well-being at work - A sign of a healthy organisation and a necessary precondition for organisational development
The objectives of this study were to investigate the preconditions of organizational development based on self-improvement, and to clarify the impact of the working environment on workers' mental health. Data were collected through a questionnaire aimed at blue-collar workers in 15 public-sector organizations in Finland. The results indicate that it is possible for organizations to develop and improve the working conditions of their employees. In addition to objective conditions, personal factors such as self-esteem influence perceptions of mental workload. The importance of job satisfaction as a general indicator of perceived working conditions is emphasized.
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Publication Office, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 1999. 175p. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 00-1026 Hine D.W., Lewko J., Blanco J.
Alignment to workplace safety principles: An application to mining
Open-ended interviews were conducted with senior managers and front-line workers in a Canadian hard rock mine following the introduction of a new set of safety principles to guide employee decision-making and behaviour. The interviews were transcribed and coded for statements that suggested alignment or misalignment with each principle. Results indicate that, relative to front-line workers, senior managers were significantly more aligned with principles dealing with injury prevention, management accountability and rule following. Contrasts between front-line workers with above-average safety records and below-average records revealed only one significant difference: above-average workers were more strongly aligned with the principle "working safely is good business" than their below-average counterparts.
Journal of Safety Research, Fall 1999, Vol.30, No.3, p.173-185. 22 ref.

CIS 00-890 Böhle F.
Not only improved quality but also higher efficiency - Subjectifying work action in the care of the elderly
Nicht nur mehr Qualität, sondern auch höhere Effizienz - Subjektivierendes Arbeitshandeln in der Altenpflege [in German]
The usual mode of calculated, rational action is held to be inapplicable when caring for elderly persons, where current trends in rationalization and economy are shown to yield counterproductive, costly secondary effects. In this paper, specific work structure based on a "subjectifying" approach and the empirical evaluation of different situations are described. Consequences for the organization of care for the elderly focussing on quality and efficiency are discussed. The bases for the concept of "subjectifying" is a complex use of sensory perception, subjective feelings and empathy, as well as mental processes that are linked to actions and behaviours.
Zeitschrift für Arbeitswissenschaft, Aug. 1999, Vol.53, No.3, p.174-181. 23 ref.

CIS 00-86 Newman D.
Shopfloor safety initiatives: The example of atmospheric testing in telecommunications cable vaults
Strategies for occupational safety and health campaigns often overlook the possibilities afforded by initiatives centred in the workplace itself, as opposed to those determined at the bargaining table or by legislation, for example. Workers themselves sometimes may be more cognizant and informed of immediate health and safety issues than are their union representatives, and may formulate innovative or unorthodox approaches to hazard remediation. Such approaches may in fact succeed despite ineffectual contract language or weak regulatory protection. This article examines a successful struggle by a small group of telecommunications technicians to get the employer to revise its obsolete procedures for atmospheric testing of unventilated, underground cable vaults. It demonstrates that increased consideration should be given to shopfloor actions and creative use of the grievance procedure as useful tools in the struggle for occupational safety and health.
New Solutions, 1999, Vol.9, No.1, p.103-112. 8 ref.

CIS 99-1748 Camerino D., Molteni G., Finotti S., Capietti M., Molinari M., Cotroneo L., Morselli G.
Prevention of risk due to manual handling of patients: The psychosocial component
La prevenzione del rischio da movimentazione manuale dei pazienti: la componente psicosociale [in Italian]
A study was carried out on 113 staff of a large hospital in northern Italy with departments recognized by certified occupational physicians as being at risk for the musculoskeletal system. Non-parametric statistical analysis was applied to determine the influence of physical, organizational and psychosocial factors on musculoskeletal disorders. The results confirm a good agreement between the objective and subjective assessments of the risk of manual handling of patients, and a significant relationship between psychosocial factors and disorders of the lumbar spine. Past history of episodes of acute low-back pain was associated with limited possibilities for decision-making and job insecurity. Episodes of acute low-back pain above the threshold in the previous year were associated with low discretionary power at work. Topics: hazard evaluation; job dissatisfaction; manual handling; manual lifting; mental stress; musculoskeletal diseases; nursing personnel; overstrain; psychology of work organization; risk factors; social aspects; statistical evaluation; subjective assessment.
Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p.412-427. 56 ref.

1998

CIS 08-226 Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety - Ergonomics
Enciclopédia de segurança e saúde no trabalho - Ergonomia [in Portuguese]
Portuguese translation of chapter 29 on ergonomics of the ILO Encyclopaedia of occupational health and safety at work (CIS 99-1860). Contents: objectives, principles and methods; physical and psychological aspects (anthropometry, muscular work, work posture, biomechanics, fatigue); psychological aspects (mental workload, vigilance, mental fatigue); work organization aspects (sleep deprivation); work system design (premises, equipment, signalling); design for all (cultural differences, older workers, handicapped workers); examples of the diversity and importance of ergonomics (workplace design for diamond cutting, violation of ergonomic principles in Chernobyl).
ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1998. 194p. Illus. Translation by ErgoHelp, http://www.ergohelp.com.br/, Brazil, 2007.

CIS 07-102 Bourgeois F.
MSDs and changes in working conditions
TMS et évolution des conditions de travail [in French]
Proceedings of a seminar on musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) and changes in working conditions held in Paris, France, in 1998. Nineteen speakers from different backgrounds in human sciences (ergonomics, medicine, economics, epidemiology, psychoanalysis, sociology) contributed their views on one of five areas of musculoskeletal disease prevention: MSDs and company downsizing; MSDs and enterprise organization; MSDs and psychosocial factors; MSDs and the process of reduced job security; approaches for evaluating MSDs.
Agence Nationale pour l'Amélioration des Conditions de Travail, 4, quai des Etroits, 69321 Lyon Cedex 05, France, Jan. 1998. 133p. Illus. Bibl.ref.
http://www.anact.fr/pls/portal/docs/1/12586.PDF [in French]

CIS 01-1565 Pifczyk A., Fuhrmann H.
The work task evaluation system
Das Tätigkeitsbewertungssystem (TSB) [in German]
A system for evaluating work tasks established in 1995 for the analysis of complex work processes was found to constitute an appropriate tool for the design of job patterns meeting personality and health requirements. The subjective and objective components of work analysis are readily correlated in this system, which also allows the integration of the workers' comments. The article gives a review of applications of the method.
Zeitschrift für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie, 2nd Quarter 1998, Vol.42, No.2, p.109-113. Illus. 14 ref.

CIS 00-1196 Gründemann R.W.M., Van Vuuren C.V.
Preventing absenteeism at the workplace: A European portfolio of case studies
Topics: case study; chemical industry; construction industry; domestic and related helpers, cleaners; electric power generation; electrical industry; Europe; food industry; government services; hospitals; metalworking industry; motivation; motor vehicle industry; postal services; pottery industry; printing industry; psychology of absenteeism; public transport; report; sickness absenteeism; waste disposal; water supply.
European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Wyattville Road, Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin, Ireland, 1998. viii, 162p. Illus. 11 ref.

CIS 00-900
Health and Safety Executive
Organisational interventions to reduce the impact of poor work design
Topics: assembly-line work; case study; degree of skill; labour-management relations; manufacturing industries; mental stress; psychology of absenteeism; psychology of work organization; role of management; social aspects; supervisors; workers participation; workplace design.
HSE Books, P.O.Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1998. 172p. Illus. approx. 130 ref. Price: GBP 44.00.

CIS 00-149 Vartiainen M., Teikari V.
Problems of a continuous change: A follow-up study (1988-1994) in a FMS factory
The economic and sociotechnical changes in a factory workshop during 1988-1994 are described. A large flexible manufacturing system (FMS) project was realized during the first two years, and finished on schedule. The project was designed and carried out in a participative manner involving all personnel in the development groups. The follow-up study shows that the goals concerning productivity of the workshop and personnel well-being were mainly achieved. There were two main phases in the development: a quick and profound change during the first two years, and a more stable, "freezing" phase after it. Challenges, problems, and hindrances to making the development continuous are also discussed.
Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing, Summer 1998, Vol.8, No.3, p.197-214. Illus. 24 ref.

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