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Nyman, T., Rhén, I.-M., Johansson, P. J., Eliasson, K., Kjellberg, K., Lindberg, P., . . . Forsman, M. (2023). Reliability and Validity of Six Selected Observational Methods for Risk Assessment of Hand Intensive and Repetitive Work. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(8), Article ID 5505.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Reliability and Validity of Six Selected Observational Methods for Risk Assessment of Hand Intensive and Repetitive Work
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2023 (English)In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, ISSN 1661-7827, E-ISSN 1660-4601, Vol. 20, no 8, article id 5505Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Risk assessments of hand-intensive and repetitive work are commonly done using observational methods, and it is important that the methods are reliable and valid. However, comparisons of the reliability and validity of methods are hampered by differences in studies, e.g., regarding the background and competence of the observers, the complexity of the observed work tasks and the statistical methodology. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate six risk assessment methods, concerning inter- and intra-observer reliability and concurrent validity, using the same methodological design and statistical parameters in the analyses. Twelve experienced ergonomists were recruited to perform risk assessments of ten video-recorded work tasks twice, and consensus assessments for the concurrent validity were carried out by three experts. All methods’ total-risk linearly weighted kappa values for inter-observer reliability (when all tasks were set to the same duration) were lower than 0.5 (0.15–0.45). Moreover, the concurrent validity values were in the same range with regards to total-risk linearly weighted kappa (0.31–0.54). Although these levels are often considered as being fair to substantial, they denote agreements lower than 50% when the expected agreement by chance has been compensated for. Hence, the risk of misclassification is substantial. The intra-observer reliability was only somewhat higher (0.16–0.58). Regarding the methods ART (Assessment of repetitive tasks of the upper limbs) and HARM (Hand Arm Risk Assessment Method), it is worth noting that the work task duration has a high impact in the risk level calculation, which needs to be taken into account in studies of reliability. This study indicates that when experienced ergonomists use systematic methods, the reliability is low. As seen in other studies, especially assessments of hand/wrist postures were difficult to rate. In light of these results, complementing observational risk assessments with technical methods should be considered, especially when evaluating the effects of ergonomic interventions.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI, 2023
Keywords
ergonomics; repetitive work; hand intensive; risk assessment; observation; reliability
National Category
Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-41735 (URN)10.3390/ijerph20085505 (DOI)37107787 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85153935302 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Forte, Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, 1212-1202
Available from: 2023-05-04 Created: 2023-05-04 Last updated: 2023-05-08Bibliographically approved
Glimne, S., Hemphälä, H., Heiden, M., Zetterberg, C., Lindberg, P., Lindén, J. & Nylén, P. (2022). Headaches in combination with visual ability, eye- and musculoskeletal strain in connection with visually demanding work tasks. In: : . Paper presented at 51st NES conference, October 23-25 Uppsala, Sweden 2022.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Headaches in combination with visual ability, eye- and musculoskeletal strain in connection with visually demanding work tasks
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2022 (English)Conference paper, Oral presentation with published abstract (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Suboptimal visual ergonomics (i.e., the interaction between our vision, the light, the visual object, and the influence of other factors which impairs visibility) in work environment such as glare can cause headache in combination with eyestrain, visual ability, and musculoskeletal strain. Symptoms constituted to the syndrome of eyestrain has been well described among computer workers (see for example Han et al., 2013; Portello et al., 2012; Bhanderi et al., 2008; Mocci et al., 2001; Sanchez-Roman et al., 1996). However, research has not focused on investigating the presence of headaches associated with eye-related and musculoskeletal disorders among employees and visual related environmental factors.

The purpose of presented research was to study the presence of headaches in combination with visual ability, eye- and musculoskeletal strain, and work ability in connection with visually demanding work. Trained assessors recruited study participants primarily from their regular clients in the OHS field. Evaluators were instructed to recruit participants with a variety of characteristics to ensure highly variable data, such as different work tasks, age, and gender. The participants mean age was 48.3 years (±10.3); 66% were women.

A visual ergonomics risk assessment method (VERAM, Heiden et al. 2019; Zetterberg et al. 2017) was used to compile the participated workers subjective grading of headache, eye- and musculoskeletal strain using a questionnaire (n=430). At the same time, an evaluation of the visual environment was carried out, which established if there was a risk of glare associated with the implementation of work task (e.g., computer work and other related work such as industry, healthcare, and shipping industry). The frequency of headaches was divided into three categories; (1) no headache, (2) headache occasionally, and (3) headache a few times per week/almost every day. 

The measurements regarding evaluation of the visual environment used a photometer, an instrument which was available and that the assessors could use, usually a Hagner ScreenMaster or Hagner S1 / S2 / S3.

About 65% of the workers reported headaches occasionally, a few times/week or almost every day. Among the workers with headaches reported about 29% of them that they experienced the headaches a few times/week or almost every day.

Out of the workers with headaches reported 37% a severity of the headaches of more than 3 (on a scale of 1-10) and 5 % reported a severity of more than 6. About 40% of the workers also stated that the headaches affected their working ability. The headaches were mainly located around the eyes, forehead, or temples (70%) and came in the afternoon (69%). About 75% of the workers also reported that the headache disappeared or were reduced when they were off work for one night or over the weekend. The data collection showed that visual- related symptoms increased the higher the estimated headaches was.

The musculoskeletal strain increased when the headache increased. When workers reported a high frequency of headaches 95% of them reported neck strain, 86% shoulder strain, 73% upper back strain, and 61% were reported arm strain.

Moreover, only 8.2% of the workers rated their visual ability as bad or very bad, but at the same time, about 60% reported dim vision, 14% diplopia, and 59% problems changing focus at some time.

Dividing the data into workers with experienced or unexperienced headaches this study has shown that there was a significant presence of headaches in combination with visual related symptoms regarding experienced photophobia (p=0.011), eye pain (p=0.015), diplopia (p=0.029), and arm strain (p=0.006). Further, the statistical analysis showed that there was a tendency of combination regarding headaches and visual ability (p=0.070).

Dividing the data into workers with experienced or unexperienced headaches, our study showed that the frequency of headache increased due to high luminance levels within the visual field (p=0.044).

This study concludes presence of headaches in combination with eye- and musculoskeletal strain performing work task such as computer work. Further, the presence of headaches is due to visual ability induced by high luminance levels within the visual field.

Keywords
High luminance levels, headache, photophobia, eye pain, arm pain, field study
National Category
Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-40460 (URN)
Conference
51st NES conference, October 23-25 Uppsala, Sweden 2022
Available from: 2022-11-18 Created: 2022-11-18 Last updated: 2022-11-21Bibliographically approved
Hemphälä, H., Heiden, M., Zetterberg, C., Lindberg, P., Lindén, J. & Nylén, P. (2022). Objective risk assessment of glare and subjective rating of the frequency of glare ‐ a visual ergonomics risk assessment, VERAM. In: : . Paper presented at 51st NES conference, October 23-25 Uppsala, Sweden 2022.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Objective risk assessment of glare and subjective rating of the frequency of glare ‐ a visual ergonomics risk assessment, VERAM
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2022 (English)Conference paper, Oral presentation with published abstract (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Insufficient lighting conditions and glare from luminaires in the visual environment can affect our visual ability and cause eyestrain, headache, and musculoskeletal strain. Knave et al. found that the frequency of reported glare was associated with more eyestrain. In this study a subjectively rated frequency of glare was compared to an objectively rated risk for glare made by trained assessors.

A visual ergonomics risk assessment method (VERAM) was used to gather data at workplaces, mainly computer workstations (n=420). Trained assessors (ergonomists) measured the luminance ratio and assessed the risk for glare (objective risk for glare) divided into three categories high risk (red), low risk (yellow) and no risk (green).Workers rated the frequency of experienced glare at their workplaces (subjective assessment of glare) via questionnaires. The frequency of subjective strain was divided into three categories; no, never; occasionally; a few times a week/almost always.

Workers rated the frequency of glare present more seldom than the trained assessors rated the presence for risk for glare, at the same workplaces. One factor behind this might be individuals’ ability to evaluate the visual environment such as risk for glare. A trained assessor can easier evaluate any risks in the visual environment.

When the objective risk for glare was assessed to be high (red) or low (yellow) the percentage of individuals reporting strain, such as eyestrain and musculoskeletal strain, increased for most symptoms compared to when there was no risk (green). An objective risk assessment for glare needs to be performed together with a subjective rating of the frequency of glare to find the individuals with problems.

Keywords
discomfort glare, asthenopia, neck pain
National Category
Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-40458 (URN)
Conference
51st NES conference, October 23-25 Uppsala, Sweden 2022
Available from: 2022-11-18 Created: 2022-11-18 Last updated: 2022-11-28Bibliographically approved
Hemphälä, H., Heiden, M., Lindberg, P. & Nylén, P. (2021). Visual Symptoms and Risk Assessment Using Visual Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method (VERAM). In: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems: . Paper presented at 21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021, 13 June 2021 - 18 June 2021 (pp. 729-735). Springer Science and Business Media, 220
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Visual Symptoms and Risk Assessment Using Visual Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method (VERAM)
2021 (English)In: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, Springer Science and Business Media , 2021, Vol. 220, p. 729-735Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

A visual environment impaired by e.g. glare can cause eyestrain, visual symptoms and musculoskeletal strain. A Visual Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method (VERAM) consisting of both a subjective questionnaire and an objective risk assessment, have been used at 217 workplaces, mainly computer work. VERAM can be used to examine and prevent deficiencies and increase wellbeing as well as detecting risks in the visual work environment and suggest measures that can be used to reduce the risks. The questionnaire showed that eyestrain, visual symptoms and musculoskeletal strain are common among Swedish workers. The overall risk assessments for glare and amount of illuminance on work surface are divided into three categories, green – no risk, yellow – risk, and red – high risk. Risk of glare and insufficient illuminance was present at 66% and 49% of the assessed workplaces, respectively. When the risk of glare and illuminance levels was rated as red, the frequency of the subjective strain was higher.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Science and Business Media, 2021
Keywords
Asthenopia; Eyestrain; Flicker; Glare; Headache; Illuminance; Neck pain; Temporal light modulation
National Category
Health Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-35970 (URN)10.1007/978-3-030-74605-6_92 (DOI)2-s2.0-85106399710 (Scopus ID)
Conference
21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021, 13 June 2021 - 18 June 2021
Available from: 2021-06-07 Created: 2021-06-07 Last updated: 2021-06-07Bibliographically approved
Berglund, E., Anderzén, I., Andersén, Å. & Lindberg, P. (2021). Work-life balance predicted work ability two years later: A cohort study of employees in the Swedish energy and water sector. BMC Public Health, 21(1), Article ID 1212.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Work-life balance predicted work ability two years later: A cohort study of employees in the Swedish energy and water sector
2021 (English)In: BMC Public Health, E-ISSN 1471-2458, Vol. 21, no 1, article id 1212Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background Work-life balance (WLB) is the extent to which individual’s multiple life roles and demands carry over between each role. WLB can be divided into work interference with personal life (WIPL) and personal life interference with work (PLIW). This study aimed to investigate longitudinal associations between WIPL, PLIW and work ability outcomes.

Methods In this cohort study, 224 employees in the energy and water sector in Sweden were followed-up over 2 years. Three questions derived from the Work Ability Index were used for measuring work ability outcome: current work ability compared with lifetime best; work ability regarding physical; and mental demands. Logistic regression models were used to analyse longitudinal associations between work ability and WIPL and WIPL respectively, controlling for workplace (company), position at work, experience of leadership quality, demographics, and work ability.

Results Work ability compared to lifetime best were associated with WIPL in the adjusted logistic regression models (odds ratio (OR) 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.73), and PLIW (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.66–6.74). Work ability regarding physical demands was associated with WIPL (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.07–2.40). Work ability regarding mental demands was associated with WIPL (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.03–2.44) and PLIW (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.31–6.32).

Conclusion In this two-year longitudinal study, lower WIPL predicted good/excellent overall work ability compared with lifetime best, higher work ability regarding physical and mental demands, and lower PLIW predicted good/excellent overall work ability compared with lifetime best and higher work ability regarding and mental demands.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BMC, 2021
Keywords
work-life balance, work ability, physical demands, mental demands
National Category
Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-34491 (URN)10.1186/s12889-021-11235-4 (DOI)000668576600006 ()34167506 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85108812797 (Scopus ID)
Funder
AFA Insurance, Dnr:120043
Available from: 2020-12-02 Created: 2020-12-02 Last updated: 2023-08-28Bibliographically approved
Zetterberg, C., Heiden, M., Lindberg, P., Nylén, P. & Hemphälä, H. (2019). Reliability of a new risk assessment method for visual ergonomics. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 72, 71-79
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Reliability of a new risk assessment method for visual ergonomics
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2019 (English)In: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, ISSN 0169-8141, E-ISSN 1872-8219, Vol. 72, p. 71-79Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Introduction

The Visual Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method (VERAM) is a newly developed and validated method to assess visual ergonomics at workplaces. VERAM consists of a questionnaire and an objective evaluation.

Objective

To evaluate reliability of VERAM by assessing test-retest reliability of the questionnaire, and intra- and inter-rater reliability of the objective evaluation.

Methods

Forty-eight trained evaluators used VERAM to evaluate visual ergonomics at 174 workstations. The time interval for test-retest and intra-rater evaluations was 2–3 weeks, and the time interval for inter-rater evaluations was 0–2 days. Test-retest reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation (ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the smallest detectable change (SDC). Intra- and inter-rater reliability were assessed with weighted kappa coefficients and absolute agreement. Systematic changes were analysed with repeated measures analyses of variance and Wilcoxon sign rank test.

Results

The ICC of the questionnaire indices ranged from 0.69 to 0.87, while SEM ranged from 7.21 to 10.19 on a scale from 1 to 100, and SDC from 14.42 to 20.37. Intra-rater reliability of objective evaluations ranged from 0.57 to 0.85 (kappa coefficients) and the agreement from 69 to 91%. Inter-rater reliability of objective evaluations ranged from 0.37 to 0.72 (kappa coefficients) and the agreement from 52 to 87%.

Conclusion

VERAM is a reliable instrument for assessing risks in visual work environments. However, the reliability might increase further by improving the quality of training for evaluators. Complementary evaluations of VERAM's sensitivity to changes in the visual environment are needed.

Relevance to industry

It is advantageous to set up a work environment for maximal visual comfort to avoid negative effects on work postures and movements and thus prevent visual- and musculoskeletal symptoms. This method, VERAM, satisfies the need of a valid and reliable tool for determining risks associated with the visual work environment.

Keywords
eyestrain, musculoskeletal, lighting, illuminance, glare, flicker
National Category
Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-28745 (URN)10.1016/j.ergon.2019.04.002 (DOI)000482508600007 ()2-s2.0-85064888978 (Scopus ID)
Funder
AFA Insurance, 130166
Available from: 2018-12-03 Created: 2018-12-03 Last updated: 2021-04-01Bibliographically approved
Heiden, M., Zetterberg, C., Lindberg, P., Nylén, P. & Hemphälä, H. (2019). Validity of a computer-based risk assessment method for visual ergonomics. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 72, 180-187
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Validity of a computer-based risk assessment method for visual ergonomics
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2019 (English)In: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, ISSN 0169-8141, E-ISSN 1872-8219, Vol. 72, p. 180-187Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Objective

To describe the development of a computer-based risk assessment method for visual ergonomics, and assess its face validity, content validity, and internal consistency.

Methods

The risk assessment method contained a questionnaire for the worker, an evaluation form for the evaluator, a section of follow-up questions based on the worker's responses, and a section for recommended changes, including an overall risk assessment with respect to daylight, lighting, illuminance, glare, flicker, work space, work object and work postures, respectively. Forty-eight trained evaluators used the method to perform 224 workplace evaluations. Content validity of the method was assessed by the completeness and distribution of responses, and internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, Spearman's rank correlation between items and indices, and exploratory factor analysis.

Results

The proportion of missing values in items was generally low (questionnaire: 0–2.3%; evaluation form: 1.4–4.1%). In the questionnaire, items about double vision, migraine and corrective lenses had limited information content. Cronbach's alpha and item-index correlations for the indices frequency of eyestrain, intensity of eyestrain, visual symptoms, lighting conditions, frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort and intensity of musculoskeletal discomfort were satisfactory. Based on the factor analysis, suggestions for improving some of the indices were made.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that this computer-based method is a valid instrument for assessing risks in the visual work environment. By incorporating subjective ratings by the worker as well as objective measurements of the work environment, it provides a good basis for recommendations with respect to daylight, lighting, work surfaces/material, and work object.

Relevance to industry

Visual environment factors, such as glare, can cause eyestrain, headache and musculoskeletal discomfort. This method satisfies the need of a valid tool for determining risks associated with the visual work environment. It contains both worker's ratings and objective measurements, and is designed to be used in different types of work.

Keywords
eyestrain, musculoskeletal, lighting, illuminance, glare, flicker
National Category
Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-28726 (URN)10.1016/j.ergon.2019.05.006 (DOI)000482508600018 ()2-s2.0-85065916273 (Scopus ID)
Funder
AFA Insurance, 130166
Available from: 2018-11-30 Created: 2018-11-30 Last updated: 2021-04-01Bibliographically approved
Lindberg, P. (Ed.). (2018). FALF KONFERENS 2018 Arbetet – problem eller potential för en hållbar livsmiljö?   10-12 juni 2018 Gävle: Program och abstracts. Paper presented at FALF KONFERENS 2018 Arbetet – problem eller potential för en hållbar livsmiljö?, 10-12 juni 2018, Gävle. Gävle: Gävle University Press
Open this publication in new window or tab >>FALF KONFERENS 2018 Arbetet – problem eller potential för en hållbar livsmiljö?   10-12 juni 2018 Gävle: Program och abstracts
2018 (Swedish)Conference proceedings (editor) (Refereed)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Gävle: Gävle University Press, 2018. p. 150
National Category
Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-26582 (URN)978-91-88145-28-4 (ISBN)
Conference
FALF KONFERENS 2018 Arbetet – problem eller potential för en hållbar livsmiljö?, 10-12 juni 2018, Gävle
Available from: 2018-06-18 Created: 2018-06-18 Last updated: 2020-11-23Bibliographically approved
Lennernäs Wiklund, M., Gard, G., Lindberg, P., Olofsson, N., Risberg, A. & Willmer, M. (2018). Hann du äta?: En enkät och intervjustudie av arbetsmåltidens förutsättningar och betydelse för hälsa och välbefinnande vid skift- och schemalagt arbete med nattarbete. In: Per Lindberg (Ed.), FALF KONFERENS 2018 Arbetet – problem eller potential för en hållbar livsmiljö?   10-12 juni 2018 Gävle: Program och abstracts. Paper presented at FALF KONFERENS 2018 Arbetet – problem eller potential för en hållbar livsmiljö?, 10-12 juni 2018, Gävle (pp. 129). Gävle: Gävle University Press
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Hann du äta?: En enkät och intervjustudie av arbetsmåltidens förutsättningar och betydelse för hälsa och välbefinnande vid skift- och schemalagt arbete med nattarbete
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2018 (Swedish)In: FALF KONFERENS 2018 Arbetet – problem eller potential för en hållbar livsmiljö?   10-12 juni 2018 Gävle: Program och abstracts / [ed] Per Lindberg, Gävle: Gävle University Press , 2018, p. 129-Conference paper, Oral presentation with published abstract (Refereed)
Abstract [sv]

Bakgrund

Ohälsosamma matvanor och stress bidrar till sjukskrivningar och nedsatt arbetsförmåga genom övervikt, hjärtkärlsjukdom, diabetes typ 2 och psykisk ohälsa. Slimmade organisationer och flexibla arbetstider begränsar möjligheten att äta hälsosamt i samband med arbete. Särskilt utsatt är personal med skift- och schemalagt arbete. Att inte kunna på-verka när man äter under arbetspasset kan öka stress och irritation, med risk för sänkt prestations- och koncentrationsförmåga. Arbetsmiljöverkets föreskrifter om organisatorisk och social arbetsmiljö (AFS 2015:4) syftar till att främja en god arbetsmiljö och förebygga ohälsa på grund av organisatoriska och sociala förhållanden i arbetsmiljön. Det finns ingen lagstiftning angående matrastens längd eller utformningen av matrum. Arbetsgivaren har rätt att byta ut raster mot måltidsuppehåll, det senare innebär måltid om arbetssituationen medger det. Personal med ständig larmberedskap kan arbeta en hel natt utan möjlighet att äta. Detta är tveksamt med hänsyn till hälsa, säkerhet och arbetsförmåga.

Syfte

Studiens syfte är 1) att få en bättre förståelse av de faktorer som påverkar möjligheten och formerna för att äta i samband med natt- och skiftarbete och de val anställda gör utifrån de förutsättningar som finns 2) att öka förståelsen av hur arbetsmåltiden påverkas av organisatoriska och psykosociala förhållanden, och måltidens betydelse för återhämtning, välbefinnande och hälsa.

Frågeställningar

Hur gestaltas arbetsmåltider för personal med skift- och schemalagt arbete? Vilka strat-egier och handlingsutrymmen har personalen för att planera sina arbetsmåltider? Vi kommer särskilt att uppmärksamma vad personalen äter, under vilka omständigheter de äter samt vilken betydelse måltiden har för välbefinnande och gemenskap.

Urval och metod

Enkät riktas till anställda med dag-, skift- och schemalagt arbete inom industri och hemtjänst. Intervjuer genomförs med chefer inom dessa verksamheter.

Resultat

Studien startar våren 2018 med inledande intervjuer och test av enkät till målgrupper efter arbetsplatsbesök. Under konferensen kommer vi att kortfattat sammanfatta den forskning som finns inom ramen för våra frågeställningar samt att redovisa resultat från några intervjuer med chefer.

Genom vårt deltagande vill vi bidra till att sätta arbetsmåltiden på agendan inom arbetsmiljöforskning och diskutera med andra forskare hur de ser på arbetsmåltiden ur ett arbetsmiljöperspektiv.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Gävle: Gävle University Press, 2018
National Category
Other Social Sciences
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-28859 (URN)978-91-88145-28-4 (ISBN)
Conference
FALF KONFERENS 2018 Arbetet – problem eller potential för en hållbar livsmiljö?, 10-12 juni 2018, Gävle
Note

Rundabordssamtal

Available from: 2018-12-17 Created: 2018-12-17 Last updated: 2020-11-23Bibliographically approved
Zetterberg, C., Heiden, M., Lindberg, P., Nylén, P. & Hemphälä, H. (2018). Intra-rater reliability of the Visual Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method (VERAM). In: : . Paper presented at IEA 2018 - The 20th Triennial Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, 26-30 August 2018, Florence, Italy.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Intra-rater reliability of the Visual Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method (VERAM)
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2018 (English)Conference paper, Oral presentation with published abstract (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Introduction: Visually demanding near work can cause eye discomfort, and eye and neck/shoulder discomfort during, e.g., computer work are associated. Apart from visual demands and dryness a number of environmental factors including design of the work station, lighting, glare, and the quality of the computer screen might exert an impact on eye-related symptoms. To date, there is a lack of valid and reliable instruments assessing factors associated with eye- or visual symptoms. Therefore, a new method to assess visual ergonomics at workplaces was developed in Sweden between 2014 and 2016, the Visual Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method - VERAM. A first version of the method was drafted by the researchers mainly from existing checklists and instruments, and tested in the field by trained visual ergonomists. The method was then revised and used in the field to collect data for validity and reliability analyses. The final version of VERAM includes both a questionnaire for the employee, and an expert evaluation of the employee’s workplace. The questionnaire consists of subjective ratings in six domains: eye discomfort (frequency and intensity), musculoskeletal discomfort (frequency and intensity), ratings of visual symptoms (e.g. blurred and double vision) and ratings of the visual environment (e.g. illumination levels, glare and reflexes from a work object or a computer screen). The expert evaluation consists of both objective measurements and subjective assessments resulting in an overall expert risk assessment (no risk, low risk or high risk) of eight factors: daylight, lighting, illuminance, glare, flicker, work space, work object and work posture.

Aim: At the IEA conference 2018 the new VERAM method will be presented together with results from intra-rater reliability analyses.

Results: Intra-rater reliability was evaluated with a re-test interval of minimum two and maximum three weeks. 99 employees were included in the analyses and 32 visual ergonomists performed the corresponding expert evaluations. The Intraclass Correlations (ICC) were between 0.70 and 0.87 for the six subjective domains, and there were no significant systematic differences between the first and second rating for any of the subjective domains (rmANOVA, p > 0.05, α = 0.008). For the eight environmental factors the expert estimated the risk equally during the first and the second assessment in 69-92% of the cases, and, as seen for the subjective domains, there were no significant systematic differences for any of the eight factors (Wilcoxon sign rank test, p > 0.014, α = 0.006). To control for multiple comparisons the Bonferroni method was used.

Conclusion: The Visual Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method – VERAM showed good intra-rater reliability, both for the subjective questionnaire for the employee, and for the expert evaluation of the employee’s workplace when performed by a trained visual ergonomist.

National Category
Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-28758 (URN)
Conference
IEA 2018 - The 20th Triennial Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, 26-30 August 2018, Florence, Italy
Funder
AFA Insurance, 130166
Available from: 2018-12-04 Created: 2018-12-04 Last updated: 2021-04-01Bibliographically approved
Projects
Forte-centre Working Life: The Body at Work - from problem to potential [2009-01761_Forte]; University of Gävle; Publications
Jackson, J., Sund, M., Barlari Lobos, G., Melin, L. & Mathiassen, S. E. (2023). Assessing the efficacy of a job rotation for improving occupational physical and psychosocial work environment, musculoskeletal health, social equality, production quality, and resilience at a commercial laundromat: Protocol for a longitudinal case study. BMJ Open, 13(5), Article ID e067633. Jackson, J., Srinivasan, D. & Mathiassen, S. E. (2020). Consistent individual motor variability traits demonstrated by females performing a long-cycle assembly task under conditions differing in temporal organisation. Applied Ergonomics, 85, Article ID 103046. Jahncke, H. & Hallman, D. (2020). Objective measures of cognitive performance in activity based workplaces and traditional office types. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 72, Article ID 101503. Hallman, D., Holtermann, A., Dencker-Larsen, S., Birk Jorgensen, M. & Nørregaard Rasmussen, C. (2019). Are trajectories of neck-shoulder pain associated with sick leave and work ability in workers? A 1-year prospective study. BMJ Open, 9, Article ID e022006. Hallman, D., Mathiassen, S. E., van der Beek, A., Jackson, J. & Coenen, P. (2019). Calibration of self-reported time spent sitting, standing and walking among office workers: a compositional data analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(17), Article ID 3111. Domkin, D., Forsman, M. & Richter, H. O. (2019). Effect of ciliary-muscle contraction force on trapezius muscle activity during computer mouse work. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 119(2), 389-397Bohman, T., Bottai, M. & Björklund, M. (2019). Predictive models for short-term and long-term improvement in women under physiotherapy for chronic disabling neck pain: a longitudinal cohort study. BMJ Open, 9(4), Article ID e024557. Holtermann, A., Mathiassen, S. E. & Straker, L. (2019). Promoting health and physical capacity during productive work: the Goldilocks Principle. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 45(1), 90-97Hallman, D., Holtermann, A., Björklund, M., Gupta, N. & Nørregaard Rasmussen, C. D. (2019). Sick leave due to musculoskeletal pain : determinants of distinct trajectories over 1 year. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 92(8), 1099-1108Gupta, N., Heiden, M., Mathiassen, S. E. & Holtermann, A. (2018). Is self-reported time spent sedentary and in physical activity differentially biased by age, gender, body mass index and low-back pain?. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 44(2), 163-170
GodA - God arbetsmiljö och frisk arbetsplats. Test av en modell som sammankopplar arbetsmiljö, anställdas välbefinnande och företagsutveckling [120043]; University of Gävle; Publications
Berglund, E., Anderzén, I., Andersén, Å. & Lindberg, P. (2021). Work-life balance predicted work ability two years later: A cohort study of employees in the Swedish energy and water sector. BMC Public Health, 21(1), Article ID 1212. Lindberg, P., Karlsson, T., Strömberg, A., Gustafsson, S. & Anderzén, I. (2016). Can a systematic participative method for processing workplace survey data enhance organizational communication skills?. In: Scientific programme: Book of Abstracts. Paper presented at Fourth International Scientific conference on Wellbeing at Work 2016, 29 May - 1 June 2016, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Gustafsson, S., Anderzén, I. & Lindberg, P. (2016). Managerial masculinity : an issue for wellbeing at work.: Reflections on the borderline between middle level management and fathering, using life-history method.. In: Scientific Programme: Wellbeing at Work 2016. Paper presented at Wellbeing at Work 2016, 29 May -1 June 2016, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Anderzén, I., Karlsson, T., Strömberg, A., Gustafsson, S. & Lindberg, P. (2016). Predictors of Well-being at work. In: Scientific Programme: Wellbeing at Work 2016. Paper presented at 4th Wellbeing at Work 2016, 29 May - 1 June 2016, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Lindberg, P., Karlsson, T., Strömberg, A., Gustafsson, S. & Anderzén, I. (2015). Can a systematic participative method for processing workplace survey data enhance organizational communication skills?: Experiences from the GodA-project for healthy workplaces. In: Proceedings 19th Triennial Congress of the IEA, Melbourne 9-14 August 2015: . Paper presented at 19th Triennial Congress of the IEA, 9-14 August 2015, Melbourne, Australia. Karlsson, T. & Lindberg, P. (2015). Employees' and managers' perception of a healthy workplace - interviews from three medium-sized companies. In: Proceedings 19th Triennial Congress of the IEA, Melbourne 9-14 August 2015: . Paper presented at 19th Triennial Congress of the IEA, IEA 2015, 9-14 August, Melbourne, Australia. Karlsson, T. & Lindberg, P. (2015). God arbetsmiljö och välbefinnande på arbetet – en intervjustudie på tre medelstora företag. In: : . Paper presented at FALF 2015 'Arbetslivets förhållanden och villkor – mellan kontinuitet och förändring', 10-12 juni 2015, Landskrona, Sverige. Lindberg, P., Karlsson, T., Strömberg, A., Gustafsson, S. & Anderzén, I. (2015). GodA-metoden och dess inflytande på kommunikationsförmågan på arbetet. In: Book of Abstracts: FALF 2015 : Conference10-12 June 2015. Paper presented at FALF 2015 'Arbetslivets förhållanden och villkor – mellan kontinuitet och förändring', 10-12 juni 2015, Landskrona, Sverige. Anderzén, I., Lindberg, P., Karlsson, T., Strömberg, A. & Gustafsson, S. (2015). Predictors of well-being at work. In: : . Paper presented at 8th European Public Health Conference (EPH 2015), 14-17 October 2015, Milano, Italy. Gustafsson, S. & Lindberg, P. (2015). Rethinking potential connection between gender, work- and family life and how to link the emerging reasoning to well-being. In: Proceedings 19th Triennial Congress of the IEA, Melbourne 9-14 August 2015: . Paper presented at IEA 2015, 9th Triennial Congress of the IEA, 9-14 August 2015, Melbourne, Australia.
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-2091-6396

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