Volume 8, Issue 3 (Jul- Sep 2019)
JCHR 2019, 8(3): 139-147 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Saremi M, fallah R, Laal F, Noorizade N, Rahimi E. Assessment of mental workload, work ability and musculoskeletal disorders of firefighters. JCHR 2019; 8 (3) :139-147
URL: http://jhr.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-522-en.html
URL: http://jhr.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-522-en.html
1- Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Occupational Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
3- Corresponding Author: Student Research Committee, Department of occupational health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, , fereydoonlaal@gmail.com
4- School of Health, Abadan faculty of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
5- Department of Public Health, Mamasani Higher Education Complex for Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2- Department of Occupational Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
3- Corresponding Author: Student Research Committee, Department of occupational health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, , fereydoonlaal@gmail.com
4- School of Health, Abadan faculty of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
5- Department of Public Health, Mamasani Higher Education Complex for Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract: (4321 Views)
Introduction: Firefighting is one of the occupations that require high physical and aerobic power due to the nature of the job and the physical demands of this profession. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship among Work ability index (WAI), mental workload, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their effective factors in firefighters.
Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study, which was carried out on 250 firefighters in Tehran. Data were collected using WAI, NASA-TLX and Body Discomfort Chart (BDC). Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, linear regression, Pearson correlation and Spearman tests.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the total WAI score was 38.85±1.17. Also, the highest amount of mental workload was devoted to the physical load dimension (93.49±8.93). Meanwhile, the total mental load was also 70.07 ± 6.58. The results showed that the WAI is increased by 0.14 by augmentation of one unit at the academic level of firefighters (P = 0.03). The most common discomfort was reported in the lower (20%) and upper (16.8%) regions of the back. The total WAI relationship with total mental workload was positive and insignificant (P>0.05). There was a significant and reverse association between WAI and discomfort in wrist, leg and ankle.
Conclusion: Despite the low rate of MSDs, even mild symptoms of musculoskeletal pain should be considered. Given the high level of mental workload, improving physical, psychosocial and social working conditions is important in increasing the ability of employees and augmenting the ability of their occupational activity.
Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study, which was carried out on 250 firefighters in Tehran. Data were collected using WAI, NASA-TLX and Body Discomfort Chart (BDC). Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, linear regression, Pearson correlation and Spearman tests.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the total WAI score was 38.85±1.17. Also, the highest amount of mental workload was devoted to the physical load dimension (93.49±8.93). Meanwhile, the total mental load was also 70.07 ± 6.58. The results showed that the WAI is increased by 0.14 by augmentation of one unit at the academic level of firefighters (P = 0.03). The most common discomfort was reported in the lower (20%) and upper (16.8%) regions of the back. The total WAI relationship with total mental workload was positive and insignificant (P>0.05). There was a significant and reverse association between WAI and discomfort in wrist, leg and ankle.
Conclusion: Despite the low rate of MSDs, even mild symptoms of musculoskeletal pain should be considered. Given the high level of mental workload, improving physical, psychosocial and social working conditions is important in increasing the ability of employees and augmenting the ability of their occupational activity.
Review: Research |
Subject:
Occupational Health
Received: 2019/04/17 | Accepted: 2019/10/21 | Published: 2019/10/2
Received: 2019/04/17 | Accepted: 2019/10/21 | Published: 2019/10/2
References
1. Jahnke SA, Hyder ML, Haddock CK,et al. High-intensity fitness training among a national sample of male career firefighters. Safety and health at work. 2015;6(1):71-4. [DOI:10.1016/j.shaw.2014.12.005]
2. Kiss P, Walgraeve M, Vanhoorne M. Assessment of work ability in aging fire fighters by means of the Work Ability Index Preliminary results. Archives of public health. 2002;60(3-4):233-43.
3. Wagner SL, O'Neill M. Job, life, and relationship satisfaction for paid-professional firefighters. Journal of Loss and Trauma. 2012;17(5):423-38. [DOI:10.1080/15325024.2011.650129]
4. Davis PO, Dotson CO. Physiological aspects of fire fighting. Fire technology. 1987;23(4):280-91. [DOI:10.1007/BF01040585]
5. Fighters IAoF, Chiefs IAoF. The Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative. IAFF; Washington, DC; 2008.
6. Roche AM. New horizons in AOD workforce development. Drugs: education, prevention and policy. 2009; 16(3):193-204. [DOI:10.1080/09687630902886386]
7. Colburn D, Suyama J, Reis SE, et al. Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with gait changes among firefighters after a live burn training evolution. Safety and health at work. 2017;8(2):183-8. [DOI:10.1016/j.shaw.2016.11.001]
8. Firoozeh M, Saremi M, Kavousi A,et al. Demographic and occupational determinants of the work ability of firemen. Journal of occupational health. 2017;59(1):81-7. [DOI:10.1539/joh.15-0296-FS]
9. Cao A, Chintamani KK, Pandya AK, et al. NASA TLX: Software for assessing subjective mental workload. Behavior research methods. 2009;41(1):113-7. [DOI:10.3758/BRM.41.1.113]
10. Safari S, Mohammadi-Bolbanabad H, Kazemi M. Evaluation Mental Work Load in Nursing Critical Care Unit with National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). J Health Sys Res. 2013;9(6):613-9.
11. Webb HE, McMinn DR, Garten RS,et al. Cardiorespiratory responses of firefighters to a computerized fire strategies and tactics drill during physical activity. Applied ergonomics. 2010;41(3):376-81. [DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2009.08.003]
12. Tuomi K, Ilmarinen J, Jahkola A, et al. Work Ability Index (WAI). Helsinki: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. 1998.
13. Alavinia SM, De Boer A, Van Duivenbooden J,et al. Determinants of work ability and its predictive value for disability. Occupational Medicine. 2008;59(1):32-7. [DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqn148]
14. Tuomi K, Ilmarinen J, Seitsamo J, et al. Summary of the Finnish research project (1981-1992) to promote the health and work ability of aging workers. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. 1997:66-71.
15. Camerino D, Conway PM, Van der Heijden BIJ, et al. Low‐perceived work ability, ageing and intention to leave nursing: a comparison among 10 European countries. Journal of advanced nursing. 2006;56(5):542-52. [DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.04046.x]
16. Habibi E. Relationship between work ability and mental workload with musculoskeletal disorders in industrial jobs. Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2016;2(4):29-38.
17. Bussières AE, Taylor JA, Peterson C. Diagnostic imaging practice guidelines for musculoskeletal complaints in adults-an evidence-based approach-part 3: spinal disorders. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics. 2008;31(1):33-88. [DOI:10.1016/j.jmpt.2007.11.003]
18. Smiley A, Brookhuis KA. Alcohol, drugs and traffic safety. road users and traffic safety. Publication of: VAN GORCUM & COMP BV. 1987..
19. Skinner JS. Exercise testing and exercise prescription for special cases: theoretical basis and clinical application: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.
20. Wieder M. Operating a rehab area part 1. Firehouse; 1999.
21. Bugajska J, Sagan A. Chronic musculoskeletal disorders as risk factors for reduced work ability in younger and ageing workers. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. 2014;20(4):607-15. [DOI:10.1080/10803548.2014.11077069]
22. van den Berg T, Elders L, de Zwart B, et al. The effects of work-related and individual factors on the Work Ability Index: a systematic review. Occupational and environmental medicine. 2008. [DOI:10.1136/oem.2008.039883]
23. Smith D, Leggat P, Speare R. Musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risk factors among veterinarians in Queensland, Australia. Australian veterinary journal. 2009;87(7):260-5. [DOI:10.1111/j.1751-0813.2009.00435.x]
24. Mazloumi A, Rostamabadi A, Saraji GN, et al. Work ability index (WAI) and its association with psychosocial factors in one of the petrochemical industries in Iran. Journal of occupational health. 2012;54(2):112-8. [DOI:10.1539/joh.11-0150-OA]
25. Hart SG, Staveland LE. Development of NASA-TLX (Task Load Index): Results of empirical and theoretical research. Advances in psychology. 52: Elsevier; 1988. p. 139-83. [DOI:10.1016/S0166-4115(08)62386-9]
26. Mohammadi M, Nasl Seraji J, Zeraati H. Developing and assessing the validity and reliability of a questionnaire to assess the mental workload among ICUs Nurses in one of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals, Tehran, Iran. J Sch Public Health Inst Public Health Res. 2013;11(2):87-96.
27. Laal F, Madvari RF, Balarak D, et al. Relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and anthropometric indices among bus drivers in Zahedan city. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. 2018;24(3):431-7. [DOI:10.1080/10803548.2017.1334335]
28. Punakallio A, Lusa S, Luukkonen R. Functional, postural and perceived balance for predicting the work ability of firefighters. International archives of occupational and environmental health. 2004;77(7):482-90. [DOI:10.1007/s00420-004-0536-z]
29. Punakallio A, Lusa S, Luukkonen R, et al. Musculoskeletal pain and depressive symptoms as predictors of trajectories in work ability among finnish firefighters at 13-year follow-up. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine. 2014;56(4):367-75. [DOI:10.1097/JOM.0000000000000139]
30. Zamanian Z, Roshan Sarvestani M, Sedaghati M, et al. Assessment of the Relation between Subjective Workload and Job Satisfaction in University Faculty and Staff. Journal of Ergonomics. 2016;3(4):1-10.
31. Hoonakker P, Carayon P, Gurses AP, et al. Measuring workload of ICU nurses with a questionnaire survey: the NASA Task Load Index (TLX). IIE transactions on healthcare systems engineering. 2011;1(2):131-43. [DOI:10.1080/19488300.2011.609524]
32. Airila A, Hakanen J, Punakallio A, et al. Is work engagement related to work ability beyond working conditions and lifestyle factors? International archives of occupational and environmental health. 2012;85(8):915-25. [DOI:10.1007/s00420-012-0732-1]
33. Ilmarinen J. Ageing workers in Finland and in the European :union:: their situation and the promotion of their working ability, employability and employment. The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance Issues and Practice. 2001;26(4):623-41. [DOI:10.1111/1468-0440.00144]
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. |
