PhareSST (Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé)
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Paramedics\u27 behavior patterns when transferring non-mobile patients from the ground to a stretcher
No full textBackground/Objectives: Transferring non-mobile patients from the ground to a stretcher represents one of the riskiest tasks for musculoskeletal disorders among emergency medical technicians–paramedics (EMT-Ps), but there is little information available on how they perform in real-life work situations. Methods: This study aimed to describe EMT-Ps’ patterns of behavior observed from field data and highlight safe work operations. A secondary analysis was conducted on 27 videos collected during EMT-Ps’ responses to live calls. Contextual variables (workspace and external assistance), operations during the preparation subtask (move patient or interfering objects and adjust stretcher’s height and position), and movements and postures related to the transfer subtask were extracted from the videos. Results: The results demonstrate that despite stratification based on similar contextual factors (equipment and limited workspace), EMT-Ps’ behavior varied between interventions during the preparation and transfer subtasks. Several operations to adjust the patient–stretcher configuration before the lifting phase were carried out to facilitate patient transfer, but these were not always optimal from a safety perspective. Strategies such as fast loading (1 out of 4) and the use of external assistance (6 out of 15) were beneficial in certain circumstances. Conclusions: EMT-Ps demonstrated their ability to analyze the situation, organize accordingly, and adapt their behavior by applying these safety skills
Enhancing acoustic comfort for earplug users: Objective and subjective evaluation of bone-conducted sound with meta-earplugs incorporating Helmholtz resonators
No full textPassive earplugs are commonly used to protect workers from excessive noise exposure, but they often result in discomfort. The occlusion effect (OE) is a major discomfort that corresponds to an increased perception of bone-conducted sound at low frequencies. Objectively, the OE is associated with an increase in the sound pressure level generated in the earcanal under bone-conducted stimulation. Inspired by metamaterials, “meta-earplugs” incorporating Helmholtz resonators have been developed to minimize this phenomenon, and their effectiveness has been validated using artificial ears in the authors’ prior work. In this study, 34 participants evaluated the effectiveness of meta-earplugs in reducing the OE. Three configurations of the meta-earplug were tested alongside a commercial foam earplug. Objective measurements of both OE and sound attenuation were conducted. Participants also completed a questionnaire evaluating their perception of low-frequency sound amplification and the judgement of the naturalness of their own voice while speaking with the earplugs. On average, the results demonstrate that meta-earplugs reduced the objective OE by up to 20 dB below 1 kHz. Additionally, the perception of low-frequency sound amplification decreased by 2 points, while voice naturalness judgement increased by 2 points, both assessed on a 7-point Likert scale. Using linear mixed-effects models, it was found that the perception of low-frequency sound amplification was primarily driven by the objective OE at 125 Hz, while voice naturalness was also significantly influenced by the objective OE at 4 kHz and the psychosocial characteristic of familiarity with the experimenter. Overall, meta-earplugs were preferred by 85 % of the participants
Coworking spaces and their effects on workers and working environments
No full textThis paper draws on a qualitative methodology, combining semi-structured interviews with thematic analysis, to examine the benefits and limitations of working conditions in coworking spaces. It also explores the hypothesis that such environments foster creativity and innovation, a claim often associated with the theory of open innovation and the context of open spaces, as are often found in coworking spaces. The findings reveal that collaboration is neither universally pursued nor spontaneously realized among coworkers. Rather, it appears to depend on the presence of a facilitator who actively promotes interaction and knowledge exchange. Physical conditions—such as noise, distractions, or spatial layout—can hinder productivity for some, while others adjust with ease. The study underscores the diversity of coworking experiences, particularly in non-metropolitan areas where empirical research remains limited, thereby making a significant contribution to the field. Beyond its theoretical insights into creativity and innovation, the research offers practical guidance for coworking space facilitators and community managers aiming to cultivate more collaborative and productive environments
Pourquoi l\u27adoption d\u27un exosquelette sur le long terme représente-t-il un défi?
No full textLes troubles musculosquelettiques continuent d’être une préoccupation majeure de santé et sécurité au travail. Les exosquelettes représentent une solution de prévention. Pouvoir en évaluer les effets implique qu’ils soient portés. Or, des études suggèrent qu’en dépit d’une intention initiale d’utilisation favorable, le port prolongé demeure marginal. À partir d’une étude de cas multiples d’intégration d’exosquelettes, les commentaires des utilisateurs à la suite de périodes de familiarisation permettent d’identifier quatre sources d’irritations : a. gênes à la liberté de mouvement ; b. sentiment de perte de contrôle de son corps ; c. envahissement corporel et d. incompatibilités avec le travail. Ces inconvénients pèsent plus lourd que les bénéfices anticipés lors de l’appréciation globale des exosquelettes, menant à une remise en question de leur utilisation, et ce malgré un intérêt initial prometteur. Un cadre d’analyse structuré en trois axes (Exo – Corps – Travail) est proposé pour structurer les retours et les mettre en résonance avec les caractéristiques des exosquelettes (conception, ajustements et réglages). Les fabricants pourraient bénéficier de ces retours d’expérience pour améliorer leurs produits.
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders continue to be a major occupational health and safety concern. Exoskeletons represent a prevention solution. Being able to assess their effects implies that they are worn. However, studies suggest that despite an initial favorable intention of use, prolonged wear remains marginal. Based on a study of multiple cases of exoskeleton implementation, user comments following familiarization periods allow us to identify four sources of irritation: a. hindrance to freedom of movement; b. feeling of loss of control of one\u27s body; c. bodily invasion and d. incompatibility with work. These disadvantages outweigh the anticipated benefits during the overall assessment of exoskeletons, leading to a questioning of their use, despite a promising initial interest. An analytical framework structured around three axes (Exo - Body - Work) is proposed to structure the feedback and make it resonate with the characteristics of exoskeletons (design, adjustments and settings). Manufacturers could benefit from this feedback to improve their products
Détermination de la concentration des métaux dans l\u27air par ICP-MS avec prélèvement effectué sur filtre encapsulé digérable : Solu-Sert
No full textMicrobial volatile organic compounds measured in the air of a waste sorting plant and a university by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
No full textIn recyclable waste management facilities, several contaminants, mainly bioaerosols and microorganisms, can be released and cause potential adverse health effects. Given that microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are metabolites developed by molds and since they can be considered as potential biomarkers of mold exposure, their concentrations in ambient air were monitored at a recyclable waste sorting plant (WSP) and a university campus (UC) serving as control environment for comparison. A recently developed analytical method was used for the detection of 21 selected mVOCs in real conditions. The impact of mVOC sampling duration, period of the day, and variability of their concentrations between different workstations at both sites was studied. At UC, only 3 mVOCs were detected in comparison with 13 mVOCs at the WSP. The sampling duration of 2 h was chosen to increase the sensitivity of the method. Statistical tests showed no significant difference in concentration for the detected mVOCs at WSP for different period of the day whereas an increase in concentrations for ethyl acetate was observed at UC. At WSP, the highest concentrations were measured at the pre-sorting room (ex. 4.04 ng/m3 for pentan-2-one), followed by the sorting room (ex. 3.46 ng/m3 for decanal), the optic sorting room (ex. 3.67 ng/m3 for pentan-2-one), and the lowest concentrations were measured at the waste reception area (ex. 0.51 ng/m3 for cyclopentanone). This study allows the optimization of the mVOC sampling method, the comparison of the mVOC profiles between contaminated and non-contaminated workplaces and the recommendation for mVOCs with better potential as biomarkers of mold exposure
Intervention challenges experienced in physiotherapy and occupational therapy with workers\u27 pain and disability representations: A mixed methods study
No full textPurposeThe study objectives were to (1) identify prevalent unhelpful worker-held pain and disability representations and (2) explore clinicians’ intervention challenges with these representations.MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used (quan → QUAL). Secondary analysis of a database was performed first. The database included the scores obtained by 297 sick-listed workers with musculoskeletal disorders on the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for Work Disability. Descriptive statistics identified the most prevalent unhelpful worker-held representations. Quantitative results were used to develop an interview guide. Semi-structured interviews explored the physiotherapy professionals’ (n = 8) and occupational therapists’ (n = 6) intervention challenges with workers’ pain and disability representations.ResultsThe secondary data analysis showed that perceptions of severe consequences, unpredictable symptoms, and negative emotions were the most prevalent unhelpful worker-held representations. The interviews identified clinicians’ key intervention challenges as two specific pain-and-disability representation patterns. The first depicted workers’ perceptions of unpredictable and uncontrollable pain, perceptions that generate negative emotions. The clinicians associated this pattern with workers’ sense of helplessness. The second pattern involved workers’ firm beliefs in a biomedical cause, leading to their perceptions of low levels of treatment and personal pain control. According to clinicians, this pattern led to workers’ resistance to active rehabilitation. The clinicians regarded both patterns as hindering worker engagement in rehabilitation treatment.ConclusionThe clinicians’ key intervention challenges were two pain-and-disability representation patterns, which included or not, prevalent unhelpful worker-held representations. The results underscore the need to develop a transdisciplinary intervention for work rehabilitation clinicians that takes pain and disability representations into account
Gender differences in occupational health and safety perceptions: Insights from youth in dual vocational training
No full textIntroduction While occupational health and safety (OHS) education is important for all new workers, it appears critical for youth in dual vocational training programs. To develop prevention tools adapted to their situation, the first stage of an action-research study was to question their perceptions and experiences of OHS. Objective This study examines the perceptions of OHS among young students with disabilities enrolled in the Work-Oriented Training Path (WOTP) in Québec. Method A mixed-methods study based on questionnaires given to 131 (38 women, 93 men) WOTP students and Ministry documents. Descriptive and comparative quantitative analyses were conducted with a qualitative analysis of open-ended questions and documents. A gender-sensitive analysis was carried out since it is a recognized influencing factor to consider in OHS. Results Men and women worked in different environments (p = 0.002). Men seem to be more aware of the presence of hazards (yes = 79.6 %) than women (yes = 50 %) (p = 0.001), and collectively named 15 risk categories, compared to 9 for women. A modest proportion of men (yes = 44.1 %) and women (yes = 31.6 %) reported having received OHS training in their traineeship. Men had a slightly less marked interest in OHS (p = 0.047). A large proportion of students reported having experienced an occupational injury (43.5 %). Conclusions Targeted interventions are needed to ensure safe learning environments and equitable OHS training for youth with disabilities. Women might be confronted with unrecognized or invisible hazards, and all could benefit from a training that addresses those
Facteurs facilitants et défis liés à l\u27implantation d\u27une intervention visant la prévention des troubles musculosquelettiques en contexte de travail saisonnier : une étude dans le secteur de la transformation alimentaire
No full textLes troubles musculosquelettiques (TMS) sont largement répandus dans les pays industrialisés. La population des travailleurs saisonniers serait particulièrement touchée et le secteur de la transformation alimentaire ne fait pas exception. Ceci peut s’expliquer par une activité marquée par des conditions de travail difficiles où s’entremêlent de fortes contraintes organisationnelles et temporelles, et qui ont des conséquences sur les conditions physiques et psychosociales du travail qu’il est d’usage d’accepter, puisqu’elles sont perçues comme passagères le temps d’une saison. Un tel contexte est même identifié comme pouvant représenter une incompatibilité avec une prise en charge et un suivi des problèmes de santé. S’il semble prioritaire de développer des interventions de prévention des TMS auprès des travailleurs saisonniers, elles restent, jusqu’à présent, peu nombreuses et ne prennent pas ou très peu en compte les caractéristiques du contexte saisonnier ou des travailleurs. Les effets de ces interventions sont rapportés comme étant peu documentés ou peu concluants sur la réduction des TMS. La compréhension des principes d’action en termes de prévention des TMS qui sont pertinents et efficaces compte tenu de ce contexte demeure parcellaire, voire inconnue, ce qui rend très difficile d’éclairer l’implantation d’interventions appropriées. Pourtant, il est maintenant de plus en plus reconnu que l’implantation d’interventions à visée préventive des TMS est située dans un contexte socio-organisationnel et que la compréhension et l’analyse des facteurs inhérents au contexte et aux processus des interventions s’avèrent incontournables pour éclairer les interventions afin de produire les effets escomptés en termes de prévention des TMS.
La présente étude avait pour objectif de documenter les facteurs facilitants et faisant obstacle à l’implantation d’une intervention ergonomique visant la prévention des TMS en contexte saisonnier. Plus spécifiquement, ces facteurs ont été documentés à partir du point de vue de différents acteurs concernés au sein d’entreprises du secteur de la transformation alimentaire en tenant compte de leur vécu et des réalités d’un tel contexte de travail.
Une étude reposant sur une approche qualitative de type descriptive interprétative a été réalisée auprès de différents acteurs (travailleurs, représentants de la direction dont des directeurs d’usine et des ressources humaines, des coordonnateurs SST, des préventionnistes, des ergonomes, ainsi que des représentants syndicaux/représentants de travailleurs si tel était le cas) de trois entreprises du secteur de la transformation alimentaire. Les entreprises devaient opérer sur une base saisonnière ou être caractérisées par une production à variation saisonnière et embaucher des travailleurs saisonniers. Deux des entreprises étaient situées en régions rurales et l’une en région éloignée des grands centres urbains en raison de l’enjeu déterminant que représente le travail saisonnier pour ces régions. Les trois entreprises représentaient une diversité de profils d’entreprises du secteur quant aux matières premières transformées (légumes, volailles et produits de la mer). Au total, 26 participants (13 représentants de la direction, 10 travailleurs et 3 représentants syndicaux/travailleurs) ont été recrutés, permettant l’atteinte d’une saturation des données. Les données ont été collectées par l’entremise de deux séries d’entrevues individuelles semi-dirigées auprès des participants, l’analyse de documents pertinents et des observations ouvertes au sein des entreprises. La collecte et l’analyse des données ont été réalisées selon un processus itératif.
Cette étude a mené à l’identification de 369 facteurs pouvant représenter des facteurs facilitants ou des obstacles, ou encore être qualifiés de « on ne peut dire/trancher si c’est un levier ou un obstacle » à l’implantation d’une intervention visant la prévention des TMS. Ces résultats permettent de mieux comprendre des particularités et des réalités importantes du contexte saisonnier avec lesquelles les milieux de travail et les intervenants du secteur de la transformation alimentaire doivent composer. C’est notamment le cas de facteurs tels que l’imprévisibilité liée à la ressource naturelle (obstacle), l’imprévisibilité liée aux conditions climatiques et météorologiques (obstacle), l’opportunité temporelle juste avant le tout début de la saison (levier), l’opportunité temporelle pour apporter des changements pendant la période hors saison (levier) et la perception ou la reconnaissance de la présence d’un problème lié aux TMS (levier), pour n’en nommer que quelques exemples. Ces facteurs amènent à constater des composantes clés du contexte saisonnier dont la connaissance s’avère pertinente pour guider et instruire la démarche d’intervention. Les résultats soulignent également l’importance de s’intéresser à la fois aux facteurs internes et externes d’une entreprise et à leurs dynamiques interrelationnelles puisque leur influence sur le milieu de travail et sur l’intervention est considérable. À travers l’analyse des facteurs qui semblent particulièrement liés aux réalités du contexte saisonnier ou dont l’influence peut être significativement importante dans un tel contexte, les résultats mettent également en évidence des liens étroits entre le secteur de la transformation alimentaire et celui de la production agricole et de la pêche. Ces résultats portent à soulever l’hypothèse que des facteurs identifiés pourraient également être à considérer lors de l’implantation d’interventions visant la prévention des TMS en contexte saisonnier dans ces secteurs d’activité. Par ailleurs, les résultats révèlent des réalités préoccupantes et des besoins particuliers pour l’usine située en région éloignée, dont les ressources en SST sont très limitées et celles en lien avec la prévention des TMS principalement absentes, et ce, dans un contexte de vieillissement marqué de la population au travail.
Un autre résultat important de cette étude est le développement d’une typologie des facteurs composée de 22 catégories et de sous-catégories. Au-delà du contexte saisonnier, cette typologie des facteurs est aussi d’une grande pertinence pour l’implantation d’une intervention visant la prévention des TMS dans divers secteurs d’activité. La validation d’un tel outil dans d’autres secteurs d’activité et auprès d’entreprises variées permettrait d’élargir sa portée afin d’éclairer les intervenants en milieu de travail dans les choix et les décisions stratégiques en vue de favoriser l’efficacité des interventions visant la prévention des TMS et soutenir la formation des intervenants, en particulier les ergonomes.
Enfin, l’ensemble de ces résultats apportent une meilleure connaissance du contexte du travail saisonnier et des principes d’action à considérer dans la conception d’un dispositif d’intervention visant la prévention des TMS. Des travaux futurs visant à soutenir les entreprises et accompagner les intervenants en santé au travail en contexte saisonnier contribueraient à une prévention durable des TMS.
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are widespread in the industrialized nations. The seasonal worker population is particularly affected, and the food processing sector is no exception. This finding may be explained by operations marked by difficult working conditions in which serious organizational and time constraints are intertwined, and which have consequences for physical and psychosocial working conditions that are generally accepted since they are perceived as temporary – lasting only a season. This kind of context has even been identified as being incompatible with the treatment and follow-up of health problems. Although developing interventions to prevent MSDs in seasonal workers would appear to be a priority, to date there are few such interventions and those few take little or no account of the characteristics of the seasonal context or of workers. The effects of such interventions are reported to be little documented or inconclusive regarding any reduction in MSDs. An understanding of the relevant, effective bases for action in the prevention of MSDs remains fragmentary, or even unknown, which makes it very difficult to shed light on appropriate interventions. However, it is increasingly recognized that the implementation of interventions to prevent MSDs is situated in a socio-organizational context and that the understanding and analysis of the factors inherent in the context and in the intervention processes are indispensable in investigating interventions to produce the desired effects in terms of preventing MSDs.
The objective of this study was to document the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of an ergonomic intervention aiming to prevent MSDs in seasonal work. More specifically, these factors were documented from the point of view of the different players concerned within companies in the food processing sector, taking into consideration their experiences and the realities of this kind of workplace.
A study based on a descriptive-interpretive qualitative approach was conducted with various players (workers; management representatives, including plant managers and human resources managers; OHS coordinators; prevention specialists; ergonomists; and union/worker representatives, if any) in three companies in the food processing sector. These companies had to operate seasonally or be characterized by seasonally varying production and to hire seasonal workers. One of the companies was located in a region remote from large urban centres, because of the key issue that seasonal work represents in such regions. The three companies presented diverse corporate profiles in the sector in terms of the raw materials processed (vegetables, poultry, and seafood). In total, 26 participants (13 management representatives, 10 workers, and 3 union/worker representatives) were recruited, enabling data saturation to be achieved. The data were collected in two series of semi-structured individual interviews with participants, analysis of relevant documents, and open observations inside the companies. The data were collected and analyzed in an iterative process.
This study led to the identification of 369 factors that could represent facilitators or barriers or were qualified as “we cannot say/judge whether it is a facilitator or a barrier” to the implementation of an intervention intended to prevent MSDs. The results make it possible to better understand the important characteristics and realities of seasonal work with which workplaces and stakeholders in the food processing sector have to deal. These include the unpredictability of the natural resource (barrier), the unpredictability of climate and weather conditions (barrier), the window of opportunity just before the start of the season (facilitator), the window of opportunity to make changes during the off-season (facilitator), and the perception and recognition of the existence of a problem related to MSDs (facilitator), to name just a few examples. These factors allowed us to identify key components of the seasonal context, knowledge of which is relevant to guide and instruct the intervention process. The results also underscore the importance of investigating factors both internal and external to a company and their dynamic interrelations, since they have a considerable influence on the workplace and the intervention. Through the analysis of factors that seem to be particularly closely related to the realities of seasonal work or whose impact may be significant in this context, the results also highlight the close ties between the food processing sector and the farming and fishery sectors. These results lead to the hypothesis that the factors identified might also need to be considered during the implementation of interventions to prevent MSDs in seasonal workers in these sectors. Furthermore, the results reveal the worrisome realities and specific needs of the plant located in a remote region, which has very limited OHS resources and hardly any related to MSD prevention, even in a context where the population is aging markedly.
Another important result of this study is the development of a typology of factors made up of 22 categories and subcategories. Beyond seasonal work, this typology of factors is also very relevant in implementing interventions intended to prevent MSDs in a variety of industries. The validation of this tool in other industries and with diverse companies would allow us to expand its scope and educate caseworkers in the workplace about strategic choices and decisions with the aim of promoting the effectiveness of interventions to prevent MSDs and supporting the training of caseworkers, especially ergonomists.
Finally, all of these results provide a better knowledge of the context of seasonal work and the bases for action to be considered in designing an intervention tool intended to prevent MSDs. Future work to support companies and guide OHS workers in seasonal workplaces would contribute to lasting prevention of MSDs
La fatigue et la somnolence au travail
No full textLa fatigue des travailleuses et travailleurs au volant peut être un concept assez vague. Dans cet épisode, Diane Boivin, M.D., Ph. D., professeure titulaire et Alireza Saidi, chercheur à l’IRSST, nous aide à distinguer la fatigue et la somnolence.https://pharesst.irsst.qc.ca/balados/1015/thumbnail.jp