Specific Occupational Groups Research Articles

Defying geometric similarity: Shape centralization in male UK offshore workers

Applying geometric similarity predictions of body dimensions to specific occupational groups has the potential to reveal useful ergonomic and health implications. This study assessed a representative sample of the male UK offshore workforce, and examined how body dimensions from sites typifying musculoskeletal development or fat accumulation, differed from predicted values. A cross sectional sample was obtained across seven weight categories using quota sampling, to match the wider workforce. In total, 588 UK offshore workers, 84 from each of seven weight categories, were measured for stature, mass and underwent 3D body scans which yielded 22 dimensional measurements. Each measurement was modeled using a body-mass power law (adjusting for age), to derive its exponent, which was compared against that predicted from geometric similarity. Mass scaled to stature 1.73 (CI: 1.44-2.02). Arm and leg volume increased by mass0.8 , and torso volume increased by mass1.1 in contrast to mass 1.0 predicted by geometric similarity. Neck girth increased by mass 0.33 as expected, while torso girth and depth dimensions increased by mass0.53-0.72 , all substantially greater than assumed by geometric similarity. After controlling for age, offshore workers experience spectacular "super-centralization" of body shape, with greatest gains in abdominal depth and girth dimensions in areas of fat accumulation, and relative dimensional loss in limbs. These findings are consistent with the antecedents of sarcopenic obesity, and should be flagged as a health concern for this workforce, and for future targeted research and lifestyle interventions.

Incidence Patterns and Occupational Risk Factors of Human Brucellosis in Greece, 2004-2015.

Background:Brucellosis is the most common bacterial zoonosis worldwide. Greece has the highest reported incidence among EU countries. However, occupational risk factors have not been well described.Objective:To determine the incidence patterns and exposure risk factors of brucellosis in Greece.Methods:We used national-level surveillance and occupational denominator data to estimate the incidence patterns and exposure risk factors of brucellosis in Greece, with particular emphasis on occupation.Results:Between November 2003 and December 2015 a total of 2159 human brucellosis cases was reported. The mean incidence rate was 1.62 per 100 000 population per year. A large majority of cases (77.1%) reported consumption of unpasteurized milk or contact with livestock animals. Most cases occured in farmers and livestock breeders (1079 [87.7%] of 1231 cases reporting their occupation), corresponding to an annual incidence of 7.1 per 100 000. However, there were other occupations with a similar or higher risk: butchers and abattoir workers (12.7 per 100 000), laboratory personnel (3.1 per 100 000), while the highest risk was for veterinarians (53.2 per 100 000).Conclusion: Brucellosis incidence in specific occupational groups was much higher than in the general population. These results underline the importance of collecting information on occupation, both during the diagnostic process and in the surveillance system. Besides efforts to control brucellosis in animals, organized prevention efforts are needed within an occupational health framework, especially for the most vulnerable workers.

Increased time-to-pregnancy is associated with domestic work in South Africa.

BackgroundThe effects of female occupational exposures on fecundity have not been evaluated in South Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of three specific occupational groups on time-to-pregnancy (TTP).MethodsThis cross-sectional study collected data, by means of a questionnaire, on 1210 women representative of a South African population, and sought information on: TTP for the most recent pregnancy, time-specific information on maternal factors and occupational exposures, as well as some paternal factors. Occupational exposure groups were determined using employment profile prior to the pregnancy. In the risk analysis, domestic workers and teachers were compared to administrative staff. Accidental and unplanned pregnancies were excluded from the analysis and participants who were never pregnant were censored. Discrete-time Cox regression models were built to estimate fecundability ratios (FR).ResultsThe median TTP in administrative workers, domestic workers and teachers was 4, 12 and 3 months respectively. After adjusting for a number of potential confounders, TTP was significantly related to occupation at the time of pregnancy attempt. Compared to administrative workers, domestic workers had a significantly lower per-cycle probability of conception (adjusted FR = 0.53; 95 CI 0.32–0.88). The per-cycle probability of conception in teachers compared to administrative workers was not significantly different (adjusted FR = 1.14; 95 CI: 0.75–1.72).ConclusionDomestic work was associated with prolonged TTP. Working as a domestic worker in South Africa may affect fecundity.

The relationship between occupational culture dimensions and reward preferences: A structural equation modelling approach

Orientation: Reward has links to employee attraction and retention and as such has a role to play in managing talent. However, despite a range of research, there is still lack of clarity on employee preferences relating to reward.Research purpose: The purpose of the research was to recommend and appraise a theoretical model of the relationship between occupational culture dimensions and reward preferences of specific occupational groups in the South African context.Motivation for the study: The motivation for this study was to address the gap that exists with reward preferences and occupational culture with a view to identifying and gaining insight into individual preferences.Research design, approach and method: A structural equation modelling approach was adopted in exploring the proposed relationships. A South African Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) organisation served as the population, and a web-based survey assisted in gathering study data (n = 1362).Main findings: The findings provided support for the relationship between occupational culture dimensions and certain reward preferences. In particular, statistically significant results were obtained with the inclusion of the Environment, Team, and Time occupational culture dimensions as independent variables.Practical implications and value-add: The study provides workable input to organisations and reward professionals in the design of their reward strategies and programmes.Keywords: compensation; employee preferences; occupational culture; remuneration; reward preferences

Physical Workload and Work Capacity across Occupational Groups.

This study aimed to determine physical performance criteria of different occupational groups by investigating physical activity and energy expenditure in healthy Swiss employees in real-life workplaces on workdays and non-working days in relation to their aerobic capacity (VO2max). In this cross-sectional study, 337 healthy and full-time employed adults were recruited. Participants were classified (nine categories) according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988 and merged into three groups with low-, moderate- and high-intensity occupational activity. Daily steps, energy expenditure, metabolic equivalents and activity at different intensities were measured using the SenseWear Mini armband on seven consecutive days (23 hours/day). VO2max was determined by the 20-meter shuttle run test. Data of 303 subjects were considered for analysis (63% male, mean age: 33 yrs, SD 12), 101 from the low-, 102 from the moderate- and 100 from the high-intensity group. At work, the high-intensity group showed higher energy expenditure, metabolic equivalents, steps and activity at all intensities than the other groups (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in physical activity between the occupational groups on non-working days. VO2max did not differ across groups when stratified for gender. The upper workload limit was 21%, 29% and 44% of VO2max in the low-, moderate- and high-intensity group, respectively. Men had a lower limit than women due to their higher VO2max (26% vs. 37%), when all groups were combined. While this study did confirm that the average workload limit is one third of VO2max, it showed that the average is misrepresenting the actual physical work demands of specific occupational groups, and that it does not account for gender-related differences in relative workload. Therefore, clinical practice needs to consider these differences with regard to a safe return to work, particularly for the high-intensity group.

Besieged fortress syndrome? Occupational group of physicians and medicine students and the problem of social reception of health care system in Poland

The paper refers to the problem of decline in public confidence in health care system in Poland. Impartial reports prove that mass media are keen on showing medical mistakes, corruption as well as other thrilling news. The memorable case of “skin-hunters” from Lodz seems to be a good example. This may create the critical public opinion on functionaries of health care system (especially on physicians). Surveys by CBOS show that many of Poles reckon that doctors are incompetent, do not interested in their work and unfair when treating patients. Malevolent public opinion and “scandal-oriented” media coverage should create an hostile environment for functioning of specific occupational groups in health care system. Does it lead to besieged fortress syndrome (meaning consolidation and mobilization of an own professional group, described as not guilty, but unfairly treated by inimical social/institutional surrounding)? In the paper – in the formula of case study – results of own survey among group of 151 physicians from Lodz and 228 students of Faculty of Military Medicine at Medical University of Lodz are investigated. The aim of the research was to identify opinions of physicians and medicine students on how medical occupations were perceived by Polish society. The collected empiric material allowed (at least partially) to verify the hypothesis of besieged fortress syndrome.

Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in school teachers of Bengaluru

INTRODUCTIONThere is growing burden of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus T2DM in India and is a major public health issue. It is important to study the burden of T2DM in specific occupational groups to plan for the necessary interventions. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of diabetes and work place stress factors among school teachers working in BBMP run schools during the year 2013-2014and also to understand the association of T2DM and job-stress in teachers of urban areas of India.METHODS We followed convenient sampling technique to collect primary data from a sample of 401 school teachers. Teachers were recruited from public schools in city limits of Bruhath Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike BBMP. Data was collected by visiting each school run by the BBMP and collecting information using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Voluntary screening for diabetes was done using a standardized glucometer. Arandom blood sample by finger prick under aseptic conditions was collected from the participants during the administration of the questionnaire. A random blood sugar value of 130 mgdl was considered as a cut off value for the current study. The questionnaire contained details on job stressors socio-demographic characteristics and coexisting illness. We also performed selected anthropometric measurements.RESULTS In our sample of 401 school teachers 20.7 n83 of them were at high risk of developing diabetes with a glucometer reading of more than 130 mgdl 4.4 n18 were diabetics on medication.6.2 n25 had blood glucose levels higher than 200 mgdl. 45 n181 of the subjects were obese and 33 n134 of the study population had Body Mass Index BMI higher than 25. 56 n10 of known diabetics had a parental history of diabetes and in newly detected cases defined by random glucose of more than 200 mgdl52 n43 of them reported a family history of diabetes. Neither unadjusted nor adjusted estimates indicated any association between multiple stressors and diabetes.CONCLUSIONWe report the prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in school teachers working in public schools of Bengaluru which was found to be near around 25. Our study did not find any association with work stressors. We infer that there is a huge scope to adopt primordial and primary prevention strategies to prevent the increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases. The authorities can focus on improving awareness about diabetes and to adopt better screening methods for preventing diseases and promoting health.nbsp

Risk factors and burden of acute Q fever in older adults in New South Wales: a prospective cohort study

To measure the acute burden of and to identify risk factors associated with notified Q fever in older adults in New South Wales. A prospective cohort of adults aged 45 years and over (the 45 and Up Study) recruited during 2006-2009 and followed using linked Q fever notifications, hospital records and death records during 2006-2012. Incident cases of Q fever, based on a linked Q fever notification; proportion of cases with a Q fever-coded hospitalisation. A total of 266 906 participants were followed up for 1 254 650 person-years (mean, 4.7 ± 1.0 years per person). In our study population, the incidence of notified Q fever during follow-up was 3.6 (95% CI, 2.7-4.8) per 100 000 person-years. After adjustments, age (≥ 65 years v 45-54 years: hazard ratio [HR], 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16-0.96), sex (women v men: HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26-0.88), and area and type of residence (P < 0.001 for trend) remained significantly associated with Q fever. Compared with those living in an inner regional area but not on a farm, the risk of notified Q fever was highest for those living on a farm in outer regional or remote areas (HR, 11.98; 95% CI, 5.47-26.21), followed by those living on a farm in inner regional areas (HR, 4.95; 95% CI, 1.79-13.65). Of notified Q fever cases, 15 of 39 (38%) had been hospitalised with a diagnosis consistent with Q fever. Adults living on a farm in outer regional and remote areas are at a substantially greater risk of contracting Q fever. This suggests that, as well as targeting specific occupational groups for vaccination, there would be benefits in increasing public awareness of Q fever and vaccination among those living on and near farms in outer regional and remote areas of Australia.

Prevalence and Consequences of Arm, Neck, and/or Shoulder Complaints Among Music Academy Students: A Comparative Study

CANS (complaints of arm, neck, and/or shoulder not caused by a systemic disease or acute trauma) are a recognized problem in specific occupational groups such as musicians. This study aimed to compare the prevalence, characteristics, and consequences of CANS between music academy students and a control group of peer-age medical students. A cross-sectional study among music academy students and medical students. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire on musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremity in the two cohorts. Students of three music academies (n=345) and one medical university (n=2,870) received the questionnaire, of which 25% (n=87) and 18% (n=503) responded, respectively. The 12-month prevalence of CANS was nearly twice as high among music academy students as the control group (80.7% vs 41.5%, p<0.001). Music academy students reported 2.6 times the point prevalence as medical students (47.0% vs 18.2%, p<0.001). Chronic CANS was present in 36.1% of the music students, compared to 10.3% of the medical students (p<0.001). Music academy students presented more complaints per anatomic localization and a higher number of involved anatomic localizations. Music students rated the influence of CANS on daily functioning as more severe (5.0 vs 3.1, p<0.001). Of all subjects with CANS during the last year, more music academy students (46.3%) visited a healthcare professional compared to medical students (29.8%, p=0.013). The prevalence of CANS is high in music academy students compared to medical students. This emphasizes the necessity of effective (preventive) interventions in these high-demanding professionals.

Contribution of Personality, Job Strain, and Occupational Self-Efficacy to Job Satisfaction in Different Occupational Contexts

Using a large sample of employed adults ( N = 1,714) living in Switzerland, this study investigates the relationship between the five-factor model of personality dimensions and job satisfaction, considering the role of job strain as defined by Karasek’s job demand–control model and occupational self-efficacy. These relationships were assessed both within the overall sample of employed and specific occupational groups. The analyses on the overall sample show an effect of neuroticism and extraversion on job satisfaction. Furthermore, job strain and occupational self-efficacy are related to job satisfaction. The effect of neuroticism is partly mediated by job strain and occupational self-efficacy, while extraversion and conscientiousness have an indirect effect through occupational self-efficacy. When we consider the occupational groups, the results highlight differences between the groups showing variability in the relationship between personality, job strain and occupational self-efficacy, and their effects on job satisfaction.

Occupational Career Attainment of Single Women During Modernization: The logic of industrialism thesis revisited

ABSTRACTModernization processes are said to have caused major changes in individual social mobility outcomes. Whether the predictions of the logic of industrialism thesis hold for the careers of women is unclear however. This study provides the first systematic account of how regional modernization processes during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries influenced the careers of the female working population. Unlike research focusing on specific occupational groups and localities, this study models and makes predictions relating to the careers of a random sample of the single female labour force nationwide. We use an excellent source for studying women's careers in different regions and over time. The Historical Sample of The Netherlands provides information about the occupational careers of 1148 single women active on the labour market between 1865 and 1928. To include regional modernization processes, we have collected a set of theoretical indicators, such as communication, transport, and social values, which are measured at the level of municipalities and which may vary yearly. Over historical time, as well as over the course of their careers, the status of women increased. Apart from the emergence of bureaucratic organizations and the expansion of the teaching sector, contextual modernization processes had hardly any influence on women's status. We conclude that the logic of industrialism thesis only partly captures the effect of societal changes on the career success of women. Further research might focus on the role of the emergence of bureaucratic organizations and restrictive practices for the career success of women during modernization.

Occupational exposure and sinonasal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundSinonasal cancer (SNC) has been related to occupational exposures, but the relative risk associated to specific jobs and/or carcinogen exposures other than wood and leather dust is generally based on small or inadequate sample sizes and the range of observed estimates is large. This paper is aimed at investigating such relationship through a systematic review of the literature followed by a meta-analysis of studies meeting specific inclusion criteria.MethodsSystematic search was made with PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus engines using related keywords. Occupational exposures include wood and leather dust, formaldehyde, nickel and chromium compounds, textile industry, farming and construction. Meta-analysis of published studies after 1985 with a case-control or cohort design was performed, firstly using the fixed-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Q statistical test and quantified by the I2 index. When the heterogeneity hypothesis appeared relevant, the random-effect model was chosen. Sources of heterogeneity were explored using subgroup analyses.ResultsOut of 63 reviewed articles, 28 (11 cohort, 17 case-control) were used in the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity among studies was observed and random-effects models were used. Exposure to wood dust results associated with SNC (RRpooled = 5.91, 95% CI: 4.31-8.11 for the case-control studies and 1.61, 95% CI: 1.10-2.37 for the cohort studies), as well as to leather dust (11.89, 95% CI: 7.69-18.36). The strongest associations are with adenocarcinomas (29.43, 95% CI: 16.46-52.61 and 35.26, 95% CI: 20.62-60.28 respectively). An increased risk of SNC for exposures to formaldehyde (1.68, 95% CI: 1.37-2.06 for the case control and 1.09, 95% CI: 0.66-1.79 for the cohort studies), textile industry (2.03, 95% CI: 1.47-2.8), construction (1.62, 95% CI: 1.11-2.36) and nickel and chromium compounds (18.0, 95% CI: 14.55-22.27) was found. Subset analyses identified several sources of heterogeneity and an exposure-response relationship was suggested for wood dust (p = 0.001).ConclusionsBy confirming the strength of association between occupational exposure to causal carcinogens and SNC risk, our results may provide indications to the occupational etiology of SNC (not only wood and leather dusts). Future studies could be focused on specific occupational groups to confirm causative agents and to define appropriate preventive measures.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1042-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cigarette smoking trends among U.S. working adult by industry and occupation: findings from the 2004-2012 National Health Interview Survey.

To examine trends in age-adjusted cigarette smoking prevalence among working adults by industry and occupation during 2004-2012, and to project those prevalences and compare them to the 2020 Healthy People objective (TU-1) to reduce cigarette smoking prevalence to ≤12%. We analyzed the 2004-2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data. Respondents were aged ≥18 years working in the week prior to the interview. Temporal changes in cigarette smoking prevalence were assessed using logistic regression. We used the regression model to extrapolate to the period 2013-2020. Overall, an estimated 19.0% of working adults smoked cigarettes: 22.4% in 2004 to 18.1% in 2012. The largest declines were among workers in the education services (6.5%) industry and in the life, physical, and social science (9.7%) occupations. The smallest declines were among workers in the real estate and rental and leasing (0.9%) industry and the legal (0.4%) occupations. The 2020 projected smoking prevalences in 15 of 21 industry groups and 13 of the 23 occupation groups were greater than the 2020 Healthy People goal. During 2004-2012, smoking prevalence declined in the majority of industry and occupation groups. The decline rate varied by industry and occupation groups. Projections suggest that certain groups may not reach the 2020 Healthy People goal. Consequently, smoking cessation, prevention, and intervention efforts may need to be revised and strengthened, particularly in specific occupational groups.

Wet-work Exposure: A Main Risk Factor for Occupational Hand Dermatitis.

Wet-work can be defined as activities where workers have to immerse their hands in liquids for >2 hours per shift, or wear waterproof (occlusive) gloves for a corresponding amount of time, or wash their hands >20 times per shift. This review considers the recent literature on wet-work exposure, and examines wet-work as a main risk factor for developing irritant contact dermatitis of the hands. The aim of this paper is to provide a detailed description of wet-work exposure among specific occupational groups who extensively deal with water and other liquids in their occupations. Furthermore, it highlights the extent and importance of the subsequent adverse health effects caused by exposure to wet-work.

Gender Differences in the Validity of Career Interest Inventories

Predictive validity (including hit rates, kappa coefficients, and chance expectancy rates) between standard scoring and person matching was compared by gender based upon ex post facto data collected on 5143 medical students who had taken a career interest inventory and entered their medical residency. Hit rate accuracy for person matching with females and males in this study was lower than standard scoring. However, person matching demonstrated greater gender balancing in first match hit rates. Additionally, person matching increased career interest inventory validity over standard scoring as it has the greater ability to a) differentiate between and b) assign to specific occupational groups for females and males. Furthermore, person matching has the potential to offer female and male test takers the ability to receive narrative career data, which could improve the career decision making process over the scoring reports of career interest inventories using standard scoring.

Resolving the Enigma of the Mesoamerican Nephropathy: A Research Workshop Summary

The First International Research Workshop on Mesoamerican Nephropathy (MeN) met in Costa Rica in November 2012 to discuss how to establish the extent and degree of MeN, examine relevant causal hypotheses, and focus efforts to control or eliminate the disease burden. MeN describes a devastating epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin predominantly observed among young male sugarcane cutters. The cause of MeN remains uncertain; however, the strongest hypothesis pursued to date is repeated episodes of occupational heat stress and water and solute loss, probably in combination with other potential risk factor(s), such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and other nephrotoxic medication use, inorganic arsenic, leptospirosis, or pesticides. At the research workshop, clinical and epidemiologic case definitions were proposed in order to facilitate both public health and research efforts. Recommendations emanating from the workshop included measuring workload, heat, and water and solute loss among workers; quantifying nephrotoxic agents in drinking water and food; using biomarkers of early kidney injury to explore potential causes of MeN; and characterizing social and working conditions together with methods for valid data collection of exposures and personal risk factors. Advantages and disadvantages of different population study designs were detailed. To elucidate the etiology of MeN, multicountry studies with prospective cohort design, preferably integrating an ecosystem health approach, were considered the most promising. In addition, genetic, experimental, and mechanistic methods and designs were addressed, specifically the need for kidney biopsy analysis, studies in animal models, advances in biomarkers, genetic and epigenetic studies, a common registry and repository of biological and demographic data and/or specimens, and other areas of potential chronic kidney disease experimental research. Finally, in order to improve international collaboration on MeN, workshop participants agreed to establish a research consortium to link these Mesoamerican efforts to other efforts worldwide.

Could CKD Among Young Male Workers be Driven by Dehydration?

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recently identified as a strong driver for future development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Heat stress and repeated dehydration, associated with strenuous labor in agricultural lowlands has been pointed out as a strong risk factor for repeated AKI which in turn could be responsible for the high prevalence of CKD among agricultural workers both in Nicaragua and El Salvador. Methods: Several cross-sectional studies of kidney function (i.e. estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR) among workers in various occupations (including agriculture, fishing, mining, coffee, and services), were carried out in low and high altitudes of Nicaragua and El Salvador. In Nicaragua, specific occupational groups were studied examining dehydration in one day of work. Results: In Nicaragua, the prevalence of reduced eGFR was considerably higher in lowland communities for younger age groups of male individuals (between 30 and 40 years of age) without other identified risk factors. Reduced eGFR was higher among mining (47%) and agricultural (in particular sugarcane) (43%) workers, as compared to a lowland service community and high altitude agricultural communities. In El Salvador it was 18% among men compared to 1% prevalence in the high-altitude communities. Some specific occupations such as sugarcane work and salt mining have shown a considerable increase of serum creatinine level after one day exposure to heat combined with heavy workload. Conclusions: These results indicate the need to increase the investigation of occupations with heavy workload and exposure to high temperature in relation to the CKD epidemic in Central America. This could allow for better understanding of what labor practices may be addressed in order to protect populations exposed to work related heat stress.

The Efficiency and Equity of the Tax and Transfer System in France

Taxes and cash transfers reduce income inequality more in France than elsewhere in the OECD, because of the large size of the flows involved. But the system is complex overall. Its effectiveness could be enhanced in many ways, for example so as to achieve the same amount of redistribution at lower cost. The French tax code should be simplified and changed less frequently. High statutory rates are coupled with a wide range of effective tax rates resulting from a multitude of tax expenditures. There is a need for base broadening combined with lower rates throughout the system, including VAT. The tax wedge on labour is high, except at the bottom of the wage distribution, which can reduce worker participation and job offers. Greater neutrality both across different capital asset classes but also within specific taxes, and shifting taxes from labour and capital inputs to environmental and property taxes would improve economic outcomes. Likewise, the system of social and family benefits should be simplified to enhance transparency and consistency. Eliminating schemes that let people leave the labour market early, abolishing the pension privileges of specific occupational groups and internalising the costs of survivors’ pension benefits would increase fairness while at the same time generating savings. Better labour-market performance would result from increasing job-search incentives and shortening the parental leave allowance. This Working Paper relates to the 2013 OECD Economic Review of France.

‘Too broad a field’ - Problematizing the ‘argument from ambiguity’ in research on identity work

Issues of identities are of major concern in organization studies and its critical subdivision (Critical Management Studies). While research on identity are by no means new in the area of organization studies, research discussing issues of identity is described as having reached unknown heights. The purpose of this paper is to problematize a common way of motivating research on identity work within organization studies. The idea is to take a step back and reflect on the empirical focus that is often chosen when studying identity at work. A discourse of knowledge-intensive work in which individuals need to compensate for high levels of ambiguity by engaging in intensified identity work is invoked. The ‘argument from ambiguity’ inherent in this discourse is criticized as a means of distinction for specific occupational groups in society and an expression of self-aggrandizement of this group that has spilled over into the academic discourse. Methodologically the language used to justify research in identity work, is problematized, illustrated by a recent special issue on identity work published in the Scandinavian Journal of Management (March 2012). This paper argues for an alternative, more materialistic motivation for research on identity work.

Office Work and Complaints of the Arms, Neck and Shoulders: The Role of Job Characteristics, Muscular Tension and Need for Recovery

This study investigated physical, psychological and social job characteristics as potential risk factors for complaints of the arms, neck and shoulders (CANS) and mediating effects of muscular tension and need for recovery. Data were collected among 105 computer workers using questionnaires and electromyography (EMG), and were analyzed with linear regression analyses. Task interdependence, information processing and lower social support predicted more CANS. Physical job demands had no predictive power over and above psychological and social Stressors. Both muscular tension and need for recovery partially mediated the job characteristics-CANS relationships. Occupational health professionals should not neglect psychological and social job characteristics as potentially important predictors of CANS in specific occupational groups, such as office workers. Our findings imply that CANS interventions should not be restricted to ergonomic improvements, but should be accompanied by improvement of the job design from a psychological and social perspective and reactive intervention aimed at decreasing short-term physical strain (muscular tension) and mental strain (need for recovery).